Brian, Will, Nic, Justin and I canyoneered through the North Fork of the Kings River Canyon on 8/31-0/1. We started at the top of the canyon just below the
Black Dog Reservoir at the point where the utility 4x4 road crosses the river and finished at the power plant
Watch the video of our canyoneerng trip through the entire canyon.
Watch our video blog from our 2006 canyoneering trip of the top half of the North Fork of the Kings River Canyon
The top portion of the canyon (The Gorge) is challenging with many down climbs, scrambling, jumps, rappels, swims and more. The temperature of the water was warm enough for a shortee wet suit this year but last year we were grateful for our full length warmth...so canyoneer decide with careful consideration. The water level was much lower this year, which may account for the warmer water. Algee levels were much higher, also a warmer water factor. In any case we all had full length wet suits and were never over heated
The canyon provides many long, cold swims. The water is generally deep but because it appear black underwater obstacles can not be seen. Jumper beware. This jumper hit an underwater rock and bruised/broke a couple of ribs. We met another jumper who broke an ankle. There are many stories of canyoneers who have been injured in this canyon. We rappelled on person down to check for rocks every time we were uncertain about the underwater terrain, which was most of the time. Using a body anchor this was easily done without setting up a permanent anchor.
Scrambling on boulders throughout the canyon make for hard work, challenging navigation and lots of fun. Justin, Brian, Nic and Will scramble down the upper portion of the canyon. The upper portion the canyon is great fun, challenging, fun but not nearly as spectacular as the lower part of the canyon
Brian, Justin and Nic under the boulder on the way down the upper portion of the canyon. Call it a bit of caving, but scrambling through bolders that big enough to form caves makes it feel like a spelunking trip at time.
After we rappelled down the 3 sided waterfall and completed a long swim we were treated to another canyon obstacle. The only way past was to span the rocks with our bodies and chimney past this part of the canyon
Taking a rest top/lunch break in the canyon. This beautiful spot was in the lower canyon next to a waterfall.
This canyon is filled with small and large waterfall.
Brian and Jim (Father and Son) after jimping a fun waterfall
The Canyoneering team
Will, Nic, Jim, Justin and Brian.
This was Will's and Nic's first canyoneering trip
Brian, Justin and Jim have done Zion canyon
Justin and Jim did the North Fork Kings River Canyon the previous year.
Will and Jim survey the waterfall to determine how to get around this beautiful obstacle.
Brian drops down the first of the 2 part rap. Part 1 is a 50' rap, part 2 is the 150' rap. You can see the team in front of us setting up their rap for the 150' decent.
Brian rapels the 150' waterfall. View from the top of the rap looking down canyon. To get to this rap you must rappel from the top of the waterfall to a ledge about 20 feet down and to the right (down canyon right). The ledge is big enough for 5-6 people but be sure you tie your safety tether in. This rap allows you to rappel without getting into the teeth of the waterfall
Brian rappelling the 150 ft waterfall.
Often we would be swimming and see the water drop, as shown in this picture. Nic is looking over the edge at a 90 ft waterfall.
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2 comments:
I told you it was rad!
Hi,
Nice photos--Good commentary. we were the team that had the girl with the broken ankle. I see us in one of your fotos--the one on the edge of the 150ft. fall. This is one awesome canyon.
Adrian
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