Upper Dinkey Creek
Fresno County, California

Dinkey Creek, a Sierra Gem

Carving through granite domes, framed by fragrant pines and cedars, Dinkey Creek is a true gem. At normal flows the run is challenging but not intimidating, and scouting and portaging are straightforward.

While most of Upper Dinkey can be easily eddy-hopped, there are several significant drops that should definitely be scouted. In particular Cherry Bomb Falls, a 15 footer with a very critical line, is worth a look. Cherry Bomb Falls and friends are all in the last mile of the run, in a beautiful granite gorge.

To get to the put in, take Highway 168 north from Fresno. Just before Shaver Lake, turn right on Dinkey Creek Road. Follow the signs to the Dinkey Creek Ranger Station, then the Dinkey Creek Campground, and finally, Honeymoon Pool. Honeymoon Pool is approximately 12 miles from SR 168. Prior to Memorial Day the Dinkey Creek Campground is closed, and the campground managers lock the gate, despite the fact the campground is on USFS (public) land.

I won't attempt to describe the takeout. Experience has shown it is emphatically not Ross Crossing, but rather a choice of places upstream of Muley Hole. A 4WD road leads to a cabin not far upstream of Muley Hole, or, if one scouts ahead of time, there is a rough trail leading to the river from a loggers clearing, a little downstream of the cabin. The cabin clearly shows up on topo maps. Your best bet is to pick up a map and spend some time studying it prior to doing the shuttle. (And if this uncertainty is troubling, note that shorter runs are possible by taking out at named points such as the McKinley Grove Road Bridge, or Camp El-O-Win).

This document was last updated on Monday, November 17, 1997

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