Rivers and Lakes

By the 1950s decades of damming, development and diversion had taken their toll on our country's rivers. During the 1960s the country began to recognize the damage we were inflicting on wildlife, the landscape, our drinking water and our legacy. Recognition of this fact finally led to action by Congress to preserve the beauty and free-flowing nature of some of our most precious waterways.

The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System was created by Congress in 1968 (Public Law 90-542; 16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq.) to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations. 

Waterways in the Sequoia National Forest include:

Hume Lake Ranger District

• Hume Lake
• Kings Wild and Scenic River

Kern River Ranger District

• Kern Wild and Scenic River
• Lake Isabella

Western Divide Ranger District

• Tule River