Since Marikina is primarily a valley nestled amid mountain ranges and rolling hills, its topography is generally characterized to be level with only a portion mildly sloping. These mildly sloping areas are particularly evident in the eastern section of the town.

SLOPES

About 1,569 hectares or 71% of the total land area of Marikina has the Type A slope classification (0-25%) or highly suitable for and tolerant both to mechanized farming and urban development. This is particularly evident in the western and central sections of the city.

The northeastern and southeastern sections of the city, on the other hand, are classified as Types B and C, respectively, with the former covering about 215 hectares and the latter encompassing about 366 hectares. Lands having 2.5%-10% slopes are fairly tolerant to development, although excessive removal of ground cover may cause erosion and land slippage.

WATER BODIES

The Marikina River which measures about 220 has. serves as the city’s principal drainage system. Said river emerges from the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains and flows southwards through the Marikina Valley until it joints the Pasig River.

The Nangka River, which serves as the boundary of Marikina and the municipality of San Mateo, similarly drains a sizeable area of Marikina, particularly the eastern portion of the city.

Other than these rivers, there are also a number of creeks that can be found in the city, namely: Bangkaan Creek, Park Creek, Concepcion Creek, Usiw Creek, Balante Creek and Sapang Baho.