List of rivers of California

The US state of California has a multitude of large and small rivers. Its most prominent river system is formed by the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers. The Klamath and Trinity Rivers drain a large area in far northwestern California. The Eel River and Salinas River each drain portions of the California coast, north and south of San Francisco Bay, respectively. The Mojave River is the primary watercourse in the Mojave Desert, and the Santa Ana River drains much of the Transverse Ranges as it bisects Southern California. The Colorado River forms the state's southeast border with Arizona.

Most of California's major rivers are dammed as part of two massive water projects: the Central Valley Project, and the California State Water Project. In August 2024, the largest dam removal project in US history, part of the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement, was completed. The state's coasts, rivers, and other bodies of water are regulated by the California Coastal Commission.

The rivers listed here are grouped by region. Major lakes and reservoirs, if applicable, are indicated in italics.

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