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Cajon Creek
About midway through the Cajon Pass, at the bottom of the canyon there is a perennial creek that flows out of a treed marsh area. This is Cajon Creek. It winds down and around for a mile or two, then splashes around in the rocks and boulders and percolates into the stony alluvium.This was the first water after descending the steep divide at the edge of the Mojave. The flow was steady and of a good amount to amply meet the needs of traders, pioneers and passing livestock drives.
Cajon Creek runs through Cajon Pass, a key passage in Southern California linking the San Bernardino Valley to the Mojave Desert. The creek is part of a larger drainage system that carries runoff from the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains. It's a seasonal watercourse, meaning it usually flows during rainy periods or when snow melts from the mountains, but can be dry during the rest of the year.
Historically, Cajon Creek played a role in the region's development. The pass, which the creek runs through, has been used by Native Americans, early explorers, settlers, and later as a route for the railroads and highways, such as Route 66 and Interstate 15. The creek area can be prone to flash floods, so it's both a natural resource and a potential hazard, especially in times of heavy rain.
Cajon Pass itself is a significant corridor for transportation, and the creek’s surroundings provide a rugged landscape that adds to the pass’s scenic and historical appeal.
