Sometimes, we feel like we want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, from busy work days and just relax. The most beautiful reservoirs located just outside of Los Angeles can give such an opportunity. The scenic nature of the area will give you strength and make you feel in harmony with nature. Los Angeles Name will tell you more about all this.
Hollywood Reservoir and its history
It is situated between the Hollywood sign and the Hollywood Hills in the western part of Griffith Park. The reservoir is retained by a dam designed by William Mulholland. Surrounded by majestic pine trees, this place is a safe haven for local waterfowl.
The Mulholland Dam is a rather elegant structure built in 1924 with the sole purpose of providing emergency drinking water to the city. Accordingly, swimming or boating in the reservoir is prohibited by law. It is worth adding, though, that locals can fish here.
The picturesque Lake Hollywood (covering an area of 7,900 acres) is encircled by a special path, which makes this place popular among pedestrians and tourists. Runners and cyclists also choose the route past the Hollywood Reservoir. Because of its beauty, this spot may be an excellent option for romantic dates and strolls, where you can fully enjoy communication and nature. It will take about two hours to walk all around the Hollywood Reservoir road. Of course, the time may vary, as it depends on your walking rhythm.
The location of the reservoir is indeed fascinating and convenient. You will particularly like this option if you enjoy exploring the area and having long walks. There are several famous sights near the Hollywood Reservoir:
- Heading to the north, you will find Universal Studios
- The city center is located to the south
- You can also feel an intimate relationship with nature in Lake Hollywood Park, located nearby.
William Mulholland
The reservoir holds approximately 2.5 billion gallons of water, with a maximum depth of 56 meters. After the first years of use, the water level in the reservoir fluctuated, but it was maintained at a high level throughout the rest of its operation.
In 1928, a terrible collapse of the St. Francis Dam occurred. This event became another one on the list of the worst construction disasters in 20th-century America. After the Great Fire and the Great Flood of 1862, as well as the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, the dam collapse became the third most fatal disaster in California history.
After this incident, Mulholland ordered the Hollywood Reservoir’s level to be dropped. The public, like him, was worried that the catastrophe could happen again. In 1931, a team of engineers from the state and LADWP (Los Angeles Department of Water and Power) made certain decisions regarding the future of the Hollywood Reservoir. They decided that the water tank should not exceed a 4,000 acre-feet area. Typically, the reservoir is maintained at a level of 2,800 acre-feet.
Hollywood Reservoir in the movies
This place is on the list of the main landmarks and the best viewpoints in Los Angeles. So, it is not surprising that the reservoir attracts not only locals and tourists but also filmmakers.
The Hollywood Reservoir in LA has been featured in many films. It is worth mentioning some of the most memorable ones. For example, one of the most famous works was the crime drama series Ray Donovan. Its story revolves around the protagonist, Ray Donovan. The series aired from 2013 to 2020.
Other notable movies, episodes of which were filmed at the Hollywood Reservoir, include Rescue Me, Chinatown (1974), Earthquake (1974) and The Little Things (2021).
Silver Lake Reservoir
Its area covers 114 acres. There are two dog parks on the territory, namely the larger and the smaller one, as well as playgrounds and basketball courts.
In addition, a grassy hill (2.5 acres) Meadow is located on the eastern side of the lake. There, people can play games, relax or have picnics.
Various ducks and birds that can be found at the Silver Lake Reservoir make this place even more romantic.
The reservoir complex consists of two concrete-lined basins, Ivanhoe Reservoir and Silver Lake, which are divided by a spillway. The upper basin was named after the publication of Sir Walter Scott’s novel “Ivanhoe” in 1819, while the lower part received its name in 1906 in honor of Herman Silver. He was a commissioner of the City Water Commission.
This reservoir has become a community center and has gradually transformed into a regional recreational destination.
Silver Lake on big screens
One of the most famous features shot at this reservoir is called Under the Silver Lake (2018) by director David Robert Mitchell.
Other well-known movies filmed here include Pulp Fiction (1994), The Fast and the Furious (2001) and many others.
Franklin Canyon Reservoir
The lake occupies three acres of surface. Franklin Canyon Reservoir is connected by a superstructure known as Heavenly Pond. This place will be a real godsend to anyone who likes TV stories.
For example, this Beverly Hills reservoir was one of Katherine Hepburn’s favorite hiking spots. Episodes when Katherine and Spencer Tracy strolled around the reservoir immediately come to mind.
Franklin Canyon Reservoir is located just a few minutes from Beverly Hills. This location has gained popularity as a filming set since the 1930s. In 1934, the famous movie It Happened One Night was shot here. The scene of Claudette Colbert trying to hitch a ride was best remembered by viewers.
What is special about Franklin Canyon Reservoir?
Franklin Canyon Park is located in the geological center of the city. The highlight of the park is Franklin Canyon Reservoir, one of the most well-known lakes shown on television. This reservoir is also referred to as the Upper Franklin Canyon Reservoir.
A 605-acre park is situated between Beverly Hills and the San Fernando Valley. There, hikers can enjoy oak groves, a reservoir and a duck pond. There are also barbecue spots and over 5 miles of walkways.
The park was officially recognized in 1981, but its history began long before that, in 1914. There are three main trails: Discovery, Berman and Hastain. From beginners to experienced travellers, all can cover these trails.
It is known that water magnate William Mulholland initiated the construction of the reservoir.
What to choose?
There are quite a few reservoirs with fabulous landscapes around Los Angeles. All of them deserve special attention. The area surrounding these places is well-maintained and great for hiking and cycling. Couples in love and married couples often choose these routes for unhurried walks. Runners turn on their favorite music and take pleasure in the nature of Los Angeles. It can hardly be compared to a treadmill.
If you are unsure of what to choose, then feel free to use the provided list and visit each mentioned spot. With the help of itineraries, you can add your own options to the list of picturesque reservoirs. All you need is time and desire.