Gateway Town
Three Rivers
Gateway Town
Your pit stop before Sequoia. 26 miles south, solid lodging, and cheaper gas than the park.
Quick facts
- Town Type
- Supply Depot
- Best Known For
- Gateway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon NP south entrance; Kaweah River location
- About This Town
- Three Rivers is the primary gateway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks' south entrance. Located where the North, Middle, and South Forks of the Kaweah River converge in the Sierra Nevada foothills, this small community offers lodging, dining, and supplies—your last major resupply point before entering the park. Most visitors stop here to gas up, grab a meal, and secure a room for the night.
- What Makes It Special
- Named for its position at the confluence of three Kaweah River forks; gateway to the Sierra Nevada high country
Town overview
- Town Type
- Supply Depot
- Best Known For
- Gateway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon NP south entrance; Kaweah River location
- About This Town
- Three Rivers is the primary gateway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks' south entrance. Located where the North, Middle, and South Forks of the Kaweah River converge in the Sierra Nevada foothills, this small community offers lodging, dining, and supplies—your last major resupply point before entering the park. Most visitors stop here to gas up, grab a meal, and secure a room for the night.
- What Makes It Special
- Named for its position at the confluence of three Kaweah River forks; gateway to the Sierra Nevada high country
Park access
- Distance From Park
- 41.6 km (26 miles) southwest
- Shuttle To Park
- Sequoia Sightseeing Tours operates guided trips (559-561-4189, $88 adults/$52 children); no regular shuttle service
Where to stay & eat
- Hotel Count
- 9
- Bnb Count
- 2
- Lodging Variety
- Chain hotels, independent lodges, B&Bs, and cabin resorts
- Restaurant Count
- 11
- Restaurant Types
- Mexican, American, sandwiches, casual dining
- Dining Price Ranges
- Local-friendly ($–$$); tourist-scale in peak summer
Visitor services
- Medical Facilities
- Tulare County Fire Department provides emergency services (559-561-4362, 41412 South Fork Drive)
- Banks Atms
- 0
- Laundry Facilities
- 0
Things to do
- Main Attractions
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks; Kaweah River fishing and swimming; guided park sightseeing tours
- Summer Activities
- River fishing and swimming, picnicking, park day trips, guided sightseeing tours
- Winter Activities
- Limited; park access restricted by snow. Town remains open for supply runs and river activities when conditions permit
- Breweries Bars
- River View Restaurant & Lounge; limited nightlife
Planning advice
- Peak Season
- Summer (June–September); park visitation peaks
- Shoulder Season
- Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer fewer crowds and more availability
- Booking Advance
- Book 2–4 weeks ahead for summer weekends; walk-ins accepted shoulder season
- Stock Up Here
- This is your last major supply stop before the park. Gas prices are lower than in-park—fill up here. Restaurants and markets line Sierra Drive; stock snacks and water before heading up the mountain
- Late Night Intel
- Most restaurant kitchens close by 9 PM. Sequoia Cider Mill stays open until 11 PM (verify winter hours). Plan dinner by 8:30 PM or grab prepared food at Sierra Subs before it closes at 6 PM
- The Vibe
- Three Rivers is a working supply hub, not a cute resort town. Practical, affordable, and car-dependent. Stay here to save money and position for early park entry; expect efficient, no-frills hospitality
- Tips Advice
- Fill your gas tank here before leaving.
- Eat dinner by 8:30 PM—most kitchens close early.
- The Kaweah River is cold year-round; respect the current.
- Get to the park early on summer weekends; popular trailheads fill quickly.
- Sierra Drive is the main corridor—most services cluster there
More details
- Winter Scene
- Quiet and practical; park roads close due to snow, limiting access but town remains operational
- Insider Tips
- Gas up here—cheaper than in the park.
- Kaweah River has cold but refreshing swimming and fishing spots in summer.
- Book park sightseeing tours early in peak season.
- Most dining closes by 9 PM; plan accordingly.
- Family Friendly Notes
- Family-oriented; close to kid-friendly park activities. Highway traffic on Sierra Drive requires vigilance with small children
Location
Frequently asked questions
How far is Three Rivers from the park?
41.6 km (26 miles) southwest to the park center; about 45 minutes to the south entrance
What time do restaurants close?
Most by 9 PM. Sequoia Cider Mill is open until 11 PM; plan an early dinner
Do I need to book lodging in advance?
Yes for summer weekends. 9 hotels and 2 B&Bs available; walk-ins possible shoulder season
Can I do anything here besides gas up?
Fishing and swimming in the Kaweah River; guided Sequoia park tours available ($88 adults, $52 kids)
Is this the last gas before the park?
Yes, and it's cheaper than in-park fuel. Fill up here
Are there medical services?
Tulare County Fire Department handles emergencies (559-561-4362); nearest full hospital is outside town
More at Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Cedar Grove
Cedar Grove Lodge, market & visitor center in Kings Canyon's river valley—seasonal access only.
Independence
No-frills town 36km from Sequoia. Two motels, one café—closes early. Last fuel stop.
Hume
Hume sits 30km west of Kings Canyon. 11 motels, casual dining, practical staging point. Book ahead for peak season.
Recommended gear for Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Sources
- YourNPGuide Editorial
Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works.
Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.