Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Los Angeles River Greenway spans approximately 51 miles along the Los Angeles River from the Canoga Park area in the San Fernando Valley through downtown Los Angeles and finally reaching the Long Beach area near the river's mouth. This greenway serves as a vital linear park and trail system designed to reconnect residents with the river’s natural and historic environment. The Los Angeles River was historically a natural watercourse, but much of it was channelized in concrete during the mid-20th century for flood control purposes. Recent years have seen extensive efforts to revitalize and restore river habitats and create accessible recreational spaces while balancing flood risk management. The greenway includes bike paths, pedestrian walkways, and pockets of restored riparian habitat that support native plants and urban wildlife such as herons, egrets, and occasional beavers. Key landmarks along the greenway include the historic Glendale Narrows, which features exposed riverbed areas and lush greenery, and downtown LA’s art-adorned river sections near the iconic Seventh Street Bridge. The Greenway encourages activities like walking, biking, jogging, bird watching, and paddle sports in certain accessible sections. It offers an important natural corridor in Los Angeles, providing a peaceful outdoor experience within a sprawling city landscape. Efforts to extend and connect segments continue, making it an evolving urban outdoor destination for locals and visitors alike.
