Forks of the Kern Season is Now Open

Most years, our Forks of the Kern trips are just about wrapped up by July. This year, the Forks season isn’t even opening until July. The huge 2011 snow pack and early season high flows have allowed us to postpone these trips to take advantage of the long backslide of the peak runoff. What does that mean to our Class 5 enthusiasts? Simply put: the best Forks of the Kern season since 1998. Forks guest joining us in July and August can expect crystal clear water, toasty weather, and the same action and high adventure the Forks is world famous for. We have two and three day trips departing on July 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th and 30th and August 4th, 9th, and 14th. Don’t miss this once-in-a-decade opportunity to experience this pristine stretch of river at its best. Call our reservations office at 1-800-323-4234 for more details.

A Celebration of Whitewater and Fireworks on the Kern River

Kern River Outfitters is offering several tempting opportunities for friends and families to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend this year. There is still some availability for rafting trips on the Upper and Lower Kern and they have just opened two half day trips on the Lower Kern for Saturday, July 2^nd and Monday July 4^th. Keith Stephens, general manager for Kern River Outfitters states, “The Fourth of July weekend is one of the most popular rafting weekends of the year. The Upper and Lower Kern rivers are still providing fabulous flows for river trips and the local community puts on an exciting fireworks show over Lake Isabella the evening of July 2^nd. We have been recommending several options for our guests that would like to go rafting and still have some time to take in the fireworks show. One is a two day Lower Kern trip departing Friday, July 1^st, a couple others are a one day trip on the Upper or a half day on either the Upper or Lower on Saturday the 2^nd. Any of these options allow our guests to have a great day on the water and still take in the fireworks display over the lake. Guests oftentimes like to add in a round of golf at our local course or a hike to the Giant Sequoia trees to the vacation mix. Our office has a host of great ideas to get folks on the water as well as enjoy all the Kern River Valley has to offer holiday visitors. ”

Kern River Outfitters runs one day, Class IV and Class V trips on the Upper Kern, and two day trips on the Lower Kern. These trips are favorites of groups of family and friends. Three day, Class V trips on the Forks of the Kern are also available for those looking for a world class backcountry river trip. For those looking for shorter experience, they also offer half day and two hour trips.

With more than 40 professional river guides on staff and over 35 years in the business, Kern River Outfitters is one of the most experienced and popular rafting companies offering trips on the Kern River. For more details on any of these trips or ideas to enjoy the Kern Valley this Fourth of July, visit www.KernRafting or give their office a call at 1-800-323-4234.

Common Questions Answered about the three Stretches of the Kern River

Guests often ask us what the difference is between the Lower, Upper, and Forks of the Kern prior to making their reservation so we thought it might be nice to give a quick review of each of these fine stretches of river for you.

The Lower Kern is our premier two day overnight river trip. Guests on this trip are treated to more than ten Class 4 rapids and numerous Class 3 stretches over the course of the twenty mile run. Our private campsite, situated about ten miles into the trip, is a large riverside expanse complete with redwood sleeping decks, thick sleeping pads, and a gourmet kitchen where guides prepare some of the best meals you’ll ever eat. It’s the perfect place for groups of families and friends to relax and tell tall tales of the day’s adventure and anticipate the next day’s run. The Lower Kern is uniquely blessed with warm water in the summer and is one of California’s most sought after overnight river trips. The Lower will run through mid-September this year. The minimum age is 9 (12 during high water).

The Upper Kern is an outstanding one day river trip. This stretch of river offers guests unparalleled access to practically limitless Class 4 whitewater. For those looking for an even greater challenge, the Upper has a Class 5 stretch we call “Thunder Run”. The Thunder Run boasts challenging rapids the likes of “Sock ‘em Dog”, “Fender Bender”, “Squashed Paddler” and “The Flume” that are sure to quench the thirst of the most passionate whitewater boater. The Upper is even blessed with a two hour, Class 2 and 3 stretch we call the “Double Lickety Split”. One could not find a more diverse and popular stretch of river anywhere in the country. We expect to run the Upper Kern through mid-August this year. The minimum age on the Upper is 9 (12 during high water) and 16 on the Thunder Run. The Double Lickety Split’s minimum age is 5 (9 during high water).

The Forks of the Kern is a world-class, 20 mile stretch of Class 5 water that offers our guests access to some of the most challenging whitewater in the country. This trip begins in the Golden Trout Wilderness and runs through the designated “Wild and Scenic” stretch of the Kern River. We know of no more scenic, challenging, or rewarding river trip anywhere. Forks trips are usually three days in duration, however some starts are two day trips. We expect to run Forks trips through mid-August this year. The minimum age for the Forks of the Kern is 16.

If you have any questions about any of these trips, feel free to give our office a call at 1-800-323 4234.

Cool Video of the Lower Kern

Click here to check out this great video of the Lower Kern taken by our guide Mike Spradlin a few days ago. It's some pretty fun footage. The Lower Kern will be running through mid-September this year. If you have any questions about the Lower or any of the other stretches of river we run, feel free to give our office a call @ 1-800-323-4234.

Wine Tasting and Craft Beer on the Lower Kern River

Kern River Outfitters will offer two special theme trips on their Two Day Lower Kern rafting option this summer.

Whitewater and Wine Tasting will be the focus on June 16th and 17th. The trip offers two days of spectacular whitewater coupled with a broad sampling of varietal wines from the Central Valley’s Imbibe Wine and Spirits. Tastings will be hosted by a certified sommelier and complimented with tasty hors d'oeuvres followed by a wonderful camp dinner prepared by the crew. Dawn Jordan, reservations manager and in-house wine experts notes, “This trip offers the best possible combination of fun whitewater, a fabulous dining and camping experience, and the opportunity to sample some fine wines.” She adds, “Having a certified sommelier on board makes the whole event a fun learning experience for those looking to learn more about the art of making great wines.”

July 7th and 8th marks the fourth annual “Pub and Grub” Lower Kern trip. This popular trip features the Kern River Valley’s own micro brewery: the Kern River Brewing Company (KRBC). KRBC will feature their popular craft beers including: Isabella Blonde, Sequoia Red, Just Outstanding IPA, and Class V Stout. A broad sampling of additional micro beers will be available. Guests will be treated to a presentation by a representative of the KRBC to explain the art of crafting these fine beers. Several guests who home brew their own specialty beers will be attending. Keith Stephens, general manager of Kern River Outfitters mentions, “The Pub and Grub has been one of the most popular trips we have run over the past four years. Guests are treated to a host of outstanding beer samplings, a fun presentation on beer making, and a fabulous feast of pub-themed fare. This is the perfect trip for craft beer aficionados and whitewater enthusiasts alike.” Both of these trips are priced at $428/person.

With more than 40 professional river guides on staff and over 35 years in the business, Kern River Outfitters is one of the most experienced and popular rafting companies offering trips on the Kern River. For more details on either of these specialty trips or any of the trips they offer, visit www.KernRafting.com or give their office a call at 1-800-323-4234.

Rafting Center Grand Opening

Kern River Outfitters' Rafting Center Grand Opening was held yesterday evening from 6:30pm until about 9:30pm. The event was attended by about 75 people including representatives from local businesses, the Kernville and Kern Valley Chamber of Commerce, guides and staff members from Kern River Outfitters as well as family and friends from around the Kern Valley. It was a gala event filled with great food, drink and fun times. All of us here at Kern River Outfitters would like to thank everyone who showed up and helped us celebrate this event. We appreciated all of the wonderful wishes for the success of our new Rafting Center and the long rafting season ahead.

Opening Day on the Lower Kern River

Kern River Outfitters Announces Open Season on the Lower Kern

Kern River Outfitters has officially announced the opening of their overnight rafting trips on Southern California’s Lower Kern River. The Lower Kern is a twenty mile stretch of whitewater located in the Sequoia National Forest immediately downstream of the Isabella reservoir in eastern Kern County. This recreational jewel offers whitewater enthusiasts over ten Class IV rapids, numerous Class II and III and an unusual quality: warm water in the summertime.

Kern River Outfitters operates a private campsite for their guests at the halfway point in the twenty mile run. Their campsite features redwood sleeping decks, custom sleeping pads, games, a library, and gourmet meals; all nestled in the scenic Kern River Canyon. Professional river guides escort guests down the river and meticulously prepare all meals throughout the excursion.

Keith Stephens, general manager of Kern River Outfitters notes, “Our Lower Kern overnight is the most popular trip we offer on the Kern River. The scenery is outstanding, the rapids are fabulous, and the fun seemingly never stops. This is a perfect trip for families and groups of friends to spend quality time together and have a wonderful adventure at the same time. Our guides are the best in the business and our campsite is by far the most luxurious on the river. As the summer progresses, guests will find water close to 70 degrees in addition to more whitewater than they will know what to do with. Our steadfast mission is to provide an unforgettable vacation for our valued guests.”

The Lower Kern is expected to run through the middle of September this year, with the best months being June, July, and August. It is one of the few Sierra Nevada rivers that actually flows warm during the summertime.

Kern River Outfitters is listed in National Geographic’s Adventure Magazine as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies On Earth”. They have been at the forefront running trips on the Kern River in Southern California for over 30 years. They specialize in running all sections of the Kern River including the Upper, Lower, and Forks of the Kern. They offer trips from a two hour Class II and III run to three day Class V runs. Their most popular trip is the Two Day Lower Kern trip.

For more details on the Lower Kern or any of the trips they offer, visit www.KernRafting.comor give their office a call at 1-800-323-4234.