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Isn't it kind of wild? For the first time since the 1930s, Angelenos were able to enjoy a 2.5-mile stretch of the Los Angeles River through Elysian Valley. This stretch of the river was opened up to fishermen, fisherwomen, riparian ramblers and kayakers.
Alissa Walker at A Walker in LA (h/t Curbed LA) writes that unlike the Sepulveda Dam section of the river, you don't have to wait for a (usually sold-out) tour and there are outfitters that will run trips. However, Walker writes that even though you don't need a guide for this part of the river, it's best to take some precautions:
Unlike the narrow, mellow, lazy river-esque Sepulveda Dam section, this part of the LA River is wide, rocky and a bit gnarly. Along most of the route the water is only calf-deep, but the river is fast and deep in a few spots and I’d say half of our group took unexpected swims. I felt totally comfortable the entire time but I was still happy to be following someone the first time who knew the way (even though we did end up taking a wrong turn once—not a huge deal for me but a little harrowing for some, who ended up picking up their kayaks and walking back upriver to the correct route).
If you're interested in heading down to the riverside yourself, check out some suggestions and maps from the Los Angeles River Pilot Recreation Zone.We have some photos from the opening earlier this week courtesy of the LAist Flickr pool and Twitter:
Kayakers enjoying the #lariver - I'm covering the opening day ceremony for @KPCC pic.twitter.com/nrKTwTVCQ2
— Mary Plummer (@maryplummer) May 27, 2013
People kayaking the LA river. Now ive seen everything! #lariver #losangeles #algae pic.twitter.com/wvyiA0SWpB
— Fred Montez (@FredMontez) May 27, 2013
Got to kayak la river today with lat fotog Francine Orr pic.twitter.com/TyNNXhiq9i
— Steve Lopez LA Times (@LATstevelopez) May 27, 2013
Related:
New Section Of L.A. River Opens Up For The First Time In Decades On Memorial Day