![](media/image1.jpeg){width="1.5972222222222223in"
height="1.163888888888889in"}

**North Fork San Jacinto River\
and Fuller Mill
Creek**![](media/image2.jpeg){width="0.8805555555555555in"
height="1.6354166666666667in"}

![](media/image3.jpeg){width="2.189583333333333in"
height="3.3319444444444444in"}The North Fork San Jacinto River and its
tributary, Fuller Mill Creek, offer a unique opportunity to protect a
Southern California river from its alpine source to the foothills. The
North Fork watershed was identified by the Forest Service as an area of
high ecological significance. It is home to the southern-most population
of endangered Mountain yellow-legged frog. The river's upper watershed
and tributaries (including Fuller Mill Creek) also contain high quality
mixed conifer and big cone Douglas-fir forest. This old growth forest
habitat supports several sensitive species, including nesting pairs of
California spotted owl, the southernmost population of rubber boa, and
the San Bernardino flying squirrel.

The Pacific Crest Trail traverses the upper watershed of the North Fork.
The popular Seven Pines Trail climbs up the North Fork through beautiful
conifers and many granite boulders to the river's headwaters at Deer
Springs. The Dark Canyon Campground and Fuller Mill Picnic Area provide
gateways to the river and can be accessed via Highway 243, which is part
of the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway.

Downstream of Hwy 243, the river plunges into a wild and rugged canyon
with only a few trails providing access, including the historic Webster
trail, which is named after a fictional character in Helen Hunt
Jackson's 1884 novel, *Ramona*. This trail begins in the pine forest but
then drops 1,800 feet into the chaparral-covered canyon to the river's
willow-lined banks. A popular off-highway vehicle trail also crosses
this section of the river and provides motorized access to the
backcountry.

![](media/image1.jpeg){width="1.5888888888888888in"
height="1.1694444444444445in"}

**Bautista Creek**![](media/image2.jpeg){width="0.8805555555555555in"
height="1.6354166666666667in"}

![](media/image4.jpeg){width="2.5055555555555555in"
height="3.3361111111111112in"}Bautista Creek supports the largest number
of sensitive and endangered wildlife species on the San Bernardino
National Forest. Although a seasonal stream, Bautista Creek is home to
nationally significant populations of endangered arroyo toad and San
Bernardino kangaroo rat. The endangered southwestern willow fly-catcher
nests in the riparian habitat along the creek. The canyon also provides
critical habitat for the endangered Quino checkerspot butterfly and
supports several sensitive reptile, bird, and insect species. It is home
to the largest of only two known populations of the endangered
slender-horned spineflower on National Forest lands in Southern
California.

Bautista Creek also has outstanding cultural and historical values.
There are several documented Native American place names within the
drainage. In addition, Bautista Creek was the route of the historic de
Anza expeditions in 1774 and 1776, which connected Mexico with San
Francisco and ultimately led to the colonization of California.
Following today's Bautista Canyon Road, the route through the canyon, is
a designated National Historic Trail.

![](media/image1.jpeg){width="1.5888888888888888in"
height="1.1694444444444445in"}

**Palm Canyon Creek**![](media/image2.jpeg){width="0.8805555555555555in"
height="1.6354166666666667in"}

![](media/image5.jpeg){width="2.19375in" height="3.238888888888889in"}

Palm Canyon Creek supports the largest California fan palm oasis in the
United States. Relics from millions of years ago, the abundance of these
native palms is nationally significant and unique. Palm Canyon's
seasonal surface flows, year-round springs, and

high water table are crucial to maintain the palm oasis and provide
important water sources for the endangered Peninsular bighorn sheep.

Palm Canyon also provides habitat for the federally endangered
southwestern willow flycatcher and least Bell's vireo, and it is home to
many other sensitive bird species, including summer tanager, yellow
warbler, yellow-breasted chat, and gray vireo.

Native Americans have used Palm Canyon for more than two thousand years.
A pre-historic trail follows the canyon and is used today by Native
Americans for traditional purposes. The trail is also a popular route
for hikers and mountain bike riders.