(Photo: Amargosa River, (c) Bill Christian / The Nature Conservancy)
What makes the best summer vacations or a Labor Day escape? Rivers. Swimming, fishing, napping on a shady riverbank--there's no better getaway. Fortunately, dozens of jaw-droppingly beautiful rivers run through the Golden State.
But which are the most uniquely Californian? Those that have the highest number of freshwater plants and animals, found nowhere else on Earth but here. From our Santa Ana three-spine stickleback to the California fairy shrimp, California's rivers are home to a wildly diverse collection of native plants, insects and fish unique to our state.
Just in time for a last summer holiday, The Nature Conservancy's scientists compiled a list of the top ten uniquely California rivers. So get packing and experience the natural beauty that sets California apart:
- TUOLUMNE RIVER--Stanislaus, Tuolumne and Mariposa Counties Designated a National Wild and Scenic River, the majestic Tuolumne begins at 13,000 feet in Yosemite National Park, winding through picture-perfect Tuolumne Meadows and providing world-class recreational opportunities from fishing to hiking for people of all ages and abilities.
What to look for: Yosemite toad and Dwarf downingia
Unique species: 34
Some say it's the best fishing in the state; some say it's the incomparable birding; while others vocally defend it as having the very best picnic spots. Winding its way south from Redding, the Lower Sacramento River winds through gentle river terraces, sheer canyon walls and rolling oak woodlands, providing something for everyone.
What to look for: Central Valley spring Chinook salmon and Valley arrowhead
Unique species: 33
Southern California's largest river, the Santa Ana flows through incredibly diverse terrain from alpine mountain peaks to arid plains and deserts. Bordering the river for more than 70 miles is the Santa Ana River Bicycle Trail that when finished will run through three counties, 17 cities and two national forests.
What to look for: California treefrog and Arroyo chub
Unique species: 24
Cache Creek flows into Clear Lake with more than 100 miles of shoreline and geothermal hot springs, making it a haven for outdoor recreation. Grab a paddle or a rod--boating, paddle sports and fishing are some of the most popular activities on the lake.
What to look for: Clear Lake hitch and Many-flowered navarretia
Unique species: 30
Described as the finest naturally occurring wild trout fishery in California, this renowned fly-fishing destination has a wealth of pools, pockets, runs and riffles. Located in the northeast corner of the state, the Lower Pit flows into Shasta Lake.
What to look for: Pit sculpin and Shasta crayfish
Unique species: 24
Lost River begins and ends in a closed basin in northern California and southwestern Oregon. This idyllic, 60-mile-long river winds through forests, meadows and fields, providing the perfect summer escape.
What to look for: Shortnose sucker and Klamath pebblesnail
Unique species: 22
The history-rich Owens River flows in one of the deepest valleys in America and stretches for 183 miles. This now free-flowing river is teeming with wildlife, making it a true haven for birders and nature lovers.
What to look for: Owens tui chub and Parish's popcorn flower
Unique species: 18
The many southern streams and creeks that feed San Francisco Bay are popular recreation spots. From the San Mateo Creek, which flows into Crystal Springs, to Coyote Creek, these waterways are rich with unusual aquatic wildlife.
What to look for: California red-legged frog and Contra Costa goldfields
Unique species: 34
A whitewater rafter's dream, this river begins in Oregon's High Cascades and runs across the border, emptying into the Pacific Ocean 16 miles south of California's Crescent City. A stunning spot for a summer vacation, the river is prized by fishermen.
What to look for: Blue chub and Scale lanx
Unique species: 22
-- WINTER BONUS --
What to look for: Amargosa pupfish and Amargosa niterwort
Unique species: 39