San Joaquin River in California

The San Joaquin River is 330 miles long, and is the second-longest river in California. It originates high on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada and drains most of the area from the southern border of Yosemite, south to Kings Canyon National Park, making it the second largest river drainage in the state.

Seeing the San Joaquin River as it makes its way out into the San Joaquin Valley is a peaceful experience. This is because in this area the River's water has been diverted for agricultural uses.

More people are aware of the middle fork of the San Joaquin because it is a popular fly-fishing area. It is also the most accessible. The San Joaquin is also one of the rivers frequented by white water rafters.

The North Fork of the San Joaquin is the smallest fork. It is totally a wilderness stream with no road access. You can get to some sections of the North Fork by hiking three miles down a canyon to the water's edge. A large population of wild rainbows inhabit the lower and middle sections with more brook trout the higher you travel into the headwaters.