Water Courses

You can ponder the coursings of the Santa Ana River, then, in Anaheim, enjoy Mediterranean cuisine. Featherly Regional Park and Rosine’s are just off the appropriately named Riverside Freeway; both are worth a visit any time but are particularly welcome for respites during peak traffic hours.

MORNING 1

Featherly Regional Park is under special scrutiny these days, as the county’s Harbors, Beaches and Parks Commission is considering whether to recommend canceling the lease held by Canyon RV Park, the company that operates the park and campground.

Whatever the outcome, it probably won’t affect the flora and fauna of Santa Ana Canyon, which Jerry Schad, in his book “Afoot and Afield in Orange County,” describes thusly:

“Mixed in with the willows and cottonwoods, and a few scattered oaks along the trail, you’ll find mule fat, elderberry, giant reed, prickly pear cactus and poison oak. Late fall brings a fine yellow-brown color to the deciduous trees, and also to the leaves of the native wild grape vines that hang like luminous curtains from some of the large trees.”

Pay $5 per vehicle at the park office. For same-day readmittance, you may simply be asked to sing a song. Near the park office is a small visitor center and a display outlining some Santa Ana River history.

To the east of the park entrance is the remnant of some sort of pump, and a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. According to a plaque at the site, the Santa Ana River was instrumental in transforming this arid valley into productive agricultural land; irrigation companies in Orange County were operating as early as the 1860s.

A 26-mile bike trail extending from the beach to Riverside County passes through the park, the only part of Orange County in which the river runs its course naturally. “But you have to pay a price,” said park ranger Ron Nadeau. “It floods out,” and the entire area is a flood plain.

“What’s exciting is that each spring when the trails reopen, they’re different,” he said. “There is a loop there right now, a real wild area, but no signs. It’s a real nature trail.”

As Nadeau noted, nothing is marked. The best idea is to schedule a free 45-minute guided tour over a one-mile loop with Nadeau, which he offers Saturday mornings after 10 a.m. by appointment; phone (714) 637-7482.

Otherwise, to get to trails along the south side of the river, park in Lot A, near signs explaining the sport of orienteering, which entails determining one’s location with maps, compasses and landmarks. Hiking boots are advised, especially after rains.

LUNCH 2

Rosine’s specializes in rotisserie chicken served with garlic sauce and “exotic” Mediterranean cuisine. A Times reviewer once deemed it “Orange County’s best small Middle Eastern restaurant.”

Appetizers run $2.79-$5.99, but if you’re new to foods of the Middle East, don’t pass up mezzeh ($7.99), an assortment including sarma (grape leaves stuffed with herbed rice and onions), hummus (garbanzo beans pureed with tahini, lemon juice and garlic), baba ghannouj (grilled eggplant pureed with tahini, lemon juice and garlic), tabbouleh (parsley, tomatoes, green onions and bulgur with lemon dressing) and walnut caviar (walnuts, pepper paste, pomegranate molasses and olive oil).

Lunch specials (served 11 a.m.-3 p.m. daily) include a quarter chicken with two side dishes ($4.99), and a pita sandwich of grilled balsamic-marinated lamb smothered in hummus with side dish or soup ($5.99).

You can slake your post-trail thirst with one of four domestic microbrews, or any of a dozen imports ranging from an Almaza Pils from Lebanon (9.5 ounces, $2.75) to Chimay Grande Reserve from Belgium, “the burgundy of beers” (1.5 liters, $25). The wine list is strong on zinfandels and other varieties suited to this cuisine. Topping the list is a 1970 Chateau Musar from Lebanon priced at $175.

The restaurant offers a selection of elite cigars, for takeout only.

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1) Featherly Regional Park

Entry off Gypsum Canyon Road north of Riverside Freeway, Yorba Linda; (714) 637-0210. (Mailing address: 24001 Santa Ana Canyon Road, Yorba Linda, CA 92887.) Ranger phone: (714) 637-7482. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.

2) Rosine’s

721 S. Weir Canyon Road (Suite 125 in Sycamore Plaza), Anaheim Hills; (714) 283-5141.

11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday.

Parking: There is ample free parking at Sycamore Plaza. Day-use fee at Featherly Regional Park is $5 per vehicle.

Buses: OCTA Bus No. 38A runs along La Palma Avenue as far east as Weir Canyon Road, and on Weir Canyon Road between La Palma Avenue and Santa Ana Canyon Road.