Water Conditions

Dangerous Conditions at Tuolumne River Bridges in Yosemite

By: Nic McDonald
May 25th, 2023

We are a group of 8 that has just bailed out [from the PCT] into Yosemite. We just thought we would let you know the conditions. The bridges at 948.2. and bridge at 949.5 will be impassable by today or tomorrow (5/23-24). We went past and the conditions were touch-and-go and decided to come back yesterday and they were very dangerous. When we returned the water was well above my knees (I’m 6’4″) and rising. The river is so swollen the bridges are now in the middle of the river as the river is overflowing and much wider. The bridge at 948.2 actually has the river up to the wood planks.

Kennedy Creek in Glacier Peak Wilderness (Halfmile 2512)

Sections:
By: Michael DeCramer
July 16th, 2021

The former bridge over Kennedy Creek at mile 2512 in the Glacier Peak Wilderness has fully washed away. There are no plans to replace it.

Trail users may find crossing Kennedy Creek without a bridge to be difficult. The creek can rise dramatically during periods of high snow melt and following storms. Kennedy Creek is also generally opaque from glacial sediment which can add to the challenge of fording this stream. It is not possible to know whether the large log upstream that has been used in the past will be there in the future.

Please use caution and locate a safe crossing or turn back if the water is too high. Learn more about stream crossing safety while hiking and backpacking.

Photo of the former bridge: