Sierra National Forest Visitation Safety

CLOVIS, Calif., June 30, 2025 — The Sierra National Forest anticipates a large surge in visitors, as is typically associated with Independence Day Weekend. While a great deal of work remains, the SNF has spent millions of dollars repairing roads, campgrounds and the landscape in the off-season. The Kings, San Joaquin, and Merced rivers will also be flowing. 

While the air may be warm, it's important to note that the water can be extremely cold and flow swiftly.  Precautions should be taken before taking a dip on a hot summer day. Cold water can cause hypothermia to set-in quickly, even for strong swimmers, making it difficult to move. Slippery surfaces such as moss-covered rocks can commonly be found above and below the water. Slippery and uneven surfaces combined with a swift current is a combination to always be wary of. Please, walk carefully.

Please consider the following list of precautions to help ensure your visit to SNF is as safe and enjoyable as possible:

• Ensure that your communication devices have good service where you are located, 
  before recreating, in case you need to call emergency services (911).
• While a tremendous amount of hazard (dead/dying) trees have been mitigated across the Forest, an equally large amount remains, many in proximity to lakes and rivers. “Look up, down, all around” before choosing that ideal recreation site for yourself and others.  Any location within falling distance of standing hazard trees should definitely be avoided.
• Check river and stream conditions before venturing out and avoid going out individually; 
  a “buddy” system is always advised.
• Pay close attention to any posted advisory or restrictive signage.
• The driving rule of being able to brake to a stop within the range of view you have, could not be more applicable than on the SNF.  Many blind curves, permitted cattle and the full range of wildlife such as deer may all call for an immediate response.  Driving at the speed comparable to the conditions gives you this advantage.
• Be thorough when choosing a safe swimming area, as underwater hazards may not be visible on the surface.
• Wear a properly fitting personal floatation device (life jacket) for all water activities. Even strong swimmers should not rely solely on their swimming skills to stay afloat; water conditions can be unpredictable.
• Always stay on established trails or developed areas when near rapids or other moving water.
• Keep a close watch on children, even if they are nowhere near the water. Children can quickly enter the water when attention is diverted even briefly.
• Swimming or wading upstream from waterfalls can be extremely hazardous even if the water appears shallow or calm. 

If you accidentally fall into the water, remain calm and turn onto your back with your feet pointing downstream. Immediately call 911 for assistance if you see anyone in distress on/in the water.

Please call or visit the Forest Supervisors office, or your local ranger district office. Our visitor information staff would be happy to provide more information about numerous recreational opportunities available, including trail and campground conditions. 

The most recent maps and closure order are available on our Forest website. You may also contact your local ranger district office:

• Bass Lake Ranger District, 559-877-2218
• High Sierra Ranger District, 559-855-5355
• Sierra National Forest Supervisors Officer, 559-297-0706 

For additional tips on swimming safely in rivers, lakes, and streams, please visit the following link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/water-safety

Enjoy your time on the Sierra National Forest and recreate safely!

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