Mid Sierra Musings: Views Along the Kings River Above Pine Flat Reservoir

Dale Matson

Click On Photographs To Enlarge

Pine Flat Reservoir
Note: please excuse the dust on the sensor. I need to clean it.

From Fresno California, we took Highway 180 to Piedra Road just past Centerville. You will pass Avocado Lake. When you meet Trimmer Springs Road, take a right and drive to the end. Trimmer Springs Road is the main road along the north shore of Pine Flat Reservoir.

Over 20 years ago Sharon and I went with two of our sons and their uncle above Pine Flat for a float in inflatable kayaks. I’m not saying it was the same as our recent visit but the rapids were more than enough for me to never float the Kings River again.

Notice Sharon Has A Smile But Not Me!

We Dumped Twice

Get Me Out Of Here!

We recently visited the same area and drove to the end of the road just beyond were we put in years ago. It took us about 3 hours from Fresno but we were taking photographs along the way. The water levels were high, the current was fast and the water was cold and turbulent. The “Kings River Expedition” kayak company had a row of kayaks set along the riverbank in a calmer area. The guides were waiting for a busload of adventurers. I gave the sign of the cross as we passed by them.

We started our hike at the end of the road, which is 8 miles from the bridge on the north shore. There is a broad trail that begins after the gate, which initially could be traveled by an OHV if there was access. As we continued on the trail split. The broader trail continued climbing and eventually ended further up. We took the “Angler’s Trail” which remained along the river. At this point both the South and Middle Forks of the Kings have already merged. After about 2 miles we turned around and headed back to the truck for lunch along the roaring river. It was a hot day but there is a breeze created by the rushing water and we sat on a rock in the shade.

After lunch we decided at the bridge to drive the 3 paved miles to Balch camp, which is a PGE employee village. As we drove toward Balch Camp, we followed the North Fork of the Kings River upstream where it is joined by Dinkey Creek in Balch Camp. Further above Balch Camp the North Fork comes out of the Black Rock Reservoir. As far as I know, Pine Flat and Black Rock are the only reservoirs on the Kings River. Pine Flat is enormous at 1 million acre-feet.

I used my Sony A7R2 and the Sony GM 24-70 2.8 lens for the photographs.

My only caveat is to be very careful near the shoreline of the Kings River. If you or your children get caught up in the current it could be fatal.