The River House and River Walk of Studio City, Take This Tour of the L.A. River

Do you have a question about Studio City? How do you get that tree stump removed? When will those pipes be fixed? Community activist Lisa Sarkin is answering questions about the history, government and problems in our area in this You Ask..Studio City Patch Answers column. She often knows who to call, and where to go to get things done. Send your questions to   or leave it in the COMMENTS section below. Thanks!

Was there really such a thing as a River Power House in Studio City, what happened to it?

Yes.   It was between Tujunga and Colfax Avenues and was washed out during the 1938 Hundred Year Flood.  You may see a remnant of it just west of Tujunga Avenue on the north side of the river channel.

Where may I walk along the Los Angeles River in Studio City?

There are several unofficial paths taken along the river in Studio City.  Officially, below are the walking directions to the maintained areas.  The Great Toad Gate was part of a project children from took part in.

It was designed by artist Lahni Baruck, based on a drawing by student Michael Harris.

At the south bank of the L.A. River on the Laurelgrove Avenue footbridge turn left and descend the ramp into the Los Angeles River Greenway Park. This small linear park, which opened in 2004, occupies the southern bank of the L.A. River. The park features extensive river-rock ramps, a series of clever rock seating areas and native landscaping. All are welcoming and enjoyable walking area.

Continue walking downstream and ascend the ramp at the Laurel Canyon Boulevard Bridge. Turn left onto the sidewalk, crossing the bridge. Turn right onto the crosswalk and then turn right on the sidewalk.

From the downstream side of the bridge, you get a good view of the weir on the south side of the river at Laurel Canyon Boulevard. Weirs are placed at some river confluences with large storm drains. In this case the structure drains the Laurel Canyon hillsides. To prevent local flooding, the weir spreads out the tributary flow entering the river.

Turn left into the Great Toad Gate. You have just entered the Valleyheart Greenway, a joint project of the County of Los Angeles and The River Project. This mini-park opened in 2004, with additional art features added in 2005.

Descend the ramp and chose the high path or low path to continue walking downstream. On your right is the Rattlesnake Wall, a river rock retaining wall designed as a gigantic rattlesnake. The rocks are engraved with the names of students and others who worked on this park.

A few steps farther is the Butterfly Garden. The site features beds of various California native flowers, which attract butterflies. The various beds of the garden are in the shape and pattern of a butterfly’s wing. Check out the beautiful Butterfly Bench.  It is also designed by artist Lahni Baruck, and includes a quote from Henry David Thoreau.

Continue downstream, and then ascend the ramp to Radford Avenue.  Turn left, walk across the Radford Avenue Bridge.  Look downstream from the bridge (into the CBS Studio Center) you can see the river water gathering into the low-flow channel. The low-flow channel in the middle of the river is provided to focus the water’s gradual erosive power into a small area that is easier to maintain and repair.

Continue north over the Radford Avenue bridge to view the containing works by Studio City resident artist Karl Johnson. The sculptures continue all the way to Moorpark Street. Then turn around and retrace your path back to the Laurelgrove Avenue Footbridge or walk back along Ventura Boulevard.  Enjoy this unique view of Studio City and the L.A. River.