Kings River

Bird’s Eye View

A trip down the Kings River is the perfect way to turn a visit to the Sierra and Sequoia National Forests into a multi-day, multi-sport adventure extravaganza. Near Fresno and Southern California, the Kings is an excellent introductory whitewater river trip. The high volume Class III rapids are accessible for first-time rafters and plenty o’ fun for old pros too.

Kings River Whitewater Photo Gallery

The Kings in a Nutshell

Difficulty: Class III

Gradient: 30 ft/mi

Length: 10 miles

Season: Spring to mid-Summer

Put-in: Garnet Dike Campgroundl

Take-out: Kirch Flat Campground

Who should go: Rafters coming up from Southern California , families, big-water addicts.

Whitewater & Scenery

The Banzai Run is the most popular section of the Kings River. It is easy to enjoy a day of big Class III white water and roller coaster wave trains.

River Flows

Spring and early Summer is the main time to go boatin’ on the Kings River. It is dependent on snowmelt from the southern Sierra Nevada mountains.

Learn more about Kings River Flows.

Logistics

Shuttles are pretty easy, as is camping, but for first-timers, or big groups, going with a commercial rafting outfitter will make your rafting trip much more relaxing and fun.