The Malden River is a 2.3-mile-long waterway flanked by the cities of Malden, Medford, and Everett, Massachusetts, and is part of the larger Mystic River watershed. It is a tidal river, though its flow is regulated by the Amelia Earhart Dam. For paddlers, the river is the only body of water within the city of Malden that allows for the launch of personal watercraft like kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. The primary public access point is the boat launch at Rivergreen Park in Everett, located at 1 Rivergreen Drive. This city-maintained launch features a concrete walkway and steps leading to a rock-covered launch area. Parking is available, including accessible spaces, and the site has amenities like trash cans and benches, though no bathroom facilities are present at the launch itself. An alternative launch point exists at the Modera parking lot in Medford. A significant development is the Malden River Works Waterfront Park project, which is under construction and slated to open for public access in Summer 2026, promising future additional access.

A key consideration for paddlers is water quality due to the river's history of industrial use. A comprehensive human health risk assessment completed in 2019 concluded that health risks, including for cancer, are negligible for recreational boating on the river, providing a scientific basis for safe paddling. The river's aesthetic is one of ongoing urban reclamation, with former industrial sites being transformed into parks and greenways. The shoreline features a mix of active redevelopment and existing infrastructure like the Medford Street bridge. Paddlers share the space with a marked 3.2-mile multi-use loop trail along the edges for cyclists and pedestrians. The river's relatively short length and confined urban setting limit significant wind fetch, but paddlers should be mindful of tidal currents and potential boat traffic, especially as it connects to the larger Mystic River system. All personal watercraft users are required by Massachusetts state law to have a life jacket or personal flotation device on board.