Water Activities

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BOATING ON THE SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST

Whatever your boating choice, the Sierra National Forest provides numerous opportunities for canoeing, water skiing, sailing, fishing, windsurfing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, and house boating. For information on boating regulations make sure to check out the State of California Boating Safety website or for information on reservoir water levels, please visit our Forest Conditions page.

Several popular areas on the Forest area available for boating. Following any of these links will take you to more information on that area.

Kings River

The Kings River offers an enjoyable ten-mile rafting run with Class III and IV rapids. Rafting season is usually from late April to mid July depending on river runoff. No permit is required to raft the river. The Kings River is a 1 1/2 hour drive east of Fresno towards Pine Flat Reservoir via the Trimmer Springs Road. Put-ins are available at Winfrey Mine and Garnet Dike. Several private rafting companies provide guided trips on the Kings River, they include:

•Kings River Expeditions
•Whitewater Voyages
•Zephyr River Expeditions

Merced River

The Merced River provides excellent whitewater with Class III and IV rapids. Rafting season is usually from late April to July depending on river runoff. Permits are not required. The Merced River is a 1/2 hour drive north of Mariposa on Hwy 140. Put-ins are available Redbud, Cranberry, Briceburg and Indian Flat. Take-outs are at Briceburg, McCabe Flat, Railroad Flat, and Bagby Reservoir. Portage is mandatory at North Fork Falls. Several private rafting companies provide guided trips on the Kings River, they include:

•Ahwahnee Whitewater
•American River Recreation
•O.A.R.S. Inc.
•Whitewater Voyages
•All Outdoors Inc.
•Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions
•Arta

Redinger Lake

This lake, located on the San Joaquin River, is a popular area for water skiing and fishing. The lake is a bit difficult to get to, but once you do, you will appreciate this wonderful uncrowded area. To get there, take Hwy 41 north of Fresno to Road 222 (road to North Fork), continue on Road 222 through North Fork to the Italian Bar Road (Road 225). Follow this road approximately 10 miles to the lake. There is no fee to use the lake. The speed limit on the lake is 35 mph from 6am to 8pm, except where it is posted. Boats must operate in a counter-clockwise pattern. No overnight camping or campfires are permitted on beaches.

For information on reservoir water levels, please visit our  Alerts and Notices page.

Alerts & Warnings

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Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities