Lake Hollywood is a man-made reservoir built in 1924 to hold more than 2.5 billion gallons of water. The reservoir is part of the Owens River Aqueduct system. The Mulholland Dam was built by engineer William Mulholland who designed and built the system of aqueducts and reservoir providing Los Angeles with most of its drinking water. The City of Los Angeles, Department of Water and Power (DWP), has completed new water storage facilities next to the Upper and Lower Hollywood Reservoirs. Two of the world’s largest underground tanks now store treated water, with new pipelines linking the tanks to the distribution system.
Nestled in the Hollywood Hills, this lovely lake is one of the quietest and most secluded bodies of water in the city. The pathway around the lake is a favorite exercise circuit for stressed out film industry folks. It is a 4-mile loop.
From the end of Lake Hollywood Drive, head left (east) along Montlake, following the reservoir’s perimeter for 0.7 miles. Cars are allowed here, but traffic is sparse, so as long as you stick to the path following the road you’ll be fine. At the junction of Tahoe Drive, you pass through a chain fence and head onto the walkway that circles the reservoir. Soon, you get your first looks at the Mulholland Dam, and after a mile and a half, you arrive there.
Lake Hollywood Drive and Montlake Drive
Hollywood, CA
Directions: Hollywood Hills, corner of Lake Hollywood Drive and Montlake Drive. Take highway 101 to the Barham Blvd. exit. Turn right on Barham, drive 0.3 miles and turn right on Lake Hollywood Drive. Take a quick left on Primera and a quick right onto La Suvida. Drive a total of 0.6 miles (La Suvida becomes Lake Hollywood Drive) and park on the corner of Lake Hollywood Drive and Montlake.
