Elysian Valley Los Angeles River Kayak Tours - Sundays

Explore the full length of this adventurous section of the LA River. We are now in our 15th season of summer fun!
About this Event

Experience the wild side of in Los Angeles while paddling for miles in light rapids. Yes, you read that right!

The Elysian Valley (aka "Glendale Narrows") is a breezy-yet-sporty stretch of the LA River, with a few environmental education talks at resting stops along the way.

Nature and kayaking combine to create a one-of-a-kind, bucket list experience. Summer 2026 is your chance to check this unforgettable adventure off your list!

WHERE: Your adventure begins and ends in the middle of a burgeoning creative community now best known as "Frogtown." Officially called the Elysian Valley, the community sits along the river on a wide flood plain that also includes the neighborhoods of Cypress Park, Glassell Park , Silver Lake and Atwater Village.

WHAT: This section has some Class-I rapids (light) and a few rocks to paddle around.

HOW: After safety instruction and a gear check, hop into a kayak. Expect to get a little wet but also enjoy a solid, full-body workout. Our guides will be with you all the way.

WHO: LA River Expeditions is the original boating outfit on the LA River, and the only one leading tours in both open Recreation Zones. In 2008, we paddled the 51 miles of the river to help win environmental protections for it under the Clean Water Act. Since then, as a California nonprofit, we've put over 20,000 people on the river in kayaks. We're proud of having contributed to our community's enjoyment and learning.

WHY: For its river conservation efforts, LA River Expeditions is the recipient of the Green Paddle Award (American Canoe Association), the River Warrior Award (Resource Renewal Institute) and the River Hero award (River Network). We do all this because we are avid kayakers and all-around river enthusiasts. Our experienced guides are the best—they have decades of collective experience, and have received professional training in safety and rescue skills. They also have current First Aid/CPR certification.

NOTE: Participants on these tours will need the physical ability to get in and out of kayaks periodically and to paddle around obstacles. This is not a simple float, but we also offer tours in the much calmer Sepulveda Basin. Please consider our other tour if you have any medical conditions that could be activated by strenuous activity.

We reserve the right to restrict participation for any safety reasons. There is a strict no-refund policy though we can sometimes accommodate exchanges on a case-by case basis.

Answers to frequently asked questions can be found below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this section of the river like?

• The Elysian Valley zone is a sporty section with flowing water and some easy rapids. This vibrant natural section lends itself well to both fun kayaking and learning all about the river. Whether you're a resident or tourist, you'll come away with a whole new perspective on the nature that's right here in the heart of urban Los Angeles.

What is the weather and shade coverage like?

• Yes. It can be very hot during the summer. If you have particular issues with heat, or tenuous medical issues, this just might not be for you. Please check the forecast the morning of your trip to be best-prepared.

Are there any limitations?

• Age Limit: This activity is usually doable for people 10 years and up (barring any extraordinary health or physical conditions), as long as they have some experience paddling. We're glad to work with athletic beginners but know that the moving water makes things very exciting!
• Weight Limit: Yes, no more than 215 lbs., please, in this section of the river. The kayaks have weight capacity limits and can get stuck. Be sure that each person for whom you're buying a ticket meets this criteria. It's a stability/safety issue, so please respect that.
• Required Experience: The trip will require that you paddle your own kayak for about 1.5 miles in moving water. We recommend that participants have some paddling experience, due to the need to maneuver around rocks and handle some Class-I rapids, but beginners are also welcome!

What's the water quality like?

• The river is deemed safe for recreation by the city of Los Angeles and Heal the Bay, who test the water weekly for any changes that could affect a person's health. If water monitoring tests reveal unusually high levels of bacteria, tours will be canceled, and we will do our best to accommodate everyone on a future tour.
• LA River Expeditions has not had any notable reported health incidents due to river water since we began running tours in 2011. Nonetheless, we take safety seriously. There are ample supplies of anti-bacterial sanitizers, plus fresh water to wash off with at the end of your tour.
• Additional information about water quality and testing from the Los Angeles Department of Sanitation

Where shoud I park?

• Your Welcome Packet contains detailed parking and meeting location directions.

What if my trip is canceled?

• The trips are sometimes canceled due to poor weather or water quality. If that happens, we will work with you to reschedule you for another tour as soon as possible.

What is your cancellation policy?

• We do not offer refunds. Please plan ahead so you aren't late and don't get lost. We can accomodate transfers to another date on a case by-case-basis.
• * Event dates, times, and venues are subject to change at the discretion of the organizer , sometimes with little notice. It is the responsibility of the ticket holder to verify any changes prior to the event. Any changes will be communicated by email via Eventbrite. Please be sure to check your spam folder!

After I get my tickets, how do find out everything else I'll need to know?

• You will receive a confirmation email with a link to our "Welcome Packet". It contains important information inlucluding: 2 waivers that must be signed by all participants; detailed schedule, directions & parking recommendations; suggestions on what to wear & what to bring (+what not bring). The Welcome Packet will also be included in an additional email the day before your trip.

We look forward to seeing you soon on the LA River!