Kings River (California)

The Upper Kings River, including the entire Middle Fork and most of the South Fork, flows through rugged landscapes accessible only by foot or horseback. The Middle and South Forks are part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, with about 65.5 miles (105.4 km) classified as wild and 15.5 miles (24.9 km) as recreational.

Rafting and kayaking on the Middle and South Forks are considered extremely dangerous and are usually done only by experts. However, the main Kings River between Garnet Dike put-in and Pine Flat Lake is popular for commercial rafting trips and private boaters.

The Kings River and its tributaries above Pine Flat Lake naturally reproduce populations of California golden trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout. Fishing access above Pine Flat Lake extends upstream to Garlic Falls; further upstream, the canyon is too narrow to safely enter except during periods of extremely low water. In the lower reaches and in the reservoir, bass and catfish are common.

Below Pine Flat Dam, the Kings River is wide and slow-moving, with trout fishing popular approximately between the dam and Highway 180; further downstream, carp, bass, and catfish are more common. The lower river is suitable for swimming, floating, and canoeing, with many public access points between the dam and Avocado Lake. Downstream, most banks are privately owned, with exceptions such as Pierces Park on Highway 180. While there are few natural barriers along the lower Kings, there are numerous diversion dams that pose hazards to boaters and must be portaged.