Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
8am-4:30pm Mon-Fri)
. Both have hiking and camping information, maps and wilderness per-
mits.
Activities
This part of the state is all about white water, and rafting is the banner attraction. The town
of
Lake Isabella
is a dreary strip of local businesses on the south end of the lake, but Hwy
155 runs north to
Kernville
, a cute little town straddling the Kern River that is
the
hub for
local water sports. While the lake is popular for cooling off, note that the river's currents
can be extremely dangerous.
The Upper Kern and Forks of the Kern (both sections of the river north of Kernville)
yield Class IV and V rapids during spring runoff and offer some of the most awe-inspiring
white-water trips in the country. You'll need experience before tackling these sections,
though there are still opportunities for novices. Below Lake Isabella, the Kern is tamer and
steadier.
Currently seven rafting companies are licensed to operate out of Kernville; all offer
competitive prices and run trips from May to August, depending on conditions. Excursions
include popular one-hour runs (from $37) and day-long Lower Kern trips (from $119) and
multiday Wild Forks of the Kern experiences (from $600). Walk-ins are welcome and ex-
perience is not necessary. Kids ages six and up can usually participate.
Kern River Outfitters
RAFTING
( 800-323-4234;
http://kernrafting.com
;
6602 Wofford Heights Blvd; 8:30am-5:30pm Mon-Fri)
Offers the staple menu of trips plus an adults-only Pub & Grub trip, which includes beer
tastings from the Kern River Brewery.
Mountain & River Adventures
RAFTING, OUTDOOR OUTFITTERS
( 760-376-6553, 800-861-6553;
www.mtnriver.com
;
11113 Kernville Rd)
Besides rafting, this outfit offers combo-kayak and rafting, mountain biking and winter ex-
cursions.
Sierra South
RAFTING
(
800-457-2082, 760-376-3745;
www.sierrasouth.com
; 11300 Kernville Rd)
