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The Mojave River has its source is in the San Bernardino Mountains to the east of Lake Arrowhead.. The West Fork of the Mojave flows into Silverwood Lake, formed by Cedar Springs Dam, which overflows in the Mojave River Forks Reserve area. Downstream, Deep Creek meets the West Fork, forming the Mojave River immediately upstream of the Mojave River Dam, which is operated by the Interior dept and the Forestry Dept primarily for flood control. Downstream of the dam, the Mojave River flows north and east, underground in most places, through Hesperia, Victorville, and Barstow, ending in at Mojave River Wash at the western edge of Mojave National Preserve. During heavy flows, the river reaches Soda Lake, near Baker and it has reached Silver Lake in historic times. It comes to the surface only in areas with impermeable rock, such as the upper and lower narrows near Victorville.

During the winter time heavy snows and rains in the San Bernardino forest have been known to cause severe flooding in Hesperia and Victorville. As recently as 10 years ago, several homes built along the west bank of the river were lost when those banks collapsed and washed away.

Mojave Narrows State park offers over night camping for Motor Homes and Trailers, and there is a boat ramp for launching boats into the swiftly flowing river. Fishing and swimming are both allowed.

As the waters of the river sink into the sand under the Mojave Desert it settles into a giant underground aquafilter system. Many of the desert communities rely on this water for daily use. In an area of desert now referred to as Newberry Springs about 20 miles east of Barstow the water tables are so high, that developers have discovered all they have to do to have lakes in there housing developments is to dig down 10 to 15 feet.