Roaring River Falls is a 120-foot tiered waterfall in Kings Canyon National Park, Fresno County, California.
The falls
The creek falls in four tiers of roughly 30, 20, 25 and 40 feet, most of them hidden upstream of the developed viewpoint; lidar mapping puts the cumulative drop at 120 feet. The 40-foot lowest tier is the only part visible from the viewpoint, and older measurements put the total height at 45 feet. The river is traced upstream to Deadman and Cloud canyons.
Getting there
The falls sit off Highway 180 in the Cedar Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park. A wide paved path runs 0.1 mile one way from the parking area, with a designated accessible parking space, though the pavement climbs at a 10 to 12 percent slope with cross slopes over 2 percent to a small paved landing; the walk is also listed as 0.4 mile round trip. Standard vehicle admission is $35 for seven days; non-U.S. residents 16 and older owe an additional $100 unless covered by an eligible annual or America the Beautiful pass.
When to go
Late spring through early summer brings the falls to peak power. Highway 180 typically closes for winter around mid-November and reopens around the fourth Friday in April, though access can run from May into early or mid-November depending on conditions.
On site
Slippery rocks and strong submerged currents can be fatal. A San Mateo couple, ages 29 and 30, drowned at the falls on May 25, 2026. Pets are prohibited on all park trails, including paved ones, though trained service dogs are permitted.
Nearby
Lower Mist Falls is about 4.5 miles away, and Mist Falls about 4.6 miles, both on the South Fork Kings River. Gardiner Creek Falls is about 4.9 miles away, and Deer Cove Creek Falls about 5.8 miles.
Distances are straight-line.