Cedar Grove | American Whitewater

River Description

Boating on this section of the SF Kings is not allowed by Sequoia - Kings Canyon National Park regulations. See: Seki boating. However, we wish to document the potential for boating this reach, so that future discussions of boating can have a solid basis.

When viewed for many roadside access points the river is flat water or wide shallow riffles. This is surprising given the high gradient of 61 feet per mile. Given such a gradient, even moderate flows will produce very fast and continuous current.

It is our understanding that this section of river is off limits to boating because the seeming benign appearance makes it attractive and dangerous to the thousands of campers along the river who have no experience with the actual hazards of fast, very cold currents and frequent log strainers. However, once flows drop down, those same campers flock into the river for wading, fishing, swimming and floating.

It seems possible that there may be a window of opportunity with some moderate flows for boaters to enjoy the river without encouraging campers to endanger themselves.

AW is grateful that there is no blanket ban on all boating in the park. Most rivers in the park are so obviously steep and have such difficult access that only very experienced experts are tempted to boat them.

River Features

Put In

Distance: 0 mi

Roads End

Class: IDistance: 2.16 mi

Access Point

There are separate parking areas for dayhikers and overnight backpackers. It is a short hike from the parking area to the river.

Highway Bridge

Class: IVDistance: 4.4 mi

Access Point

The river makes a sharp right turn and a highway bridge comes into view. A class 3 to 4 rapids leads down to the bridge. There is a large dirt parking area on river right downstream of the bridge.