Kings River Trailhead (recgovnpsdata), categorized under Campgrounds & RV Parks due to its proximity to camping and outdoor recreation, offers a beautiful hiking experience in Lakeshore, California. Located at Lakeshore, CA 93634, this trailhead provides access to scenic trails along the Kings River.
This trailhead is known for its accessibility to beginner hikers, particularly during the fall through early spring when the weather is more favorable. The trails are lined with an abundance of wildflowers during specific times of the year, creating a vibrant and colorful hiking environment. The Kings River runs alongside the trail, providing scenic views and potential water access.
Key features and considerations:
Hikers are advised to bring extra water or be prepared to filter river water, as the trails are mostly exposed to sunlight. The remote location requires careful driving along a narrow, winding dirt road, with downhill traffic having the right of way. The trail leads to destinations like Garlic Falls, offering opportunities for longer hikes.
Kings River Trailhead offers a unique hiking experience, combining natural beauty with the potential for wildlife encounters. It is ideal for those seeking a scenic and relatively accessible outdoor adventure.
Hiking
This is a great trail for a beginner! Best to do this in the Fall through early spring. There is a lot of poison oak on the trail so wear pants and long sleeves or be really careful. The trail is maintained up to Spring Creek, past that it is not maintained and hard to follow.
I hiked this trail for the first time on 03/27/22. For the entirety of the trail, I was very hard pressed to find a patch of grass not covered in some type of wildflower species. The wildflowers are absolutely gorgeous this time of year and line both sides of the trail greeting passerbys with a myriad of vibrant colors. The Kings River is just a stones throw away and runs alongside the trail as it meanders further into the mountains. There are some shady spots, but for the most part, this trail is exposed. It's recommended to do this trail early in the mornings or when the weather cools down again. Bring extra water or be prepared to filter water from the Kings. We encountered a harmless gopher snake sunbathing right on the path. A gentle nudge and he was away, off into the thick brush. I will attempt to reach Garlic Falls next time. I had my dog with me this time around and she wasn't doing well in the heat, so we turned around when we reached the first copse of pines where Fox Canyon runs to. The only downside (though the more I reflect on it..it may be an upside) is the road to get here is 10 miles long, winding, dirt and very narrow at times. This is only after you drive the twisting road from Pine. Please remember that those going down have the right of way.
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Sierra National Forest with us as we hike a section of the iconic Kings River Trail! Enjoy breathtaking views of the powerful Kings River as it carves its way through the landscape. This trail offers a fantastic experience for hikers of all levels. We also briefly discuss the nearby and more challenging Fox Canyon Trail for those seeking a greater adventure.