The Los Angeles River

The Los Angeles River, stretching just over 50 miles from Canoga Park to Long Beach and San Pedro Bay, is a surprising feature for many visitors to our city. Most of its flow is encased in concrete, a measure implemented in the 1930s to prevent flooding. 

Recent years have seen efforts to open the river for recreation, including a popular bike path through the Glendale Narrows near Griffith Park. However, fishing and swimming are not recommended due to contamination from storm drain runoff. 

While native fish like steelhead trout and Chinook salmon have been replaced by non-native species, the river’s bird population—including green heron, Muscovy duck, snowy egret, and red-tailed hawk—thrives, offering excellent bird-watching opportunities.

The river’s concrete banks have also served as a backdrop for numerous Hollywood films, notably the iconic drag race scene in 1978’s “Grease.” Other movies filmed here include “Chinatown,” “Point Break,” “Repo Man,” and “Terminator.”

The Los Angeles River may not be as grand as the Danube or Mississippi, but like everything else in our city, it holds a unique charm that contributes to our special character.

A custom Hollywood and Beverly Hills tour is the best way to fully enjoy all that Los Angeles has to offer!

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