Los Angeles River

river, California, United States

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July 17, 2026

Quick Summary

The Los Angeles River is a waterway in Los Angeles County, California. It flows from the San Fernando Valley eastward and southward to the Pacific Ocean. Historically, the river's course has shifted due to major floods, most notably in 1825, which permanently altered its path to flow south into San Pedro Bay instead of west into Santa Monica Bay.

Much effort has been dedicated to controlling the river's flow by confining it within concrete channels. In recent times, there have been initiatives to restore parts of the river, transforming sections of the concrete channel into wetlands, parks, and trails. The river's watershed was crucial for the city's early development and expansion.12

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Los Angeles
City site
…River in the north; the Los Angeles River in the south, extending from the San Fernando Valley east and south to the Pacific Ocean; and the San Gabriel River, which rises from the San Gabriel Mountains in the north and flows south to the ocean. Huge floods have periodically inundated…
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…River in the north; the Los Angeles River in the south, extending from the San Fernando Valley east and south to the Pacific Ocean; and the San Gabriel River, which rises from the San Gabriel Mountains in the north and flows south to the ocean. Huge floods have periodically inundated…
Read More