Overview
- Location: Western Sierra foothills near Three Rivers, CA (Sequoia National Park area)
- Length: Classic run is ~9 miles (Paradise Beach to Lake Kaweah)
- Class: IV–V (steep, technical, for advanced/experts)
- Season: Late April–June (short, intense season—depends on snowmelt; may flow as early as March in big snow years)
- Best Flow: 800–2,000 cfs for kayaks; optimal for rafts is 1,200–1,800 cfs
Classic Whitewater Run
Section: Paradise Beach to Lake Kaweah
- Put-In: Paradise Beach (just upstream of Three Rivers, easy parking and river access)
- Take-Out: Terminus Dam/Lake Kaweah (just above the reservoir; be sure to exit before the flatwater)
- Distance: ~9 miles (can be shortened; Hospital Rock Run upstream is even steeper)
Major Rapids (In Downriver Order)
- Powerhouse (IV)
- First major rapid, sharp drops, technical entrance.
- Suicide Falls (IV+)
- Steep drop, complex boulders, usually scouted from the road.
- Chute (IV+)
- Tight chute, strong current, watch for rocks.
- Drop Zone (V)
- Steep, multi-drop rapid, technical moves.
- Cables (IV)
- Watch for remnants of old cable across the river.
- Anticipation (IV)
- Lead-in to a series of rapids, read-and-run but scout if new.
- Upper Slicky (IV+)
- Fast and technical.
- Lower Slicky (IV)
- Immediately follows Upper Slicky, tight boulder moves.
- Cement Slide (IV+)
- S-turn slide over smooth granite, scout for changes.
- Holiday Rock (IV)
- Large rock center, boof to avoid wrap.
- Cochran’s Falls (V)
- The most challenging rapid, steep technical, scout/portage on left if needed.
- Lewis’ Leap (IV+)
- Big final drop, fun finish!
Other Runs on the Kaweah
Hospital Rock (Upper Kaweah)
- Class: V+ (very advanced, short, steep section above Paradise Beach; rarely run except by experts)
Lower Kaweah (Lake Section)
- Class: II–III, but short and usually not done except as a float.
Planning Your Trip
1. Flows & Season
- Check flows: Dreamflows Kaweah
- Short season: Typical best flows late April–early June, depending on snowpack.
- Above 2,000 cfs: Rapids become extremely pushy; caution advised.
2. Permits & Fees
- No permits required for private trips.
- Parking: Some access points may have day-use fees (esp. in Three Rivers or near Lake Kaweah).
3. Shuttles
- Easy shuttle: Paradise Beach to Lake Kaweah along Hwy 198.
- Drive time: ~10–15 minutes each way.
4. Gear
- Creek boat or river runner kayak (not recommended for inflatables)
- Helmet, PFD, paddle, throw rope, pin kit, first aid kit
- Wetsuit or drysuit (water is cold!)
- Repair kit, water, snacks
5. Safety
- Scout major rapids—especially Suicide Falls, Drop Zone, Cement Slide, and Cochran’s Falls.
- Travel with a skilled group; rescue is difficult, road is nearby but steep banks.
- Watch for undercuts, logs, and changes—rapids can shift after winter storms.
- Exit the river before the lake; don’t paddle into Lake Kaweah (strong currents, no easy exit).
Sample Itinerary
- 8:30 am: Meet at Lake Kaweah (take-out), leave shuttle vehicle.
- 9:00 am: Drive to Paradise Beach put-in, gear up, scout early rapids.
- Morning: Run major rapids, scout as needed.
- Midday: Snack break after Cement Slide.
- Afternoon: Finish run, take out at Lake Kaweah before flatwater.
Local Resources & Further Info
- American Whitewater Kaweah Page
- Dreamflows – Kaweah Flow Reports
- Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce
- US Army Corps of Engineers – Lake Kaweah
Rapid Reference Table
| Rapid Name | Class | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Powerhouse | IV | Technical, early warning |
| Suicide Falls | IV+ | Steep, complex boulders |
| Chute | IV+ | Tight and pushy |
| Drop Zone | V | Steep, multi-stage, scout! |
| Cables | IV | Beware old cables |
| Anticipation | IV | Lead-in for continuous section |
| Upper Slicky | IV+ | Fast, technical moves |
| Lower Slicky | IV | Immediate follow-up rapid |
| Cement Slide | IV+ | S-turn over granite slide |
| Holiday Rock | IV | Boof right, avoid center rock |
| Cochran’s Falls | V | Scout or portage, hardest rapid |
| Lewis’ Leap | IV+ | Big, fun finish |
Pro Tips
- Water rises and falls quickly—always check Dreamflows before leaving home!
- Steep, continuous, and cold—Kaweah is a true “creek boating” experience.
- Popular with advanced kayakers, rarely rafted except by expert groups.
- After your run, enjoy Three Rivers for food, drink, and riverside hangouts!