The Santa Ana River is Southern California's largest river system, with its headwaters high in the San Bernardino Mountains and flowing into the Pacific Ocean at Huntington and Newport Beaches more than 100 miles away. Since the area was first settled by Europeans in the 19th century, the river has been diverted, dammed, covered in concrete, and exploited. Only recently have residents recognized the importance of this vital natural resource. The Santa Ana River Guide: From Crest to Coast--110 Miles along Southern California's Largest River System reveals both the wild and urban sides of the Southland's most important river. The book relates the river's natural and human history, geology, and current conditions and provides all the information necessary to plan an outing on or near the river. Organized into six geographical sections corresponding to the river's "reaches," the book's individual entries include an extensive description of each park and preserve, location and access information, and highlights of what to do there. In addition to covering the recreational possibilities, the book is a call to action for further protecting and restoring the river.