San Gabriel River East Fork with Kids - Swimming Pools in Angeles National Forest

OVERVIEW:
The San Gabriel River runs though the Angeles National Forest, from Mt Baldy down though the San Gabriel Valley and into the ocean. In the mountains, there are a lot of spots to go into the river and play.
We went to the East Fork of the San Gabriel River, and played in a stream that branches off from it. All along the stream are shallow pools created by stacked rocks to make dams. They are shallow enough for toddlers to walk in. The water is cool and crystal clear. The stream is usually pretty crowded with people, but if you walk up the trail following the stream, you’ll find some places that are more secluded.
There’s also a lot of trash around the river and stream which is a shame. Please be sure to pick up your trash and take it back with you. If you can, bring an extra bag to help pick up the trash already there and bring it back down. Every little bit helps.
LOCATION:
There are many places along the river to visit, but here are directions to the spot we went to in the video.
- From the 210 freeway, head north on Hwy 39 into the Angeles National Forest for about 9 miles.
- Turn right on East Fork Rd and cross over the bridge
- Continue for 5 miles
- The road will make a sharp curve, make a sharp turn left onto Camp Bonita Rd
- Continue about 0.2 miles to a single-lane bridge
- Park on the side of the road before the bridge
- Walk up to the bridge, and turn right
- Go past the gate and follow the dirt trail along the stream
PARKING:
Limited parking on the side of the road. You will need an Adventure Pass or an National Park Interagency Pass to park in the Angeles National Forest. See where to get one here: www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/r5...

[@Hubgrass]

We just went yesterday, brought our bag to clean up others' trash. The other PSA needed is DO NOT PARK ON THE SINGLE LANE BRIDGE, but I doubt that will be followed without LAPD presence.

[@luvtoyscollector3373]

Such a beautiful place 🫶

[@ireneacosta989]

Is there camping allowed or camp grounds near?

[@venturefull]

There are campsites on different parts of the river. The closest one to where this video is probably National Camp, and then Camp Williams

[@Daverloko1]

So many people just leave their garbage behind along the river it's sucks.

[@user-cw8fq8os5d]

Follower from Morocco ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jeffreys.wagner4460]

LEAVE NO TRACE

[@TAC40_]

Did you need the national forest adventure pass to park before the bridge?

[@venturefull]

@@TAC40_ yes that section is officially within the Angeles national forest

[@user-cs3rd5cs4w]

​@@venturefullwhere can I purchase

[@venturefull]

@@user-cs3rd5cs4w You can buy online here: www.myscenicdrives.com/store/item/forest-passes/southern-california (verified vendor from Angeles National Forest), or at various sporting goods stores or gas stations, you can see a map of where they are sold here: www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/r5/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5181410

[@user-pq6nk1kx8l]

Thank you gor sharing. I cannot go hiking as I once did. My right knee would not allow it. You brought back some really fun and peaceful memories. I especially loved you mentioning to bring extra trash bags to pick up some of the trash. May you and your family have many more adventures!

[@pmgdeleon4659]

Visitors are destroying these beautiful San Gabriel river

[@keithpomella9953]

Those people dams or pools as you call them that are unnatural are destroying the integrity of the stream