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An Oasis In The San Gabriel Valley: Whittier Narrows Recreation Area & Nature Center

Whittier Narrows Trees.jpg
March 29, 2011
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This 400-acre wetland sanctuary has a series of overlapping natural parks and four lakes with bikeways, playgrounds, and many other kid-friendly activities. There is lots to explore and do here in this large park-like setting. Check out the Nature Center while you are there. 

LOCATION

Rosemead Boulevard and Cortez Drive in South El Monte. Parking and restrooms are available in multiple locations. Rush Street at Loma Avenue has free street parking. Go west from that intersection, then a tad north to find the transition to the lush, soft-bottom area of the Narrows.

Whittier-Narrows Walkway.jpg
Photo: Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation/Flickr/Creative Commons

DIRECTIONS

Car: Take the 10 Freeway east. Exit at Rosemead Boulevard. Go right for almost 2 miles. Make a left at Cortez Drive.

Transit: Take the 287 Bus towards Montebello. Exit on Rosemead at Rush Street and walk south until you enter the park.

Park Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Parking Lot Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 p.m.
Nature Center Museum Hours:
Tuesday through Sunday: 9:00 am to 5:00 p.m. (Closed Christmas Day) 

DINING

Whittier Narrows Cafe

8640 Rush Street

Rosemead, CA 91770-3797

(626) 572-0453

San Isidro Mexican Restaurant

2327 Rosemead Boulevard

South El Monte, CA 91733-1529

(626) 442-6414

Whitter Narrows Lake.jpg
Photo: Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation/Flickr/Creative Commons

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