Planning for your family reunion in three rivers California? Here are the top places and destinations to include in your things to do in three rivers California
Already chosen California? Read the California Planning Guide.
Sequoia National Park (Three Rivers)
Experience the world's largest trees by volume including the famous General Sherman Tree in this spectacular national park featuring giant sequoias and Sierra Nevada wilderness. The park offers hiking trails, visitor centers, and educational programs suitable for various fitness levels and interests. Perfect for families seeking natural wonders, the park provides accessible trails, scenic drives, and opportunities to learn about these ancient giants. The park includes the Giant Forest, Moro Rock, and numerous trails showcasing diverse ecosystems from foothills to alpine environments.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
Entry is $35 per vehicle valid for 7 days and the Giant Forest parking area holds only 250 cars which fills by 9:30 AM on summer weekends. The Big Trees Trail is a paved 1.3-mile ADA-accessible loop around Round Meadow with accessible restrooms at the trailhead. Book lodging at Wuksachi Lodge 3 to 6 months in advance for group reunions and note that the Generals Highway has tight switchbacks unsuitable for vehicles over 22 feet.
Website: nps.gov/seki
Kaweah River (Three Rivers)
Enjoy swimming, fishing, and riverside recreation along this scenic river flowing from the Sierra Nevada mountains through the Three Rivers area. The river offers natural swimming holes, picnic spots, and opportunities for family water activities in a beautiful mountain setting. Perfect for families seeking refreshing outdoor recreation, the river provides access points, parking areas, and connections to hiking trails. The area includes peaceful spots for relaxation and family gatherings alongside the flowing mountain waters.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
River access is free at multiple pullouts along Highway 198 with parking for 5 to 10 cars at each turnout on a first-come basis. The riverbanks are not ADA accessible with uneven rocky terrain to reach the water but some pullouts have flat viewing areas near the road. Water levels are dangerously high from April through June during snowmelt season so plan river activities for July through September when flows are calmer and safer for family wading.
Website: threerivers.com
Slick Rock Recreation Area (Three Rivers)
Explore granite formations, natural pools, and hiking trails in this popular recreation area offering swimming, rock climbing, and scenic beauty along the Kaweah River. The area provides day-use facilities, picnic tables, and access to various outdoor activities perfect for active families. Perfect for families seeking adventure and natural beauty, the recreation area includes parking facilities, restrooms, and connections to longer hiking trails. The granite slabs and pools create unique landscapes for exploration and family photography.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
Day-use is $5 per vehicle collected at the self-service pay station and the lot holds approximately 30 cars that fill quickly on hot summer weekends. The flat granite slabs along the river are not ADA accessible and require walking over uneven rock surfaces to reach the water slides. Supervise children closely as the natural water slides can be slippery and water depth varies significantly with seasonal flows dropping from dangerous spring levels to 2 to 3 feet by August.
Website: fs.usda.gov
Kings Canyon (Three Rivers)
Kings Canyon National Park features one of the deepest canyons in North America, towering granite walls, and groves of giant sequoias accessible via a scenic drive from Three Rivers. The canyon's scenic byway lets your reunion caravan drive together through dramatic landscapes, stopping at overlooks where the entire group can gather for photos. Grant Grove's accessible trails wind through giant sequoias including the General Grant Tree, giving your group of 15 to 50 a shared experience of standing among the world's largest living things. The park's visitor centers provide air-conditioned rest stops where your group can regroup, hydrate, and plan the next portion of the day's exploration.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
Entry is included with the $35 Sequoia-Kings Canyon vehicle pass and the scenic byway to Roads End is 30 miles one way from the Big Stump entrance taking about 1 hour each direction. The Roaring River Falls trail is a short ADA-accessible paved path to the viewpoint and the Cedar Grove Lodge area has accessible restrooms. The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway closes from mid-November through mid-April due to snow so plan visits between May and October for full access.
Website: nps.gov/seki
Kaweah River Swimming Holes (Three Rivers)
The Kaweah River offers numerous natural swimming holes with smooth granite slabs, calm pools, and cascading water features along the road between Three Rivers and Sequoia National Park. These riverside spots provide free recreation where your reunion group of 15 to 50 can spread out along the bank with towels, coolers, and picnic supplies for a relaxed afternoon. The variety of pool depths means toddlers can splash in shallow areas while teenagers jump from rocks into deeper pools, keeping every age group entertained. The natural granite formations create built-in seating areas where family members can sun themselves, chat, and watch others swim in a casual, unstructured setting.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
Swimming holes are free to access at pullouts along Highway 198 and Sierra Drive with the most popular spots at Gateway and Hospital Rock. These natural areas are not ADA accessible and require scrambling over boulders to reach deeper pools suitable for swimming. Water temperature stays around 60 to 70F from July through September and the current is mild enough for wading but always test depth before jumping as rock positions shift each season.
Website: threerivers.com
Three Rivers Historical Museum (Three Rivers)
The Three Rivers Historical Museum preserves the community's pioneer heritage with exhibits on early settlers, Native American history, and the development of Sequoia National Park. The small museum provides an intimate setting where your reunion group can learn together about the region's fascinating past in about 45 minutes. Knowledgeable volunteers share stories that bring local history to life, creating conversation starters your family will reference throughout the rest of the reunion. The museum's location in the heart of Three Rivers makes it an easy stop between outdoor activities, giving your group a climate-controlled break from the Sierra sun.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
Admission is free with donations appreciated and the museum is open weekends from 10 AM to 4 PM or by appointment for groups of 6 or more. The single-story building is ADA accessible with a ramp entrance and accessible restroom inside and free parking for 15 vehicles in the adjacent lot. Call at least 1 week ahead for group visits to ensure a volunteer docent is available to provide the guided presentation on local Kaweah Colony history.
Website: threerivers.com
Lake Kaweah (Three Rivers)
Lake Kaweah is a reservoir just outside Three Rivers offering boating, fishing, swimming beaches, and picnic areas with mountain views in the Sierra Nevada foothills. The lake's day-use areas with covered picnic shelters and barbecue grills can accommodate reunion groups of 50 for a full-day lakeside gathering. Your group can rent pontoon boats that hold 10 to 12 people, letting different family clusters take turns on the water while others fish from shore or relax on the beach. The lake's calm waters and designated swimming areas provide safe recreation for children while the surrounding hills offer short hikes for more active family members.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
Day-use fees are $10 per vehicle at Horse Creek and Terminus Dam recreation areas with the lots holding 80 to 100 cars each. The main picnic area and restrooms at Horse Creek are ADA accessible with paved paths from the parking lot to covered shelters that seat up to 40 people. Boat launch fees are $8 per vessel and the lake is best for large group picnics from April through October though wildfire smoke from the Sierra foothills can reduce air quality in August and September.
Website: usace.army.mil
Ken O.
Founder of AmazingReunion and veteran reunion organizer who has coordinated 50+ family gatherings across the US.