Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Three Rivers is a small California town on the banks of the Kaweah River. It was founded as a utopian community in 1886 before an artists’ colony was established in the 1960s. Today, Three Rivers serves as a gateway to the outdoor pursuits of Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park.
Things to do in Three Rivers
Learn about the people and events that have shaped the region at the Three Rivers Historical Museum, which is fronted by an impressive statue of Paul Bunyan carved from a single sequoia tree. In addition to exhibits about the area’s Native American people, it details life for early ranchers and a failed attempt by Disney to turn Mineral King into a ski resort.
Created by the building of the Terminus Dam in 1962 is Lake Kaweah, a popular recreational destination fed by the Kaweah River. In addition to swimming and fishing, you can rent watercraft at the Kaweah Marina. The on-site visitor’s centre houses educational exhibits detailing the natural and cultural history of the region.
Sprawling east of Three Rivers is Sequoia National Park, which forms part of the UNESCO-listed Sequoia-Kings Canyon Biosphere Reserve. It’s home to some of the largest trees on Earth, including the famous “General Sherman”, which is estimated to be around 2,500 years old. Hiking trails lead to the 365-metre-high Tokopah Falls and the picturesque Crescent Meadow. Don’t miss the historic Giant Forest Museum designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood.
Getting around Three Rivers
Three Rivers is just over an hour’s drive from Fresno and 1.5 hours from Fresno Yosemite International Airport, which has flights to destinations across North America. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting to Three Rivers and exploring the surrounding region.