Tule River Canyon

The Middle Fork of the Tule River flows through the southern portion of the monument. The landscape is characterized by steep canyon walls, dramatic rock features, and views to high elevation ridgelines. The river forms a series of cascades, waterfalls, and deep pools carved from granite bedrock that are popular for day trips. Camping is allowed at higher elevations in
developed campgrounds. 

Tule River. Three forks of the Tule River drain the high mountain tops of the Great Western Divide to form Lake Success, a reservoir managed by the Army Corps of Engineers located five miles above the city of Porterville. The North and the Middle Fork split above the foothill community of Springville. Highway 190 travels alongside the Middle Fork Tule River and Balch Park Road follows the North Fork.

The North and Middle Forks of the Tule River offer visitors great fishing, hiking, camping, and picnicking opportunities in a ruggedly beautiful canyon setting. In the lower canyon, Lower and Upper Coffee Camp day use areas provide parking, restrooms, and picnic sites. Overnight camping is allowed at developed campgrounds; Wishon, Belknap, and Coy Flat.

Belknap Grove Complex lines the upper reaches of the Middle fork of the Tule River and is easy to reach by car from May through mid-November. It includes the Wheel Meadow, McIntyre, and Belknap Groves with beautiful old-growth sequoias. The Nelson Trail (Forest Trail 31E30) travels along the river from Belknap Campground to Quaking Aspen where the Middle Fork of the Tule River originates.