After having tracked down several Nike missile sites in LA's former Ring of Steel, I was plagued by the memory of one I'd looked for but couldn't find: LA-14, somewhere near Whittier Narrows Recreation Area.
I knew it was considered "obliterated," but surely there must be something to see there.
A couple of years passed, I did more research, and I pinpointed what I thought was the exact location. And as I walked up to where I thought it was, I was lucky enough to find the gate open.
And I got in.
Unfortunately, the site – which is pretty much across the street from the Army Reserves and land owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – is basically used for waste disposal...
...and storage of various "materials."
You can see some old sidewalks (which extend out past the gate to the adjacent tennis courts)...
...and plenty of sad-looking palm trees.
Two former missile pads are still visible...
...that familiar sight from Oat Mountain...
...but otherwise, LA-14 has become somewhat of a junkyard.
A trash receptacle.
I couldn't stay long in order to dodge a county parks worker who was locking the gate back up. I managed to get out safely, and I didn't turn back. There wasn't much to see there, but I was glad I'd seen it.
Related Posts:
Photo Essay: Surviving the Apocalypse at Oat Mountain's Nike Missile Site
Photo Essay: Trespassing Through Southland's Military History
Photo Essay: In Search of LA's Military History, Part 1
Photo Essay: In Search of LA's Military History, Part 2
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