Conditions:Thunder Canyon (California Sierras)-20240115165949

Latest:	9 Apr 2023 (2 yrs, 10 mos ago)

Reported by:	Ephacker (4 reports)
Quality:	Great
Waterflow:	Very Low
Wetsuit:	Thin wetsuit
Water temperature:
Difficulty:	Normal
Time:	2 hours

Team: 5 people with experience level Beginner to Intermediate

Trip report URL:

Comments: The first known descent of this canyon.

I have kayaked and driven by this canyon countless times. Because of the record wet winter, this canyon was flowing. Easter weekend had above-average temperatures so we decided to check it out.

Natural anchors were used. The R1 was from a bush on RDC 110ft, but there was too much drag to pull (the last person climbed around). R2 was a short rappel off a pine tree LDC 25ft to a second Pine LDC which was used for R4 100ft. R5 was from a bush RDC 30ft. This was a record-breaking runoff so the river was high. A 2 person Inflatable kayak was used to shuttle gear and people. Three kids were on this first decent. Aspen Hacker (15), Kyla Hacker (13) and Russell Hacker (9). Russell walked R3&R4.

All condition reports

Date	Quality	Waterflow	Wetsuit	Difficulty	Time	Team	Reported by
26 Jan 2026	Great	Very Low	Rain jacket	Normal	3 hours	3 people Beginner to Advanced	Ephacker (4 reports)
Comment: The flows on the Kern were very low so there was not current at the pool used to cross. We shuttled people and gear with a inflatable paddle board. There was a small trickle of flow in canyon. We stayed mostly dry because of cool air temps. The surrounding hills were really green and the nearby mountains had snow which made for a nice backdrop.
26 Apr 2023	Good	Low	None	Easy	3 hours	2 people Expert	Reiternick (44 reports)
Comment: First known descent. We placed 3 bolted anchors and 1 natural anchor. Fun little canyon with some flow after the heavy rains this season. The approach and exit in kayak at 6500 cfs across the Kern River was exciting.
9 Apr 2023	Great	Very Low	Thin wetsuit	Normal	2 hours	5 people Beginner to Intermediate	Ephacker (4 reports)
Comment: The first known descent of this canyon. I have kayaked and driven by this canyon countless times. Because of the record wet winter, this canyon was flowing. Easter weekend had above-average temperatures so we decided to check it out. Natural anchors were used. The R1 was from a bush on RDC 110ft, but there was too much drag to pull (the last person climbed around). R2 was a short rappel off a pine tree LDC 25ft to a second Pine LDC which was used for R4 100ft. R5 was from a bush RDC 30ft. This was a record-breaking runoff so the river was high. A 2 person Inflatable kayak was used to shuttle gear and people. Three kids were on this first decent. Aspen Hacker (15), Kyla Hacker (13) and Russell Hacker (9). Russell walked R3&R4.