Kern River, California
| Price |
 What's this? |
| Class of Rapids |
North Fork: III-IV+; South Fork: III-IV |
| Trip Miles |
North Fork: 20 miles or less; South Fork: 19 miles or less |
| Trip Duration |
1 to 2 days |
| Season |
North Fork: May-July; South Fork: May-October |
| Raft Type |
Paddle Raft, Oar Raft |
| River Sections |
North Fork: Johnsondale to Kernville; South Fork: Lake Isabella to Democrat Beach |
| Nearby Towns |
Kernville (CA), Bakersfield (CA) |
| Driving Times |
Bakersfield (CA): 1 hour; Los Angeles (CA): 3 hours |
| Recommended For |
Best of the Best, Expert, Summer |
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The Kern River is a river rafter's jewel located in Southern California in the heart of Sequoia National Forest near Bakersfield.
(courtesy, Whitewater Voyages)
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This river includes both the North and South Forks of the Kern. The South Fork is totally free flowing. It descends through deep gorges with large granite outcroppings and domes interspersed with open meadows. It is habitat for the golden trout, the state fish of California. The upper 47.5 miles of the North Fork flow through Sequoia National Park and the Golden Trout Wilderness, a scenic area with a wide variety of outstanding recreational opportunities, as well as cultural and historical associations.
The North Fork, also known as the Forks of the Kern River, is considered by many to be whitewater paradise, dishing out some of the finest raftable whitewater in North America. The Forks is a nearly continuous series of Class IV and V rapids and waterfalls, a long foaming ride through mixed conifer cliffs that's not for novices. Here Mother Nature writes the rulebook for the high stakes game you're about to play. High spring flows produce rapid-fire whitewater at Deadman's Curve, Oscar's Nightmare, and Hari Karl that only experts should attempt. Calmer area attractions include historic Kernville and Isabella Lake.
* Trip price reflects the average cost per day for a guided rafting adventure on a given river (
= $50-$100/day;
= $100-$250/day;
= $250 or more/day) and accounts for half-day, full-day, or multiday rafting excursions. Lodging, dining, and transportation costs (airfare, car rental/shuttle, equipment rentals, etc.) have not been factored into account. Please note that the trip price classification is intended to be an approximate guideline, as the range of prices on a given river can vary based on amenities, services, and customized add-ons offered through individual outfitters.
