The Los Angeles River: East San Fernando Valley (Excerpt)

Greeting fellow Canine Angelenos!


In honor of the San Fernando Valley's first ever CicLAVia event, I've taken an excerpt from my previous blog about the LA River as it runs through the East Valley along the route of Sunday's festivities.

To see all of my LA River stories visit my blog or my website.

I can't wait to walk down the middle of Lankershim and Ventura!





* Coldwater Canyon Bl. to Whitsett Ave.

There is no official access to this section of the river, but in 2016 this will be known as the Zev Yaroslavsky L.A. River Greenway Trail. Also, negotiations are under way with developers of the Whitsett Golf Course to possibly create the L.A. River Natural Park. The all volunteer organization Save L.A. River Open Space is working hard to preserve this area; The Valley's last 16 acres of unprotected open space along the river.

There is unofficial access on the North side from Alcove Ave. (south of Woodbridge St.) to the golf course on Bellaire Ave.

There is also unofficial access on the South side stretching from the parking lot Behind Jerry's Deli to Whitsett Ave.



* Whitsett Ave. to Laurel Canyon Bl.

On the South side, the L.A. River Greenway Park is accessible from the Whitsett Ave. bridge. 

A paved walkway runs behind some businesses and a parking lot that face Ventura Bl. About half way to Laurel Canyon, a footbridge crosses the river on Laurel Grove Ave. and provides additional access. This area has very little in the way of amenities but does provide some natural relief from the hustle and bustle of Ventura Bl. 

I need my sunglasses - this is L.A. after all.

There is unofficial access to the North side.


* Laurel Canyon Bl. to Colfax Ave.

At the intersection of Laurel Canyon and S. Valleyheart you will find The Great Toad Gate, which is the entrance to the Valleyheart Greenway Path. This short path only goes as far East as Radford Ave. but provides a nice extension to your walk in the L.A. River Greenway Park; just be very careful crossing Laurel Canyon.

We need a Great Dog Gate somewhere along the river too...

Although the path is short, the landscaping, which includes a hummingbird and butterfly garden, makes it a pleasant trek. You also can visit the Rattlesnake Wall, a giant rattlesnake sculpture that makes me very glad they really aren't that big.

His tail is around the corner!

The path ends at Radford Ave. as the river enters the CBS Television back lot. For a quick side trip, walk north on Radford and enjoy the Radford Art Walk. It's about 1/4 mile long and full of unique sculptures made by local artist.

There is only unofficial access to the North side of the river.




* Colfax Ave. to Tujunga Bl.

There are two ways to access this section from the West. You can descend the stairs on the Southeast corner of the Colfax Bridge or you can enter from the end of Dilling St., which can be reached by going North on Colfax then turning right onto Chiquita St., right onto Troost Ave., then right again onto Dilling.

From the Colfax Bridge - The Tujunga Wash merges with the river on the CBS TV lot.

A footbridge crossing the river is at the trailhead which gives you the option of walking on either side of the river. From Whitsett to the Tujunga Ave. bridge (which you'll need to cross) makes for a pleasant 1.1 loop hike. 

The South side is easier on the paws but I love a loop hike.

Also at the trailhead is a poop bag dispenser and access to another trail that heads North along the Tujunga Wash.



* Tujunga Bl. to Vineland Ave.

There is no access to the river anywhere along this stretch.



* Vineland Ave. to Cahuenga Bl.

There is no real access to the river here but that doesn't mean there's nothing fun to do.

The Central Branch of the Tujunga Wash, which gets it start near Valley Plaza in North Hollywood, joins the river here and splits Weddington Park into North and South sections.

South Weddington Park, which is only accessible by turning onto Valleyheart from Lankershim Bl., has plenty of things for a dog to do including running through plush grass, chilling under some shady trees, and digging at the gopher mounds that are everywhere in this park.

If you like digging for gophers (and who doesn't?), this is the place for you.

The park is divided into two sections by a couple of nice little league fields. The East side has a path that goes almost 1/2 mile around the park. The West side has become an unofficial off-leash area and gives you a good view of where the wash and the river merge. There are plenty of water fountains and trash cans around but no poop bag dispensers (the apartment complex across the street has some). There are public restrooms too.

The 'secret' off-leash park.

North Weddington Park is much more developed than the South and includes a Community Center, two gorgeous little league fields, a vegetable garden for teaching children about growing food, hand ball courts, picnic benches, a nice playground, and a 1/2 mile walking path that goes most of the way around the park. There are plenty of water fountains and trash cans but no poop bag dispensers. There are public restrooms here as well.

I think they should build a footbridge connecting these two parks.

This park is also only accessible from Lankershim Bl. Go North on Lankershim and take a left onto Acama St. which is about 1/4 mile up the road from Valleyheart.

The kids have their playground...and I have mine.

From here the river heads East behind the Universal City studio lot and makes its way toward Burbank - which is where we'll continue our journey in a future blog.




I hope this blog makes you realize that the L.A. River, even in the most developed areas, can be a fun place to take your pack.

See you on the river!

Chloe Canine-Angeleno