Santa Ana River Recreation Area temporarily closed by U.S. Forest Service

The U.S. Forest Service has placed the Santa Ana River Recreation Area under a temporary closure, cutting off access to one of the San Bernardino Mountains' most beloved outdoor destinations[1].

The area is a draw for hikers, wildlife watchers, and especially anglers — featuring remote mountain streams, pools, and pine forests that shelter rainbow trout, brown trout, dippers, yellow warblers, red-breasted sapsuckers, raccoons, and two-striped garter snakes, among other wildlife[1]. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife typically plants rainbow trout there from spring through fall, stocking the stretch from the confluence downstream along Seven Oaks Road and on Southfork through the cabin area — making it a go-to destination for fishing families throughout the warmer months[1].

The Forest Service has not publicly stated a reason for the closure, and it is not yet known how long restrictions will remain in effect. Cabin owners, anglers with planned trips, and regular visitors should check with the San Bernardino National Forest before heading out. Updates on fish planting schedules, when the area reopens, are available through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's online fish planting schedule at nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FishPlants/.