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Porterville, California

The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Porterville, California, offer a variety of scenic outdoor adventures. One of the top trails to explore is the River Island Country Club Trail. This trail offers a moderate difficulty level, making it perfect for those who enjoy a good workout while taking in the beautiful views. The trail meanders along the Tule River, offering stunning views of the water and surrounding vegetation. Another must-visit trail is the Bartlett Park Trail, known for its unique rock formations and panoramic vistas. For those interested in bird watching, the nearby Pixley National Wildlife Refuge is a prime spot. These outdoor attractions in and near Porterville are sure to satisfy your adventurous spirit.

Top Spots in and near Porterville

  • Porterville, California

    Trail of 100 Giants

    1.44 mi / 226 ft gain
    Located off the M-90 (closed from Nov.-May) in the Sequoia National Forest, the Trail of 100 Giants provides a perfect stroll for nearby campers or a quick 30-minute stop for families driving by to get a glimpse of some truly awe-inspiring, overhead views.  $5 day parking and restrooms can be fo...
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  • Porterville, California

    Camp at Redwood Meadow

    Situated right across the street from the stunning Trail of 100 Giants, Redwood Meadows features 13 spacious campsites adjacent to a picturesque meadow. There are picnic tables, fire rings, and six yurt sites available for those who wish to bring some of the great indoors outside.  Pit toilets ar...
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  • Camp Nelson, California

    Fly Fish the Kern River above the Johnsondale Bridge

    5.0
    4 mi / 100 ft gain
    Check in at the local fly fishing shop in Kernville to check the latest status, then continue up the 20 mile stretch of Mountain Hwy 99 until you cross the Johnsondale Bridge. Park, pack, then begin your 30-45 minute hike up the trail before setting your rod.After you're finished, stop by the Ker...
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  • Posey, California

    Sunday Peak Trail

    1.64 mi / 1060 ft gain
    This short and easy summit is located just outside of Kernville, California. To get there, follow Highway 178 towards Kernville and turn left on Highway 155 towards Wofford Heights. After a long, steep incline you’ll reach the top of Greenhorn Summit, marked by large parking areas on either side....
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  • Kernville, California

    Dispersed Camp along Salmon Creek in Sequoia NF

    There are several dispersed campsites found throughout the Sequoia National Forest. The majority can be found by driving on any of the OHV accessible roads. This particular campsite can be found at coordinates 35.89759, -118.4628. In order to get to the campsite, use Google Maps to get you to the...
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  • Sequoia National Park, California

    Camp at Buckeye Flat in Sequoia National Park

    Entering Sequoia National Park at the Ash Mountain Entrance near the small city of Three Rivers, follow Highway 198 (Generals Highway) through the park until you see a sign for Buckeye Flat Campground off to the right. The campground sign is immediately after you see signs for Hospital Rock. Foll...
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  • Kernville, California

    Camp at Lower Springhill

    The Lower Springhill Campground is a primitive campsite situated along the Kern River in the southern area of Sequoia National Forest. Since this is a primitive campground, there is no potable water, bathrooms or garbage service. You must pack out what you bring in.The campground is easily access...
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  • Three Rivers, California

    Backpack to Franklin Lakes & Franklin Pass

    11.4 mi / 2500 ft gain
    Franklin Lakes is part of the Sequoia National Park and can be reached from the trailhead starting near the Mineral King Ranger Station. Bear containers are required and can be rented at the Ranger Station. The hike to Franklin Lakes campground will take 6 hours or less (depending on your speed/h...
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  • Three Rivers, California

    Backpack in Mineral King

    5.0
    30 mi
    The trailhead is right near the Mineral King Ranger Station (on Mineral King Rd) in Sequoia National Park. Depending on where you're coming from I would recommend driving in and camping at Cold Springs Campground (which is also in close proximity to the ranger station) the night before you begin ...
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  • Three Rivers, California

    Backpack to Crystal Lakes

    5.0
    9.8 mi / 2200 ft gain
    The trail to Crystal Lakes begins at the Timber Gap/Sawtooth Trailhead (7,800 feet elevation), which is located at the end of Mineral King Valley Rd.  The trail immediately ascends through a meadow boasting dramatic alpine views and a roaring waterfall. Eventually you'll cross Monarch Creek and b...
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  • Three Rivers, California

    Backpack the Little Five & Big Five Lakes Loop

    5.0
    26.5 mi / 10000 ft gain
    Day 1: A long, rewarding day. Over the course of 11.5 miles you will complete around 10,000ft of elevation change.  To start, park the car at the Sawtooth-Monarch Trailhead (7500ft) and begin on the trail, immediately ascending to Timber Gap (9500ft).  Once at the gap, the trail makes it's way do...
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  • Three Rivers, California

    Hike to Lower Monarch Lake

    5.0
    8.4 mi
    The drive takes about 90 minutes to get to the trailhead from Three Rivers, CA so plan accordingly and make sure you get there early. Lower Mineral Lake is located below Sawtooth Peak in Sequoia National Park.Once you're parked and ready to jump on the trail, head to the Sawtooth Trailhead. You'l...
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  • Sequoia National Park, California

    Hike Moro Rock

    5.0
    Moro Rock is a granite dome with a staircase leading to the 6,725 foot summit, where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Great Western Divide. From Generals Hwy, you can drive up Crescent Meadow Road to the parking lot at the base of Moro Rock (summer weekends the road is closed for shuttles ...
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  • Sequoia National Park, California

    Drive through Tunnel Log

    Tunnel log is a massive fallen sequoia across the middle of the road, which is a great photo opportunity for visitors of the national park. The mammoth tree fell over in 1937, but a year later, a car tunnel was carved in the middle of its trunk so vehicles could still pass through. Although the...
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  • Sequoia National Park, California

    Backpack the High Sierra Trail

    5.0
    71 mi
    The High Sierra Trail begins at Crescent Meadow in Sequoia National Park, on the West side of the Sierra Nevada range, and ends at Whitney Portal on the East, traversing the highest and most beautiful part of the Sierras. From deep river canyons to high alpine peaks, lakes, and meadows, this hike...
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  • Sequoia National Park, California

    Hike Crescent Meadow

    4.5
    1.6 mi
    Crescent Meadow is a collection of loops in the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park. The trailhead is located just past the tunnel log east of General's Highway 198. The main loop is 1.6mi total. However you can take any of the loops to the General Sherman tree 3mi, Tharp's Log trail 0.5mi, or ...
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Camping and Lodging in Porterville

Tule
Porterville, California

Tule

Quaking Aspen
Springville, California

Quaking Aspen

Grouse Valley
Springville, California

Grouse Valley

Mountain Home Guard Station Cabin
Springville, California

Mountain Home Guard Station Cabin

Wishon
Forest Route 20S03

Wishon

Wishon Cabin
Forest Route 20S03

Wishon Cabin

Guides, Insights and Stories from Porterville

Feel like Planning a Post-Pandemic Trip? These Spots in Sequoia National Park Might Convince You

Feel like Planning a Post-Pandemic Trip? These Spots in Sequoia National Park Might Convince You

The Outbound Collective

Your Perfect Weekend in Sequoia National Park

Your Perfect Weekend in Sequoia National Park

Will Cebron

A Weekend Exploring Sequoia and King's Canyon National Parks

A Weekend Exploring Sequoia and King's Canyon National Parks

Benjamin Canevari

Bees, Bears and Bratwursts - Family Travel Part 2: Sequoia NP

Bees, Bears and Bratwursts - Family Travel Part 2: Sequoia NP

Ryan Longnecker