Kaweah River

THE RAPIDS:
Fast and continuous Class IV+ thrills to challenge experienced rafters

There's no stopping once you begin a Kaweah River trip. The river rushes through boulder-choked passageways punctuated by powerful hydraulics. Some rapids are long while others are sudden and extreme. Just remaining in the raft can represent an accomplishment on this lively run! Technical and deft maneuvering is required to successfully navigate many rapids. Consider yourself a master paddler after tackling the Kaweah!

THE RIVER SCENERY:
Low hills in a sparsely populated area with a snowcapped mountain backdrop

The Kaweah's canyon is low and open. Its riverbanks are made up of private lands and homes and are largely hidden by multitudes of willow and alder saplings. The gentle rolling hills beyond the river canyon explode in greenery and the colors of wildflowers. A quick look upriver exposes the crowning peaks of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park where the Kaweah originates.

LOCATION:
Two miles west of Sequoia National Park

Four hours from San Francisco, and three and a half-hours from Los Angeles, the Kaweah is the most southern river All-Outdoors runs. Nearby highways include 99, 198, and 65.

TYPICAL RAFTING SEASON:
mid-April - June*

The Kaweah is a free-flowing river. With no upstream dams, the river depends on snowmelt for its flows. The Kaweah begins to run when the snow begins to melt in the mountains. Flows generally peak around Memorial Day.

* Season length and flows may vary. For this year's flow predictions and real-time water levels go to the River Flows page.

MEALS:
A Variety of Restaurant Delights

Kaweah trips offer an unusual and fun meal opportunity–lunch at a restaurant along the river! Burgers, BLTs, and turkey sandwiches–you order what you want and we pick up the tab! Sit back, dry out, and enjoy a meal on the deck while the river flows by your feet.

If you have special dietary requirements, we encourage you to tell us at the time of your reservation. We will do our very best to accommodate your needs.

GUEST INVOLVEMENT:
How You Participate in Rafting the River

During normal water flows, All-Outdoors operates paddle rafts on the Kaweah. In a paddle raft, each guest and a professional guide have a paddle and navigate the river working as a coordinated team. In high water situations, we may opt to run oar-paddle combination boats (a professional guide steers the raft with oars while simultaneously calling commands to paddlers). All guests should be able to swim.