Rio Hondo (California) facts for kids

The Rio Hondo is a river located in Los Angeles County, California. Its name means "deep river" in Spanish. This river starts at a large water storage area called the Whittier Narrows Reservoir. From there, it flows about 20 miles (32 km) southwest until it joins the Los Angeles River.

The Whittier Narrows Reservoir is special because it also gets water from the San Gabriel River. Water can be let out from the reservoir into either the Rio Hondo or the San Gabriel River. This means the areas that collect water for the Los Angeles River and the San Gabriel River are connected by the Rio Hondo.

Most of the Rio Hondo has concrete banks, which helps control the water flow. However, there are two special spots where the river flows freely without concrete. These places are the Peck Road Water Conservation Park and the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area. Another smaller stream, called Eaton Wash, flows into the Rio Hondo.

Images for kids

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  This is a view from above, looking north at the Los Angeles River. You can see the Rio Hondo (at the bottom, with a reflection) flowing into it. Far away, you can even spot Santa Catalina Island!