Natural Sandy Stretches of the LA River
Where to explore the L.A. River’s natural, sandy stretches
The Los Angeles River isn’t all concrete. Three soft-bottom segments — the Glendale Narrows, the Sepulveda Basin and the Long Beach estuary — support surprising wildlife and easy public access for nature lovers. This guide explains why those stretches survived, what you’ll see there, and where restoration efforts may lead next.
How parts of the river stayed wild
After catastrophic floods in 1938, officials channelized most of the 51-mile L.A. River with concrete between 1938 and 1960 to control flooding and enable nearby development. But engineers couldn’t pour concrete everywhere. In the Glendale Narrows a high water table and springs kept the concrete from setting; where concrete failed to lock the channel in place, soil stayed exposed, seeds rooted and plants returned. That “mistake” created pockets of natural riverbed that today host wetlands, sandbars and riparian vegetation.
Where to go and how to get there
Glendale Narrows
A 7.4-mile stretch through Glendale, Atwater, Elysian Valley and Los Angeles. Access points such as Elysian Valley Gateway Park let you walk down to the soft streambed, cross rock piles and watch birds at close range. Sunset here draws large flocks — Canada geese, herons and ibis are common.
Sepulveda Basin
In the San Fernando Valley, the Sepulveda Basin contains broad, soft-bottom reaches and large open parks. It’s family-friendly and easier to reach by car and bike trails.
Long Beach estuary
Where the river meets the ocean, the Long Beach estuary offers brackish habitats and migratory bird stopovers. Parking and boardwalks provide safe viewing areas for wildlife and tidal features.
| Feature | Concrete channel | Natural segments |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | Concrete slab | Sandy/rocky streambed with vegetation |
| Wildlife | Limited | Abundant birds, fish, crayfish and native plants |
| Flood handling | Fast conveyance downstream | Slower flow, more infiltration, localized flood plains |
What you’ll see — wildlife and moments
Visit at dusk and you may watch Canada geese land in formation, great blue herons patrol the banks, white-faced ibis balance on rocks and black-crowned night herons fumble prey. In shallow pools, bright red crayfish (crawdads) scuttle among rocks. The combination of warm shallow water, plants and nearby trees draws a surprising diversity of life to these soft-bottom stretches even within a quarter-mile of the 5 Freeway.
Why these segments matter
Natural reaches improve local biodiversity, recharge groundwater and give city residents direct access to nature. They also act as living reminders of alternative planning choices: early planners proposed an “emerald necklace” of parks and open channels along L.A.’s waterways, but the faster Army Corps approach prioritized concrete for development. The Glendale Narrows shows how small engineering limits can yield big ecological returns.
Implications and what to watch next
Complete rewilding of the entire river is unlikely because homes and infrastructure now sit close to many banks. Still, momentum is growing for targeted restoration projects, habitat improvements and community access — including local advocacy groups and partnerships working on replanting, native species nurseries, and better public trails. Watch for news from local groups such as the 100 Acre Partnership and city-county restoration plans, plus coordinated events and volunteer habitat days that open access and improve riparian health.
- Can I walk on the riverbed?
Short answer: At designated access points like Elysian Valley Gateway Park you can reach soft-bottom areas; avoid trespassing on private property and obey signage for safety. - Is the river safe from flooding if it’s rewilded?
Short answer: Restoration projects typically include flood management; rewilding aims to slow water and increase infiltration, not to restore uncontrolled flooding. - What wildlife should I expect to see?
Short answer: Common sightings include herons, ibis, ducks, coots, Canada geese, fish and crayfish—best at dawn or dusk. - Are dogs allowed?
Short answer: Rules vary by access point; many parks require dogs on leash and limit entry to sensitive habitats—check local park pages before visiting.
Practical takeaway: For a short, reliable nature fix, park at Elysian Valley Gateway Park, walk south toward the rocks that cross the channel, go at sunset and bring water, sturdy shoes and binoculars — stay on public paths, leave wildlife undisturbed, and consider joining a local river cleanup or restoration event to help preserve these rare, living stretches of the L.A. River.
Natural Sandy Stretches of the LA River
