Los Angeles River

Probably one of the most abused and ridiculed rivers in America, the Los Angeles River, nevertheless, was the major reason for the location of the Pueblo when it was laid out in 1769. Explorers commented on the beauty of the river and its environs. Furthermore,it served as the only water supply of Los Angeles for 133 years, until 1913 when the Los Angeles Aqueduct was completed.

The beginnings of the river have always been of some dispute; perhaps it is sufficient to say here that it rises in the mountains above the San Fernando Valley, flows through the Valley and downtown area, and joins the Pacific at Long Beach.

While it is dry during much of the summer it can quickly become a raging and very dangerous torrent in the rainy season. For that reason, much of the river is contained by a concrete channel that protects the city from its rampages. And, of course, has taken away much of the natural beauty of the river. Only where the river retains its natural bottom has some of the beauty been allowed to return.

L.A. River Virtual Tour