Flowing from the heights of the San Gabriel Mountains, Big Tujunga Creek has witnessed the ebb and flow of Los Angeles history. Big Tujunga Creek tumbles down from its headwaters near Mount Mooney. It carves a 22-mile path southwest, eventually meeting Little Tujunga Creek near Pacoima. Before the concrete channels and dams, the Tongva people knew this creek. They called the area Tujunga, or Tuxunga, meaning “old woman’s place.” A poignant Tongva story tells of a chief’s wife, heartbroken over the loss of her daughter. She wandered into these mountains, eventually turning to stone, forever a part of the landscape. Big Tujunga Creek wasn’t always so tame. In 1931, the Big Tujunga Dam was constructed for flood control. However, it proved insufficient. The devastating 1938 flood saw Big Tujunga Creek rage with a flow of over 50,000 cubic feet per second. The floodwaters carried away tons of silt, destroying buildings and infrastructure. This led to the construction of Hansen Dam in 1940. Today, as you stand by Big Tujunga Creek below Hansen Dam, you see a creek transformed. The dam holds back the potential fury of the creek, creating a tranquil space. But the creek’s history, whispered in the rustling leaves and the gentle flow of the water, reminds us of its powerful past. Big Tujunga Creek is more than just a waterway. It is a testament to the power of nature, the resilience of a community, and the enduring stories of the Tongva people.
Tujunga Spreading Grounds
Hidden in plain sight, the Tujunga Spreading Grounds is more than just a patch of land. It’s a hidden reservoir,