Kings River near Lemoore, CA

Trip Overview

Another coronavirus paddle...... It's our way of getting out, and we do not get near anyone; even taking separate vehicles and staying minimum 6 feet apart. Doug S. and I did our Lake Kaweah paddles in the past 2 weeks, but alas, too many people also used the area for hiking, get-togethers, fishing, etc.; prompting the shut down of all camp grounds, boat ramps and hiking access. With nowhere to go, we talked about paddling in the Kings River branch that flows under Hwy. 198 west of Lemoore. As we later learned, this stretch of 15 or so miles of river does not actually flow at this time, but there is water because it is such a low spot and is fed by ground water. (Thanks to the fisherman who knew the area well!) The river area is approx. 200-300 yards wide. Above the banks on both sides, there nothing but farmland for miles. It was an interesting paddle as the river meanders and the banks are filled with Tule reeds. Lining the top of the banks were many oaks and even a few palms. We noticed a heron, a cormorant, several types of ducks, many sparrows and half a dozen overflights by serious Navy jets flying out of Lemoore NAS. We put in at Jackson Avenue and paddled into the wind, and what we thought was up current. Turns out, no current. We paddled north for approximately 2 1/2 to 3 miles, took out at the railroad bridge for a stretch and a snack, and headed back. (The map below covers the area we paddled) We plan to return and go the other direction, or maybe start at Stratford and go north from there. Perhaps, when we can safely share space in a vehicle, we'll do a drop at one end and paddle the length. Thanks again to Doug for always wanting to try something new, and travel the blue highways.