North Fork Bridge to Lake Kaweah

This is the easiest part of the Kaweah above the reservoir and has many sections suitable for beginners with idyllic flatwater canals under overhanging trees. But then the pretty flatwater is seperated by very pretty, big serious rapids. Even the easy floating sections have a few lurking short but steep little drops with big holes. Still, strong beginners with river experience do get escorted down by Kaweah regulars, especially at lower flows. But... they have an exciting time! From the NF bridge the river starts off pretty flat and scenic, but with occasional short steep drops.  The lines down the drops are easy, generally on one side or the other, but on several a big hole occupies the center of river. Be in the right place and it is smooth and easy, but be in the wrong spot and its Glug! Glug! Glug! Holiday Rapid, near the end is class 4 and very big, but it is easily portaged.   Love Canal is a long and very continuous class 2 or 3 rapid.   Several other rapids throughout the run are also very worthy of respect. Getting There: Take Highway 99 then turn east on Highway 198 through Visalia towards Three Rivers.   The routes is Freeway or excellent highway for all of the distance. Take-out: At the upper end of Terminus Reservoir is a lake access area.  There is plenty of parking, toilets, and no fee. Put-in: Most of the roadside around the NF Bridge is posted for no parking, so boaters have to be creative. Most people actually launch upstream near the gas station across from the school. They launch downstream of the big rapid there. Other Information Sources: The Kaweah River Page created by Bill Pooley has the best and most up-to-date information about the river. California Creeks Kaweah-River.com where you can find this handy little river map. Local Clubs: For more information on this and other local paddling areas, please feel free to contact these local clubs:  NEW Kayak Club,  Gold Country Paddlers. SJPaddlers,