FAQs

  • Yes, the Kaweah River and Lake Kaweah are open year-round for angling; our rivers are home to rainbow trout and Lake Kaweah has Largemouth bass, Rainbow trout, Bluegill, Brown trout, Channel catfish.   

    You can purchase fishing permits and supplies at our Three Rivers Mercantile. 

    Kaweah Marina offers boat rentals by the hour. 

    Fishermap has local locations and types of fish in the area.

  • Yes, even in drought years, water flows on the main fork of the Kaweah River.  Our rivers are fed by the Sierra Nevada snowpack, so when temperatures start to warm in April into May, the river begins to rise and our lake begins to fill.

    Here is a great resource for swimming, and in general visiting the area:

    My backyard and beyond.

    Our rafting season is typically late-May through early-July (class 3-5 rapids), but dependent on that winter's snowpack.

    Here is some info for river rafting:

    kaweah-river.com

    All Outdoors

    You’ll see the river throughout the four seasons, from tranquil to raging on our Moments page.

  • Rarely.  We are located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains at 1200ft, so our winters are mild, with daily winter highs in the 50s and 60s, with snow rarely sticking below 2000ft.

    Does it snow in the Park?  Yes!  We are just a few miles from the entrance to the Sequoia National Park, so when you drive up to see the Giant Sequoias that only grow above 5500ft, it becomes a winter wonderland, usually late-December through early January, after our first winter storms.  While we don’t have skiing locally, a winter day trip up into the Park is an opportunity to stroll, snowshoe or hike through the majestic Sequoias.

    Sequoia in the Winter

    And then come down the mountain and enjoy S’mores around our riverside fire pit.   

  • Yes, though sightings are rare.  Black bears (Ursus americanus) are an integral part of the Sierra ecosystem and range throughout both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks - where they forage for natural foods - digging up roots in meadows, ripping apart logs, and peering into tree cavities for food.   

    The black bears are known to be quite timid, and when they see humans, will go out of their way to avoid. We do not have grizzly bears in our parks.  If you see a bear while hiking, park rangers would tell you to look big, raise your arm, stand your ground and yell at the bear to “Back Off!”.  NOTE: Bear spray is illegal in our national park. 

    Sequoia bear info

    You’ll see some bear videos we’ve captured over the years on our Moments page.

  • Best local hike is the Salt Creek trail.

    Here are others in the park:

    Alltrails for Sequoia National Park

    National Park Service hikes

  • How to build your Campfire:

    Smokey the Bear

    The Absolute Best Way to Make S'mores:

    Food52