Kern County, east of
Bakersfield, south-central California
Driving Time
Bakersfield—1 hour; Los
Angeles—3 hours
Difficulty
Class III-IV
Trip Length
19 miles (30 km) or less
Trip Options
Paddle raft, oar raft; one
and two days
Season
May-October
The lower Kern River
whitewater stretch through the Greenhorn Mountain canyons to the
Central Valley's floor begins just below Isabella Lake. Although its
rapids are not as intense and technically difficult as either the
Forks or upper Kern runs, it offers excellent Class III-IV rapids
and superb scenery.
Whereas
outfitters commonly promote the 19-mile (30-km) lower Kern as a
two-day trip with overnight camping, one day trips on either the
Miracle Run or Big Water sections are also popular. Favorite rapids
on the first day Miracle Run include Class III-IV rapids Wallow
Rock, Hoppopitamus, and Miracle. On the second day, for overnight
river runners, the Big Water Run includes the lower Kern's most
challenging rapids--White Maidens' Walkaway, Silver Staircase,
Powerful Possum, and Sundown Falls. Most rapids in this section are
rated Class III-IV with the exception of Royal Flush (Class V+) that
is normally portaged.
Whereas
outfitters commonly promote the 19-mile (30-km) lower Kern as a
two-day trip with overnight camping, one day trips on either the
Miracle Run or Big Water sections are also popular. Favorite rapids
on the first day Miracle Run include Class III-IV rapids Wallow
Rock, Hoppopitamus, and Miracle. On the second day, for overnight
river runners, the Big Water Run includes the lower Kern's most
challenging rapids--White Maidens' Walkaway, Silver Staircase,
Powerful Possum, and Sundown Falls. Most rapids in this section are
rated Class III-IV with the exception of Royal Flush (Class V+) that
is normally portaged.