California has a lot
of well known classic rivers. One that often flies under the radar is
the
Upper North Fork Kaweah
(updated with larger images).
It has a lot of the quintessential California characteristics; a hike
in, granite slides and wilderness scenery. What's unusual is that the
Upper North Fork Kaweah is not just for the über kayakers.
It's mostly a class IV run with some larger rapids, and any rapid can
be portaged with relative ease. In 2010 the trail was in good shape. It
seems that since then the park service has abandoned the "trail" which
is really an old Civilian Conservation Corps road. Quite a shame
because if a few spots were filled in and the brush was cleared it
would still be passable for a vehicle. Quite a testament to the quality
of work that CCC did.
I've taken the trail on as a personal project. It's a unique piece of
water that should see more use than it does. Three days in and I'm
finally getting close to the put in. Mouse over for a before and after
of the trail.
