#178: The Cascades

I remember the first time I caught a glimpse of the Casacades; it was while I was driving up the 5 Freeway on the way to the Poppy Fields (#120). Roaring down the mountain like a water slide of the gods, this gigantic aqueduct is a sight to behold.

The Cascades is the point where Los Angeles' water supply enters the city after traveling 338 miles from the Sierra Nevada mountains.

not the best place to visit if you have to pee

The building of the aqueduct began in 1908 and was completed in 1913. It was designed by engineer and LADWP director William Mulholland, of Mulholland Drive fame.

Now the Cascades is Los Angeles Historic Landmark #63. While you can't go right up to the aqueduct, you can get a nice view from your choice of fence: chain link or bars.

Directions:

The Cascades is located at 13801 Balboa Blvd just off the 5 Freeway. There is a turn-in along Foothill Blvd where you can view the National Historic Landmark plaque, or you can park on Balboa and walk to the intersection of Balboa and Foothill for another view.

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Have you seen the Cascades? What did you think of it? Leave me a comment below!

The Cascades

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