From Orange County, what's the closest river where one can Kayak?

Question

Beginner to intermediate. Just a place to go have some fun without driving a couple of hours.

Answer 1

Coyote Creek, Santa Ana River, San Gabriel River. Those are the only options within a couple hours, but you may want to put casters on the bottom because they are only about 6 inches deep.

Answer 2

Ditto on the above answers.  I live in southern OC, moved here from the Midwest a little over 3 years ago.  I paddled mostly lakes and slow rivers up to Class I / II back there.  There are no rivers that you 1. CAN paddle (too shallow, or dry), let alone, 2. would WANT to paddle in OC.  

Think about the runoff, the polluted sewer water that drains towards the ocean and closes down beaches.  Guess how it gets there?  The OC rivers!  At least, what used to be rivers that the lovely county and state have turned into gigantic concrete drainage ditches.   Yep, those used to be actual rivers.

If you want a quiet water paddling experience in non-salty water, the Colorado is the only river to go to.  I've done it a bunch of times, and as long as it isn't a hot summer weekend, you'll have a peaceful time.  

Paddling Newport Harbor can be fun - we've paddled canoes & kayaks in there, and there is wildlife!

Answer 3

Forget finding a river until you are practiced and head for the protected waters of the marinas at the beach.

A launch ramp is available at Sunset Aquatic Marina, including 24-hour tow vehicle and trailer parking. 2901-A Edinger Avenue. 714-846-0179.

You can also launch at Balboa Island by Newport and explore the inland marinas there. I had a lot of fun paddling around the rich people's docks myself!