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    LA River Expeditions

    4.5 (105 reviews)
    Open • 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

    LA River Expeditions Photos

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    Recommended Reviews - LA River Expeditions

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    group of kayakers in orange kayaks along a river with green vegetation during the day with some wispy clouds
    MC G.

    This experience is incredible. The river isn't the cleanest but it is still beautiful. Amazing to see all the wildlife and plants thriving here. The Sepulveda Basin section is a really easy kayak. The guide was fun and full of information. He knew where to get some great photos. He will also film the participants in cool videos.

    I recently came here with my aunt, at first kayaking wasn't something I was very open and interested in doing. Coming here definitely changed my perspective on kayaking and when I tell you that I had one of the funnest times with LA River Expeditions, I mean it! From the moment I arrived, the friendly and knowledgeabl staff made me feel right at home. They provided such detailed instructions and safey guidelines. ( that were also super beginner friendly! ) The LA River itself was honestly such a surprising journey. i was immediately captivated by the stunning urban landscapes surrounding the river. The juxtaposition of nature and the cityscape created a unique and surreal atmosphere. It felt like we were exploring a hidden gem right in the heart of Los Angeles. The equipment provided by LA River Expeditions was topnotch. The sturdy rafts and safety gear gave me confidence throughout the journey. It was evident that they prioritize customer safety and comfort, ensuring a memorable and worryfree experience.The equipment was very well kept, sturdy, and overall super clean! Cleanliness is super important nowadays and seeing the quality and cleanliness of the rafts honestly made me feel super safe! Throughout the journey, the guides displayed a remarkable ability to balance professionalism with a friendly and personable approach. They were attentive, ensuring everyone stayed safe and engaged throughout the trip. One aspect that truly stood out was their ability to cater to different experience levels. Whether someone was a seasoned kayaker or a complete beginner like myself, the guides were patient and understanding, providing individualized attention and guidance when needed. I cannot recommend LA River Expeditions enough. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, adventure junkie, or simply looking for a unique way to experience Los Angeles, this expedition is a mustdo! I highly recommend La River Expedition to anyone seeking a memorable adventure guided by a team of remarkable individuals who go above and beyond to ensure an outstanding experience for their guests. Trust me, you won't regret it. Prepare for an unforgettable adventure that will leave you craving more.

    marty K.

    What a way to kickstart my birthday morning! My daughter and I enjoyed every moment of it - and having Gary guide us made it even more fun (and - bonus - informative). Will recommend to anyone looking for an adventure that's off-the-beaten-path, but local!

    A pause down the LA River
    Jim Y.

    Paddling the LA River! LA River Expeditions and the great conservation work they and founder George Wolfe do and practice all year is best experienced in the summer paddling expeditions down the river. We started at Rattlesnake Park and paddled through rocky sections, short rapids down chutes, and took out at Egret Park about 2.4 miles downstream. At the take out at Egret Park, you ride a well worn mountain bike back to the start, which in itself is a great part of the experience. We learned a whole lot from George, our guide, and friends got the river navigable, got it EPA visible and then protected, and detailed hands-on mini lectures at stopping points on the river about the flora, fauna, and birds. Not class 4 or 5 rapids, but maybe one better: a real river in the heart of Los Angeles! You usually have to get your tickets early in May or so, as they sell out completely very early in the season, but this 2015 year might be different if at all due to the low water levels and SoCal drought. Do this paddle if you can! It's one in a lifetime!

    Emilia J.

    My husband and I recently were lucky enough to be able to enjoy the experience of kayaking the LA River. It was a very nice experience and really informative. I learned about the history of the area, the surrounding plant life, and the hopes for the future of the river. The LA River Expeditions guides were very nice, informed, and helpful. If you like the outdoors and looking for a new experience, I would definitely recommend.

    Dania M.

    Such a great staff, Really patient and helpful as well. Even if You don't have any experience in tours like this one, They will explain everything to You. SO You don't have to worry about anything. I had so much fun. That's a kind of experience that I would like to repeat.

    Sandra N.

    An absolute must do for any angelino that needs a different perspective of our city. My sons loved it, and it was great for a novice to get to enjoy nature and learn from the tour guides. Thank you Kelly, you made an educational experience so much fun

    Let's go Kayaking!
    Janayia R.

    What an awesome experience! I signed up on Eventbrite, it was 45 dollars. I attended the 3:30 session. It's a little tricky to find parking its location at the intersection of Sepulveda and Woodley. Make sure you have your waivers printed and signed beforehand. Wear waterproof footwear. Consider bring additional clothing for changing. You will need sunscreen and insect repellent. It was my very first time kayaking and I had a little difficulty but the instructors were super helpful especially Chelsey. It was a nice experience. There is quite a bit of litter in and on the banks of L.A. River. The tour guides were knowledgeable regarding the wildlife, plant life, and history of the river. The waters were calm and up to 11 ft deep. It was a beautiful way to spend a Sunday afternoon. I do recommend this place and I would come back.

    At the LA zoo with grandson
    Lucinda c.

    Some friends gather every year to celebrate a birthday by going on an adventure instead of buying gifts... Because my husband, a buddy and I had loved our first LA River Sepulveda Kayak trip; I booked this birthday adventure for all of our friends. Most had never kayaked before and they all had the best time! It was a hot day in the San Fernando Valley but cool and refreshing on the river. The guides were really helpful in their paddle instructions, their information about the future and history of the LA river was facinating. The wildlife and greenery we saw on the river was amazing. My husband, our son and I kayaked the Glendale Narrows in June and wow it was so much fun...also an eye opener! Don't miss either trip! Best Lucinda, Aug 2015.

    Beautiful Sepulveda Dam

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    4 years ago

    worst people and not enjoyable at all. Such a waste of money and when we got there, there was no water in the river.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - LA River Expeditions

    Can I swim in the river?

    The LA River water quality is safe to be in at the Sepulveda Basin location, however on our excursions you will remain inside the kayak during the tour.

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    Review Highlights - LA River Expeditions

    “Saturday was my third time out on the LA River with LA River Expeditions, and my second time with George Wolfe on the Glendale Narrows!”

    Mentioned in 10 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
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    Paddle the LA River - LA's Grand Canyon.

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    4.1(7 reviews)
    3.0 km•Sepulveda Basin

    LA Conservation Corps "Paddle the River" is a great organization to inquire about using kayaks to…read morenavigate parts of the Los Angeles River. In order for a water way to be protected by the Environmental Protection Agency, it must be proved to be navigable, and Paddle the River reinforces the safe keeping of our only major waterway from pollution by industries, illicit dumping, etc. LA Conservation Corps provides other excellent services by employing young people who need jobs & provides job training skills for those who really need those skills that they may not have acquired earlier in their education. Some of us were not skilled in maneuvering a kayak even after an initial briefing. So one of the staff members patiently towed the kayak with the person in it upstream. Of course, downstream, the kayak could just float back to the point of origination. All the other staff members were also friendly, helpful, attentive to what needed to be done. This adventure is for kayaking beginners so advanced participants will consider this course to be a breeze. This was my first time on the LA River downstream from the Tillman Water Reclamation plant which also provides water for the Japanese Gardens as well as water for the LA River in the San Fernando Valley. Traversing the river at that point, it seems natural w/ trees lining its banks, herons & other water birds, quietness where only the occasional bird call can be heard & light, gentle breeze can be felt. Hard to believe that sometimes only a few hundred feet away hidden behind steep river banks or dense brush that parking lots & buildings abound. Great way to sample another multifaceted aspect of Los Angeles on a leisurely weekend afternoon. If there is time before or after, visit the Japanese Gardens w/ views of the "Star Trek Academy" just a mile or so away. 4 Yelp stars.

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    Paddle the LA River - En route down the 1.5 mile route.

    En route down the 1.5 mile route.

    Paddle the LA River - Point of departure to go to the kayaks, get helmets & life jacket

    Point of departure to go to the kayaks, get helmets & life jacket

    Paddle the LA River - End-point of the long trip, just above the Sepulveda Dam.

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    End-point of the long trip, just above the Sepulveda Dam.

    LA River Expeditions - boating - Updated October 2026

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