Upper North Fork Kaweah River Introduction
By: Jef Levin
| Rating: 3-C2 V ***** Time: 2 full days Season: Low summer flows. After mid-July most years Number of Raps: 9 or 10 plus 10 jumps Longest Rap: ~85ft Gear:3x 100ft rope, 130ft webbing, 10 rapides, wetsuit, neoprene gloves, technical canyoneering gear Rubber: At least 4mm/3mm Hazards: This is a remote canyon, rescue would not be easy. Some raps in waterfalls, natural anchors. Going in there with more than low summer flows would not be advisable. |
Vehicle: Carefully driven passenger car or high clearance 2WD Car Shuttle: About 23mi Approach: 3.5mi Exit: 3/4mi + 800 vertical feet |
Introduction:
The North Fork Kaweah is formed by the confluence of Stony and Dorst Creeks in Sequoia National Park. Either can be used as an approach, but Dorst Creek is the recommended route. Stony Creek has more brush, downclimbs, and a rappel just before the confluence. From the Stony/Dorst confluence to the end of the route it's 3 1/2 miles with an elevation loss of about 1800'.
Although it is possible to escape the canyon at numerous points, doing so would involve much bushwacking and elevation gain. Much of the canyon involves enjoyable boulder hopping and streambed walking in between the technical sections. Entering the canyon at anything other than low summer flows of a few cfs would prove difficult at several spots. In a low water year, the canyon should be doable probably by mid July or so.
It might be best to allow 2 full days to get through the canyon, and a 3rd day to hike out, pick up the car, and drive home.
All of the jumps can optionally be set up as rappels.
As the road to the trailhead is not always maintained, it may be advisable especially in the early season to bring a saw, machete, and rope in case of downed trees. On rare occasions, the locals have been known to lock the gate on the road, even though it is a public road.
Full route descriptions with driving directions, canyon play-by-plays and more are available to Sierra Canyons members. Membership to the site is by invitation. Sierra Canyons members can invite new members or from time to time you may request an invitation from the site adminstrators. You may ask members for an invitation on the forums or check the sidebar for invitation requests.
