Whitewater Rafting on the Kern River, California
Snow melt from the peak of Mt. Whitney, the highest mountain in the lower 48 states, provides the source for the mighty Kern River. The river is 32 miles long and runs through Kern River Canyon in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains to the northeast of Bakersfield, California. It is only a few hours drive from Los Angeles.
The Kern River is commonly divided into two sections, centered roughly around the town of Kernville, California. To the north of Kernville is the Upper Kern, to the south below Lake Isabella is the Lower Kern.
Because of its proximity to many of the large urban areas of Southern California, the Kern River has become well known for its whitewater rafting opportunities, primarily the Lower Kern (although the Upper Kern offers whitewater rafting as well).
Whitewater Rafting on the Kern River
Whitewater rafting is a popular pastime throughout the Kern River. The majority of trips along the river range between Class III and Class V rapids (the higher the class, the more dangerous the rapids). Some Class II rapids do exist in the Lower Kern, providing exciting adventures for younger and more inexperienced rafters.
There are a number of companies along the Kern River that provide equipment and guides for trips along the rapids. It is best to take a guide with you when rafting the river, particularly if it is your first time on the river or your first time whitewater rafting. Two of the larger companies offering equipment and tours are Kern River Outfitters and Kern River Tours, Inc.
Choosing a Trip on the Kern River
Because of the size and variety of the river, there are a number of different trips available for rafters. Some are half-day trips, some are whole day trips and some last overnight, taking rafters through different areas of the river.
When deciding on what trip to take on the Kern River, you will want to keep in mind your level of experience and how much time you have to commit to the rafting. Whitewater rafting can be a very dangerous enterprise can be very dangerous and the Kern River is one of the more dangerous rivers in California. Although mostly not whitewater rafting related, 150 people have died on the Kern River in the last 25 years.
When choosing a trip on the river you will want to choose a course that is at a class level you are comfortable with. Class II-III is good for more inexperienced rafters, while class IV-V trips should be reserved for those who have had experience with the dangers of whitewater rafting.
Class II-III
The Lickety Split: The easiest of the trips, this takes rafters through Class II-III rapids just upriver from Kernville, and offers beautiful views of the river banks and surrounding forests.
The Pictor: Another Class II-III trip, this course runs south of Lake Isabella Dam and offers stunning views of Kern River Canyon in all of its glory
Class III-V
The Sampler: A Class III-IV run on the Upper Kern, a half-day trip that offers an idea of what rafting the river is like.
The Gusto: This is a tense and exciting trip through the rocky canyons and tight gorges of Kern River Canyon
Thunder Run: The most dangerous of the Kern River runs, this is recommend only for advanced rafters. It is Class V, and boasts some of the biggest river drops in California.
Whitewater Rafting Locations
There are numerous locations across the river where you can begin your whitewater rafting expedition. Popular starting locations for Kern River rafting tours include the Forks of the Kern, Kernville, Lake Isabella and Wofford Heights.
When embarking on your trip, you will come to one of the centers of the many outfitting/tour centers that litter the River. Transportation to and from the river will be provided by the tour operators, making everything easy for you. For overnight travel campsites are also provided.
The Kern River is a wild and exhilarating river, providing incredible opportunities for excitement and adventure. Listed below are some of the different runs that exist on the river:
Whitewater Rafting Season
Rafting the Kern River is not available in the winter. The season typically starts in April and contnues through September every year. Certain areas of the river, however are open only at certain times of the season. For more accurate information to learn when you can take your own whitewater rafting trip on the Kern River, contact one of the many outfitters/tour groups out there.
