Castaic History

Like many California communities, Castaic was settled by families of varying cultures over a period of several hundred years. However, it is the completion of the old Ridge Route in July of 1915 that many historians celebrate as the official birth of Castaic. According to the late Santa Clarita historian, Jerry Reynolds, the name “Castaic” has been spelled a number of different ways, but the area was originally called “Kashtuk”, which is an Indian word meaning “eyes.” Native Americans, specifically the Tataviam, and Spanish explorers enjoyed and utilized the green rolling hills and streams around the Castaic area, long before the area became a well-known truck stop or the growing community it is today.

A railroad spur line was built from Saugus to Ventura in September, 1887. Southern Pacific Railroad established a telephone booth-sized depot at Castaic Junction, along with a cattle-loading chute. By 1889, there were enough families with children in the area to establish a school district. Castaic School was opened on March 25 of that same year and the original school building continued to be used until its demolition in 1996.

The Castaic Post Office was opened on September 15, 1894 at the Junction, but went out of business the following August due to lack of interest.

With the new age of the automobile, more roads were needed across the country to transport commuters. That sparked the California Highway Commission to blaze a trail over the tops of the mountains from Castaic to Gorman, known as the Ridge Route. Just as construction was starting in 1914, Sam Parsons bought an acre of land to open up the well-remembered Sam’s Place. Parson’s re-established the post office in April, 1917.

Parker Ranch brought suburbia to Castaic in 1923 when the land was subdivided into five and ten acre parcels. The industry of Castaic Brick was founded in 1927 and George Dunn started the Wayside Dairy in 1929, leasing it to the County of Los Angeles in 1937 as a work farm.

According to Reynolds, the Ridge Route was hailed as an “engineering masterpiece.” At a cost of $500,000 it cut 60 miles off The Old Road used between Los Angeles and Bakersfield. It was two lanes of asphalt with 642 curves that, when added together, made 97 complete circles between Castaic and Gorman. That engineering masterpiece was replaced by Highway 99 in October, 1933.

The face of Castaic is quickly changing. New developments are going up, changing Castaic’s reputation from that of a truck stop and recreational area, to a nice place to raise a family.

Community Photo's

Castaic Sports Complex
photo courtesy of Barbara C. Morris

Castaic Lake State Recreation Area

As one of Southern California ’s premier amusement and sporting attractions, Castaic Lake Recreation Area has 8,000 acres offering many activities to visitors of all ages including all forms of boating, fishing, water & jet skiing, family & group picnicking, hiking, biking, camping, equestrian trails, and swimming (seasonal). Castaic Lake borders on the Angeles National Forest , just 35 miles north of Los Angeles off Interstate 5 at Lake Hughes Road.

RV and tent camping are available on the east side of the Lagoon. There are no showers or hookups, however, there is a dump station and running water. Two group camping areas, at the west side of the dam, are available for nonprofit organizations.

Lake is two separate lakes, the upper Main Reservoir and the lower Lagoon. The Main Reservoir forms a “V” shaped body of water with approximately 29 miles of shoreline. The east arm of the lake is open to sailing, fishing, and slow boating while the west arm is reserved for water skiing and fast boating with a separate area for personal watercraft. Non gasoline powered boats including float tubing, sail boards, canoes, and kayaks are welcome on the Lagoon which has 3 miles of shoreline.

Daily Fees or Permits  

	Senior Citizen Vehicle Fee (Weekdays Only) $ 5.00
	Vehicle Entrance Fee $ 11.00
	RV Entrance Fee $12.00
	Bus Entrance Fee $25.00
	Boat Launch Fee $11.00(Weekdays) $13.00(Weekends)
	Family Campsite Fee (tent) $15.00 (RV) $18.00

For reservations and fees for group camping & group picnic areas, you may contact the park office at 661-257-4050.

Our Schools

Information valid as of 2006-2007 school year