Elysian Valley_Los Angeles River Kayak Tours_2026_SUNDAYS

See nature in Los Angeles while paddling for miles in light rapids (yes, you heard 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 make this a one-of-a-kind, bucket list experience. Summer 2026 is your chance to check off this unforgettable experience.

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 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 (our Sepulveda Basin tours are best for that.) Also, consider our other location if you have a medical condition that could be compromised. Our kayaks have a weight limit of approximately 215 pounds, for the safety of our participants. Kids ten years old and over are fine as long as they're fairly athletic and have paddled before.

We reserve the right to restrict participation for any safety reasons. There is a strict no-refund policy though we can sometimes accommodate with a more appropriate trip.

See FAQs below to see other questions answered.