Mojave River

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The Mojave River is a river in the Mojave Desert, California. The river's source is in the San Bernardino Mountains near Hesperia. The West Fork of the Mojave flows into Silverwood Lake, formed by Cedar Springs Dam, which overflows in the Mojave River Forks Reserve area. Downstream, Deep Creek meets the West Fork, forming the Mojave River immediately upstream of the Mojave River Dam, which is operated for flood control. Downstream of the dam, the Mojave River flows north and east, underground in most places, through Hesperia, Victorville, and Barstow, ending in at Mojave River Wash at the western edge of Mojave National Preserve. During heavy flows, the river reaches Soda Lake, near Baker and it has reached Silver Lake in historic times. It comes to the surface only in areas with impermeable rock, such as the upper and lower narrows near Victorville.

The Mojave Road followed along the river from Soda Lake to the Cajon Pass. Native Americans used this as a trade route where water could easily be found on the way to and from the coast. Later, the Old Spanish Trail and Salt Lake Trail (Mormon Trail) joined up with the river near where Daggett is today.

[edit] References

• Mojave River - Digital Desert
• The Mojave River and Associated Lakes
• Mojave River through the Victorville Narrows