Roaring River Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.3 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Roaring River Falls
Roaring River Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Kings Canyon National Park, California. It is known for its powerful flow, especially during the spring and early summer when snowmelt feeds the river. The waterfall is easily accessible and surrounded by granite cliffs and lush vegetation, making it a popular stop for visitors to the park.
The Setting
Roaring River Falls sits at 5,085 feet within Kings Canyon National Park, in the high mountains of California.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Roaring River Falls is a short, paved path that is suitable for most visitors, including those with mobility challenges. It leads directly to a viewing area where you can enjoy the waterfall up close.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a short and easy walk to a stunning waterfall surrounded by granite cliffs. The falls are particularly impressive in spring and early summer when the water flow is at its peak. The area is serene and offers opportunities for photography and relaxation.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Roaring River Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $35.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Roaring River Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Roaring River Falls is in the spring or early summer when the snowmelt creates a powerful flow. Fall is also a good time to visit for fewer crowds and cooler weather.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check the National Park Service website for current conditions.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 39°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Be cautious near the water, as the current is strong and the rocks can be slippery. Always stay on designated trails and viewing areas. Watch for wildlife and follow park guidelines to ensure your safety.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Marble Fork Kaweah River, 12.5 miles away, not on Roaring River Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
5 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 13 years of record
7.13 ft
Water depth at gauge
39°F
Dangerously coldRisk of cold shock
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is dangerously cold at 39 degrees F, avoid prolonged contact.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge MARBLE FORK KAWEAH R AB HORSE C NR LODGEPOLE CA (20 km away).
Today
Strong
5 cfs
10/10Tomorrow
Roaring
7 cfs
6/10Tue
Roaring
6 cfs
6/10Wed
Roaring
8 cfs
6/10Thu
Roaring
9 cfs
6/10Fri
Roaring
7 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
6 cfs
9/10Best window: Today — strong flow, mostly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to late June, peaking in June.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Wilsonia hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Roaring River Falls Frozen?
Updated about 10 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Roaring River Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 52°F to 37°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 8 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
1-meter lidar shows Roaring River Falls dropping about 301 feet in a single sheer step. The brink sits at about 5,141 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 289 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 406 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 5,141 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 301 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Roaring River Falls is located off Highway 180 in Kings Canyon National Park. From the Cedar Grove Visitor Center, it is a short drive east to the parking area for the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area near the trailhead for Roaring River Falls. Parking is typically available, but it may fill up during peak seasons.
Elevation
5,085 feet above sea level
Coordinates
36.780496° N, -118.620933° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during the summer months. Bring water and wear comfortable walking shoes. Be cautious near the water, as the current is strong and the rocks can be slippery.
Where to Stay
Montecito Sequoia Lodge
Sequoia Resort
Big Woods Retreat
Cozy Cottage
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Zumwalt Meadow, Mist Falls, and the Cedar Grove Visitor Center.
Wildlife
Wildlife in the area may include deer, black bears, and various bird species. Always maintain a safe distance from animals and store food properly to avoid attracting wildlife.
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