This urban stroll along the L.A. River includes a prime picnicking spot

Much has been made of the greening of the Los Angeles River, especially in the areas between Griffith Park and downtown L.A. But the river has steadily been getting improvements upstream, too.

This is a very pleasant urban stroll along a section of the flood control channel as it passes across the southern end of the San Fernando Valley. It also offers a few choice spots for a shady picnic, if you’re having lunch in the area.

1. Start this walk in Sherman Oaks, near the intersection of Fulton Avenue and Valleyheart Drive. On the southeast corner of that intersection, find the entrance to a landscaped riverside walk as it descends from street level.

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2. Follow the riverside path as it passes seating areas and informational signs depicting the flora and fauna found here.

A view of the Los Angeles River North Valleyheart Riverwalk as seen from Coldwater Canyon.

(Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

3. Leave the river as the path bends upward and deposits you on Coldwater Canyon Avenue. Turn left, walk across the bridge, and re-enter the riverwalk by turning left again just before you get to the corner – taking a sloping ramp back down below street level.

4. Follow the path along the northern side of the waterway.

5. Exit the riverside area by following the walkway back up to street level, to the right, and landing on Fulton Avenue. Walk to the right, to the corner of Moorpark Street. Cross Fulton to the left. Then cross Moorpark, and continue walking one block on Fulton, with the river at your back.

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A poppy grows along the San Fernando Valley’s L.A. River Walk in Los Angeles.

  (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

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Kevin Ackad relaxes and enjoys the view overlooking the Los Angeles Riverwalk in Studio City.

  (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

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Informational signs depicting the flora and fauna at the Los Angeles River North Valleyheart Riverwalk in Los Angeles.

  (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

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The Los Angeles River North Valleyheart Riverwalk in Los Angeles is a scenic place for a walk.

  (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

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The Los Angeles River North Valleyheart Riverwalk in Los Angeles is a scenic place for a walk.

  (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

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The mosaic mural of a steelhead trout created by artist Kevin Carman decorates the L.A. River Walk in Studio City.

  (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

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Students run along the San Fernando Valley’s L.A. River Walk.

  (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

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Jerry Beber walks along the Los Angeles River North Valleyheart Riverwalk in Los Angeles.

  (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

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A view of the Los Angeles River North Valleyheart Riverwalk as seen from Coldwater Canyon.

  (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

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George and Michelle Bachoian and their dog Patron take a walk at the L.A. River Walk in Los Angeles.

  (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

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A man runs along the San Fernando Valley’s L.A. River Walk in Los Angeles.

  (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

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Buffy Dakan strolls along the San Fernando Valley’s L.A. River Walk in Los Angeles.

  (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

6. Turn left onto Valleyheart Drive North. Walk four short blocks to Sunnyslope Avenue. Then turn left, and cross the river on an unusual, narrow pedestrian bridge.

7. Turn right off the bridge into the cul-de-sac end of Rye Street. Turn left after one short block onto Allott Avenue. Then turn left right away onto Moorpark Avenue.

8. Walk back to Fulton Avenue, turn right, and you’ll find yourself back at the starting point.

The stats

Distance: 2.3 miles

Difficulty: 1 on a scale of 1 to 5

Duration: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Details: Dogs on leash welcome. Nearest buses: Metro 150, 167, 240.

Fleming is the author of “Secret Stairs: A Walking Guide to the Historic Staircases of Los Angeles” and “Secret Walks: A Walking Guide to the Hidden Trails of Los Angeles.” Each month, he leads a free walk at one of his favorite spots in Southern California. Find out more at his Facebook page, Secret Stairs. He can also be reached at charles.fleming@latimes.com.

Twitter: @misterfleming

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