"Award winning author, naturalist, and conservationist Tim Palmer presents the world of California rivers in this practical and inspiring field guide. River enthusiasts of any kind will enjoy this handy, authoritative sourcebook. Loaded with practical tips on where to hike, fish, canoe, kayak, and raft, this guide offers an interpretive approach that reveals the geology, plant and wild life, hydrologic processes, and other natural phenomena. Palmer reports on conservation with a perspective from decades of personal engagement. More than 150 streams are featured, 50 riparian species are illustrated, and 180 photos show the essence of California's rivers. Palmer brings a natural history guide, a recreation guide, and an introduction to river ecology together in one illuminating volume; it belongs in every river lover's book collection, boat, and backpack"--

"River enthusiasts of every kind will find this a handy and authoritative sourcebook made for your bookshelf, boat, backpack, and car. Field Guide to California Rivers is a reference for play no matter what your age, for work if you're professionally involved with rivers, and for daily living if you simply want to know more about the streams nearest your home. Beyond helping you figure out where to go and how to enjoy the rivers and streams by hiking, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, and fishing, this guide offers an interpretive approach--it describes the network of waterways and the special qualities and natural features of each. Fifty illustrations identify the most common riparian plants and animals, 150 rivers and streams are featured, and 140 photos by award-winning author and photographer Tim Palmer show the variety, beauty, and grandeur of California's magnificent but threatened rivers estate. Includes regional maps showing every river"--