Angeles National Forest
The Angeles National Forest was established by executive order in December, 1892. It covers over 260,000 ha (650,000 acres) and is located in the San Gabriel Mountains, just north of the metropolitan area of Los Angeles, California. The Angeles National Forest manages the watersheds within its boundaries to provide valuable water to southern California and to protect surrounding communities from catastrophic floods.
The land within the Forest is diverse, both in appearance and terrain. Elevations range from 365-3,067 m (1,200-10,064 feet). Much of the Forest is covered with dense chaparral which changes to pine and fir-covered slopes as you reach the majestic peaks of the higher elevations. Peaks within the Forest include: Pine Mountain 2,940 m (9,648 feet), Dawson Peak 2,918 m (9,575 feet) and Mount San Antonio (also known as Mt. Baldy) 3,067 m (10,064 feet).
Species for which the Forest is important include Bigcone Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga macrocarpa), Coulter Pine (Pinus coulteri) and California Walnut (Juglans californica).
