The Kaweah (pronounced GA-we-hah) pours out of the gigantic 13,000-foot peaks of Sequoia National Park and flows for 20 miles down to Lake Kaweah, forming one of the steepest runs in the State of California. It is also one of the wildest, most demanding Class IV+ rivers in the state, and many rafting companies ask that paddlers sign up for this trip with some prior experience. The powerful hydraulics and tight slalom shoots require that the paddling crew on board is active with good maneuvering skills.

Although this trip is not for novice rafters, the rafting companies listed above promise a safe experience down the river, and will provide plenty of instruction to prepare paddlers for the wild rides ahead.

This river is easily accessible for those living in Southern California and San Francisco Bay, and is about a 3 – 4 hour drive from these major metropolitan areas. The river basin is in a broad, arid valley and was once inhabited by the Yokut people. They named the river Kaweah to mean “crow” or “raven cry” in their native language.

The Kaweah is the perfect whitewater rafting trip for those looking for a true adrenaline rush during their trip down the river.