THE KERN RIVER

The Kern River begins at Lake South America, at 12,800 feet above sea level, about 30 air miles north of Mt. Whitney. The Kern is considered one of the fastest falling rivers in North America. It drops from 12,800 to 400 feet over its 140 mile length. Despite falling as much as 60 feet in a mile, the kern River has no true waterfalls, though it does pour over a 15-foot high slide at Kern Falls.

The Kern River has many moods. It should be easy to find a section to match yours. Over the last 20 years, whitewater sports have made waves on the Wild and Scenic Kern River. Only three hours from Los Angeles, the river draws rafters and kayakers in ever-increasing numbers. The Kern is generally acknowledged to have three basic sections: The Forks, the Upper and the Lower rivers. Beginning high in the Southern Sierra, close to the Golden Trout Wilderness, "The Forks Run" offers back country adventure right from the start. Not for the tenderfoot, this whitewater stretch is considered one of the most demanding and intense whitewater experiences in North America.

The middle section of the Kern is known as the upper river. Beginning at Johnsondale Bridge, this part of the river, down to Kernville, receives the most attention from rafting companies from early spring throughout the summer. Big, powerful rapids dominate much of the upper river until it churns down to an intermediate run, mild yet thrilling enough for beginners, know as the Powerhouse Run.

Below Isabella Dam, controlled releases create an extended boating season on the lower Kern as spring run-off dwindles on the upper river. Although the rapids build in intensity as the river drops toward the canyon, many calm, tree-lined pools provide reprieve and time to reflect.

BE PREPARED: A RANGE OF CHALLENGES FOR RAFTERS

If you're prepared, your Kern River trip can create memories to last a lifetime. If you're not prepared, you may literally find yourself in over your head. Generally a scale of 1-6 is used to determine the difficulty and danger of any given river. Water level, water temperature, length and difficulty of rapids along with a variety of other factors help to give any river its rating. Ratings can change at any time, often because of fluctuations in water levels.

Inexperienced boaters should always go on guided trips offered by professional outfitters. Never, under any circumstance, go into moving river or on a boat without an approved PFD (usually called life jackets). With instruction and the proper equipment, many people who are comfortable around boats and in moving water will find that they can quickly develop the skills necessary to guide themselves in rental boats on the class 1-3 whitewater in the lower section of the Upper Kern River.

Safety equipment and whitewater boats are available for rent at many of the whitewater outfitting stores in town. Necessary instruction on proper equipment and safe use of the boats is also available and usually required. Inflatable 1 and 2 person kayaks are generally the easiest to learn to operate and often the most fun if you have a partner. The new sit-on-top kayaks provide an ideal option for those who would like to experience the river in a faster, more maneuverable boat, skills such as the Eskimo roll. Either of these types of boats provides an excellent introduction to the sport. Both types of boat are readily available for rent at some of the outfitting stores. Instruction is always available and local advice from experienced rafting and kayaking outfitters is essential before attempting any sort of whitewater activity.

All whitewater adventures on class 4 or 5 water should only be undertaken by experts, unless you are on a guided trip with an experienced, licensed outfitter. Most people will find that they feel safe and secure even though they are not personally experienced, when under the care and direction of professional guides on any of the many trips offered on the Kern River.

The Kern River is among the best whitewater rivers in the country. Our licensed outfitters are also among the best in the country. Our do-it-yourself rafting and kayaking options offer among the best in safety and boating equipment available for rent on any river. With these many choices, everyone should be able to find a way to have fun on the Kern River.

RAPID RATINGS

Class I Simple: Flat water with some riffles and mild waves. Like a swimming pool with a current.

Class II Moderate: Larger waves but no obstacles or obstructions. Some splashing possible.

Class III Difficult: Longer and rougher rapids. Some maneuvering necessary in heavy waves and around obstacles. Paddling easily mastered under guide's direction.

Class IV Very Difficult: The pace quickens with steeper, long drops, violent current, looming obstacles, technical turns and precision movements. Some swimming may be required.

Class V Borderline Un-runnable: Rafting as a potentially perilous form of Zen. Normally beyond the paddling ability of all but elite crews. Passengers should be mentally and physically prepared.

Class VI Absolutely Un-runnable: Where worlds collide. Survived only by divine intervention.