The public is now invited to kayak, walk, and fish on two sections of the river managed by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority.

The Zone is comprised of two routes on the LA River – one in the Sepulveda Basin in Encino and the other in the Elysian Valley.  The Elysian Valley route will be shorter than in previous years due to construction of a bridge at Taylor Yard.

The Recreation Zones provide public access to two different parts of the river that are still in a natural state.  Activities include steerable boating such as kayaking and canoeing, fishing, and bird watching.  The Recreation Zones are managed by the MRCA in coordination with the City of Los Angeles and Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the County of Los Angeles.  Hours are sunrise to sunset, except during and after inclement weather or other adverse conditions.  The Recreation Zones will be open through September 30, 2019.

The Recreation Zones provide public access to the Los Angeles River in two different parts of the river that are still in a natural state.  Activities include steerable boating such as kayaking and canoeing, fishing, and bird watching.  The River Recreation Zones are managed by the MRCA in coordination with the City of Los Angeles and Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the County of Los Angeles.  Hours are sunrise to sunset, except during and after inclement weather or other adverse conditions.  The Recreation Zones will be open through September 30, 2019.

“While storms prevented the Recreation Zones from opening on Memorial Day, we are now beginning another great season,” said MRCA Chief Ranger, Fernando Gomez.  “We want everyone to check out our website www.lariverrecreation.org to find out about river conditions, weather, and closure information.  A link to the Los Angeles City Sanitation LA River water quality testing  is there. You can also learn about how to access the river, and find outfitters who provide guided tours or rent kayaks.”

The Sepulveda Basin Recreation Zone is a gentle, two-mile up river and back trip with braided channels, wildlife, and tranquil pools. Of the two Recreation Zones, the Sepulveda Basin offers easy paddling, and less natural obstacles.

Kayakers in the Sepulveda Basin will be able to access the Los Angeles River from Burbank Boulevard west of Woodley Avenue.  There is plenty of street parking on Woodley Avenue. 

 This year, the Elysian Valley kayak route is a 1.7-mile, one-way trip with braided channels and abundant wildlife in the middle of the city. The kayak experience usually includes strong currents, a few rapids, and occasionally falling out of the kayak. Boulders and other obstacles are also common.  The new exit point is off of Newell Street near the Frog Spot, as in previous years going downstream on river right

To access the Elysian Valley Recreation Zone, kayakers can enter the Los Angeles River from MRCA Rattlesnake Park at Fletcher Drive.  Parking is available on Fletcher Drive.  Access is also available upstream from MRCA Lewis MacAdams Riverfront Park (formerly Marsh Park) whose parking lot entrances are at 2999 Rosanna St. and 2944 Gleneden Street.  Public Restrooms are available at MacAdams Park.

“Everyone needs to remember to take safety precautions when going out on the river,” said Gomez.  “You must wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD).  Use sunscreen and drink plenty of water.”

In addition to managing the Recreation Zones, the MRCA will continue its tradition of working with local nonprofits such as Community Nature Connection, and Anahuak Youth to provide free trips to underserved youth and adults for special programs throughout the summer.

The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority is a local public park agency dedicated to the preservation and management of open space, urban parkland, watershed lands, trails, and wildlife habitat.  The MRCA manages more than 75,000 acres of public parkland and provides natural resources and scientific expertise, critical regional planning services, operations, fire prevention and ranger services, as well as education and leadership programs for thousands of youth each year.  It is one of the lead agencies revitalizing the Los Angeles River.

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