Kings Canyon:Hwy180 over 2.5 days 7/2-7/4/12
Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2012 10:11 am
Made the drive up that dreary long road #245 from Visalia to past Hume Lake. Arrived at Yucca Point in the Sequoia National Forest(not national park) to attempt the supposed mythological journey up the Middle Fork Kings River. Descended Yucca Point via lower Tenmile Creek(the upper portion is also known as Little Utah Brown Water). A low garve V-Shaped granite bottom route, no raps done, but 2X200 rope advised. Arrived at the Middle Fork confluence about 2pm.
The Kings river was as advertised, with a the dreamflows/Rodgers crossing at 450 CFS, or about 150 CFS more as given as the maximum for travel. After being shaken up by the crossing of the South Fork, and not in search of any golden fleece or being Hercules, I went back to the car via the Yucca Point trail. Then drove down into Kings Canyon, sleeping at Sheep campground in the car to avoid the skeeters(there werent that many but I dont like even 1).
Next day, start at 8:15 am Lewis Creek trail. Travelled 1.9 miles and about 1000ft up to intersection with Hotel Creek trail. Then downhill to a tributary to Lewis and uphill again. Just before the trail resumed an uphill march, took off cross country horizontally through a burn area. Then down a steep drainage following some bear prints and a little navigation down to Lewis Creek. This route avoids a rappel in Lewis Creek. Then downstream down Lewis Creek, with canyon sections, granite creek with beginner swift water for this date. 2 raps minimum, the longest one was 75ft, but again 2x200 ropes makes more sense. Finished about 2pm.
Drove over to shortie touristy Roaring River Falls. Scrambled 150-200 ft to the top, but ya need a 30ft rope/handline to get back down to the creek above the falls. I wasnt interested in it considering the canyon was C++++(major water). Note: this one had one of the biggest potholes I have ever seen. Next day, did the same type of scramble(way more difficult and kind of scary) to above Grizzly Falls. Then explored up Boulder Creek(aka that other Roaring River Falls) a few minutes before stopped by its shortie waterfall). Both of them Roaring River impressive canyons.
Then back out stopping by the tourist stuff...plenty of people this July 4. Prices for cooked food in the National Park was about the same as Newcombs. I should have stocked up with gas in Visalia. Just to be on the safe side, I put some in at a private inholding full service only gas station(way old school gas pumps) for about $4.50 per gallon, or 85 cents above market rates along the highways.
The Kings river was as advertised, with a the dreamflows/Rodgers crossing at 450 CFS, or about 150 CFS more as given as the maximum for travel. After being shaken up by the crossing of the South Fork, and not in search of any golden fleece or being Hercules, I went back to the car via the Yucca Point trail. Then drove down into Kings Canyon, sleeping at Sheep campground in the car to avoid the skeeters(there werent that many but I dont like even 1).
Next day, start at 8:15 am Lewis Creek trail. Travelled 1.9 miles and about 1000ft up to intersection with Hotel Creek trail. Then downhill to a tributary to Lewis and uphill again. Just before the trail resumed an uphill march, took off cross country horizontally through a burn area. Then down a steep drainage following some bear prints and a little navigation down to Lewis Creek. This route avoids a rappel in Lewis Creek. Then downstream down Lewis Creek, with canyon sections, granite creek with beginner swift water for this date. 2 raps minimum, the longest one was 75ft, but again 2x200 ropes makes more sense. Finished about 2pm.
Drove over to shortie touristy Roaring River Falls. Scrambled 150-200 ft to the top, but ya need a 30ft rope/handline to get back down to the creek above the falls. I wasnt interested in it considering the canyon was C++++(major water). Note: this one had one of the biggest potholes I have ever seen. Next day, did the same type of scramble(way more difficult and kind of scary) to above Grizzly Falls. Then explored up Boulder Creek(aka that other Roaring River Falls) a few minutes before stopped by its shortie waterfall). Both of them Roaring River impressive canyons.
Then back out stopping by the tourist stuff...plenty of people this July 4. Prices for cooked food in the National Park was about the same as Newcombs. I should have stocked up with gas in Visalia. Just to be on the safe side, I put some in at a private inholding full service only gas station(way old school gas pumps) for about $4.50 per gallon, or 85 cents above market rates along the highways.
