Kern River Rafting Trips

Thanks for an Outstanding 2011 Rafting Season

2011-10-06T10:21:00.000-07:00

The 2011 rafting season here on the Kern River has officially come to a close, however we wanted to take a moment to give a big "THANKS" to all of our valued customers who joined us on the river this year. It was a season that provided enough adventures and smiles to last a lifetime and we couldn't have done it without all of you.

The past couple of days, an early arctic storm has pounded the Sierra Nevada and with it, the promise of yet another fabulous year of rafting in 2012. Keep your collective fingers crossed for more "Bigwater" and thanks again to everyone for making it all possible.

"Premium" Lower Kern Trips to Round Out the 2011 Season

2011-09-02T09:30:00.000-07:00

The Lower Kern is STILL flowing at outstanding levels. We expect to run Two Day trips through September 11th. After that, we will be running our Lower Kern One Day "Premium" trips exclusively through Sunday, September 18th. Take advantage of this epic water flow and fabulous one day trip on the Lower this month. Feel free to call our office at 1-800-323-4234 for more details.

Lower Kern "Premium" One Day Rafting Trips: August 20th and 21st

2011-08-09T12:43:00.000-07:00

August 20th 21st, we are offering two "Premium" One Day Lower Kern rafting trips. These trips will run ALL TEN of the Class IV rapids on the Lower in one day and they are priced at the same level as an Upper Kern One Day trip. We can only offer three of these trips per season and the first one is already sold out. This is the best one day trip on the river and it's our way of saying "Thanks" to all of our valued customers this year. If you can make it, give our office a call at 1-800-323-4234. You won't find a better bargain on the Kern this season. See you on the river.

Outstanding Rafting Conditions on the Lower Kern are Expected through August

2011-08-05T15:02:00.000-07:00

Rafting conditions are expected to be outstanding for those looking to run Lower Kern two day trips through the month of August and even into September this year. The abundant snow pack placed in the Southern Sierra Nevada this past winter is providing a seemingly endless runoff this summer and the water flows on the Lower are expected to be in the range of 2000 cubic feet per second (cfs) through August. Keith Stephens, general manager of Kern River Outfitters mentions, “We could not have ordered more ideal water flow conditions for our guests this year. The Lower Kern is currently running at 2175cfs and the Upper is still presenting levels close to 2000cfs. We’re projecting to run our Lower Kern two day trips through September 13th this year with August being the prime time in terms of great water conditions. The Upper Kern should provide really fun flows through the middle of August which is almost unheard of most years. We are thrilled to be able to offer high quality rafting trips throughout this time frame and have Mother Nature to thank for the opportunity.” Feel free to give our reservations office a call for up-to-date water flow conditions and trip availability. 1-800-323-4234

Rapid Profile: Horseshoe Falls, Lower Kern River

2011-07-31T16:28:00.000-07:00

Horseshoe Falls is one of our favorite rapids on the Lower Kern. It is the third of five Class IV rapids on the second day of the trip. Horseshoe commences with a quick right hand turn at the top and feeds into a long straight- a-way that leads to its most well know feature: Horseshoe Hole, a large hydraulic that wages a ton of fun to folks who venture through its frothy mass. After running through or around this feature, paddlers will find a quick left hand turn that places them into a calm pool where they can rest for a while, tell tall tales of the rapid just run, or maybe venture up to “Horseshoe Jumping Rock” and take an exhilarating leap of faith from the 15 foot perch back to the calm water below. Whatever route you take, this rapid and the relaxing respite below it will leave you with a permanent ear to ear grin.

Making the Most of Your Visit to the Kern River Valley

2011-07-19T10:56:00.000-07:00

A whitewater rafting trip on the Upper, Lower, or Forks of the Kern is certainly the highlight of a visit to the Kern River Valley however, many times our guest ask us what they can do to extend their visit beyond a day or two on the water. Our office staff are all experts at helping our guests plan their summer vacations and they have plenty of suggestions for activities to augment your visit to the Kern River. Here are a some great suggestions to add a day or two to your visit:

1. A day hike to a grove of Giant Sequoia trees in the high country about an hour away from Kernville.

2. Spend a day learning the art of fly fishing with Guy Jeans of Kern River Fly Fishing Guide Service. Guy is an expert fly fisherman and knows exactly where the hungry trout lie.

3. Check out the activities available on Lake Isabella. Jet skis, pontoon boats, fishing and water skiing boats and kayaks are available at the North Fork Marina. Give Deb a call at

1-760-376-1812 for more information.

4. Spend a leisurely day or afternoon playing a round of golf at the Kern River Golf Course. It’s a great nine hole course nestled in the middle of the scenic Kern River Canyon. You can’t beat the views. and the course is beautifully maintained.

5. Check out the haunted Silver City Ghost Town. It’s packed with historic buildings and has a few “certified” ghosts reported to be lurking in the woodwork.

6. The Kern River Brewing Company (KRBC). Admittedly, you probably won’t be spending an entire day at the KRBC, however Eric, Rebecca, and Kyle have perfected the art of brewing some of the tastiest craft beers (and root beer) ever to grace your taste buds. It’s a great place to relax after a day running the rapids, a hike, or a playing a round of golf.

Our office staff has plenty of other great ideas to help make your visit to the Kern River a fun and memorable experience. Feel free to give them a call at 1-800-323-4234 for more information.

Don't Miss the Extended Season on the Upper Kern this Summer

2011-07-14T12:48:00.000-07:00

The Upper Kern River offers the perfect solution for those looking for a one day or partial day whitewater rafting trip this summer. The extended 2011 season will allow us to run outstanding trips on the Upper through the middle of August. With the huge peak flows just behind us, the water is clear, exhilarating, and spectacular. If you’re looking for a one day Class IV rafting trip complete with tons of fun rapids, a fabulous riverside lunch, and unbeatable scenery, the Upper Kern is an excellent choice. In addition to the full day trip, the Upper also offers a Class IV afternoon half day and two hour Class III Double Lickety Split trips for those with less time available but a yearning to sample the river. The minimum age for our Class IV trips is 9; the minimum age for the Double Lickety Split is 5. Feel free to call our reservations office at 1-800-323-4234 if you have any questions or would like to make a reservation.

Guide Profile: Matt Adkisson

2011-07-07T15:26:00.000-07:00

Matt joined our team in the Spring of 2009. He hails from Wimberley Texas and received a MBA from Sam Houston State University in August of 2008. In addition to memorizing countless business texts, Matt was also on his school’s track team specializing in pole vaulting. He has demonstrated the highest level of guiding skills and is one of our top Class V guides. His expertise guiding rafts is enjoyed by all who are lucky enough to paddle for him. This past winter, Matt traveled extensively throughout Southeast Asia with fellow guide Bridget Murphy and has many stories of his adventures to share. We hope Matt stays out of an office and on the river for many more seasons to come. We’ll do our best to keep him on the water for as long as we are able to keep him firmly placed in the captain’s seat of his paddle boat.

Forks of the Kern Season is Now Open

2011-06-28T14:36:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-26T13:25:00.001-07:00

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

2011-06-14T13:14:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-09T09:54:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-06T08:04:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-02T14:22:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-01T07:57:00.000-07:00

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.

Rafting Vacations Close to Home

2011-05-23T07:11:00.000-07:00

A Great Rafting Vacation is More Affordable and Closer Than You Think

Skyrocketing fuel and lodging costs have all but eliminated expensive vacation plans that require travel and overnight stays for many people. Kern River Outfitters offers unique and affordable vacation opportunities for people looking to spend quality time with their friends and families this summer.

For those living in Southern California, whitewater rafting on the Kern River is a brilliant get away that makes sense from an aesthetic and a financial perspective. The Kern River is a veritable whitewater playground and is only a three hour drive from the Los Angeles basin. It is the furthest south of any Sierra Nevada river and offers Southern California residents world class whitewater practically in their own back yard.

Kern River Outfitters’ most popular rafting trip, a two day Lower Kern run, offers twenty miles of fabulous whitewater and a private camp loaded with luxuries including redwood decks, thick sleeping pads, and gourmet meals.

Keith Stephens, general manager of Kern River Outfitters mentions, “Folks looking to take families or groups of friends on a summer vacation just can’t beat the Lower Kern. For one price, guests can take advantage of two days of great whitewater, four wonderful meals, and an overnight stay in one of the most beautiful settings in California. The savings in travel and lodging costs alone make this an attractive vacation opportunity. When you add in your personal guide, gear, great food, and private riverside campsite, this overnight trip on the Lower is an irresistible vacation alternative to expensive summer outings.” He adds, “Our office staff takes the trouble out of planning and can help provide all kinds of options for those looking to combine their rafting trip with other activities including hiking, fishing, lake sports, mounting biking and even golf right here in the Kern Valley.”

Kern River Outfitters has 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.

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 the trips they offer, visit www.KernRafting or give their office a call at 1-800-323-4234.

For more information on Kern river trips visit http://www.KernRafting.com or call 1-800-323-4234.

2011 Guest Rewards Card

2011-05-20T08:43:00.000-07:00

This year the rafting season is not only going to provide the best water to raft on since 1998, it’s also going to have one of the longest durations as well. The Upper and Forks of the Kern will run well into August and the Lower Kern, already flowing at a fabulous level, will run well into September. Rare seasons like this offer our guests plenty of time to see more than one stretch of the river over the course of the summer and we’d like to help you do just that. As such, we are issuing all of our guests a 2011 Guest Rewards Card at the completion of their trip. This card entitles you a $25 credit towards your next trip this season. This is a small way for us to say “Thanks” for joining us and offer an enticement to see one of the other spectacular sections of the Kern all in one year.

How to Choose a River Outfitter

2011-05-16T12:16:00.000-07:00

A rafting vacation is a popular way for families and groups of friends to enjoy the thrill of whitewater and the serenity of the great outdoors. But how do you choose the most competent outfitter? Keith Stephens, general manager of Kern River Outfitters, suggests you ask a few simple questions. “Experience and track record are paramount when one looks for a professional outfit. Outfitters who are able to attract and hold top quality guides are in the position to offer their guests the best experience on the river.” Stephens advises to inquire as to how much experience a company’s guide staff offers. When shopping for an outfitter, here are a few a few key questions to ask:

1. Do they have a loyal customer base that returns year after year?
2. How long have they been outfitting on the stretch of river you’re intending to run?
3. Are they held in high regard by the federal agencies overseeing their permit?
4. Is their guide staff competent and family friendly?

Answers to these simple questions can shed light on the sometimes foggy process of choosing the right outfit for your group.

River trips can range from hour long jaunts to multi day adventures and rapids from easy Class II and III to more moderate Class IV and high adventure Class V outings. “An excellent rafting outfitter should have a depth of guide staff that can negotiate all of these levels of rapid difficulty with confidence,” Stephens adds. Guide personality is also a key factor in a successful, fun rafting trip. Ask your prospective outfitter the average age and make up of their guide staff. An excellent outfitter will have a good variety of men and women guides who not only specialize in technical skills on the water, but are also interesting, engaging hosts.

Kern River Outfitters has 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.

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 the trips they offer, visit www.KernRafting or give their office a call at 1-800-323-4234.

Lower Kern River Exceeds 4,000cfs for the First Time Since Spring of 2006

2011-05-11T15:01:00.000-07:00

Today, the Lower Kern was bumped up to over 4,000cfs for the first time since the Spring of 2006. Pictured above is a photo of the origin of the mighty Lower Kern: the outflow from the Isabella Main Dam. When flows over 4,000cfs are released, a spectacular arc of water fires from the dam and rushes headlong down the canyon. As the water increases, so does this spectacular jet of water. This is going to be one heck of a long, fun summer rafting on the Lower Kern. Get ready for some good times on the Lower, Upper and Forks of the Kern during this spectacular summer of whitewater. Call 1-800-323-4234 for more information or to make reservations for your trip.

2011 Rafting Season Unfurled

2011-05-09T12:12:00.000-07:00

The Kern River Outfitters Flag was raised today to signify the opening of the 2011 rafting season. We've been running trips for over two weeks, however, today it seemed appropriated to raise the flag in honor of what promises to be an outstanding year on the Kern River. The flag will great us every morning as we make preparations to run the day's trips. We'll keep it up until the last trip runs sometime in mid to late September this year. If you have a hankering to run the Upper, Lower, or Forks of the Kern this year, feel free to give us a call at 1-800-323-4234 for more information. Don't miss out on one of the most best years the Kern River has recorded in recent memory.

The Great 2011 Lower Camp Wash Out

2011-05-04T13:13:00.000-07:00

The storms of 2011 have deposited one of the best snow packs in recent memory, but they left a bit of carnage in their wake. Pictured above is a wash out at our Lower Kern camp. Guide Gary "Firestarter" Thornbrugh gives a little scale to the ditch the torrent of water carved. Word has it that the road leading to the Forks of the Kern also suffered the same fate and won't be open until the first week of June, at best. Good news though: our camp road is being repaired as we type this. This little memory of the winter storms' fury will soon be smoothed over. It is now time to play on the melting snow for the next four or five months. Get ready to have some serious fun.

Rafting Center Grand Opening: June 1st 2011

2011-05-03T16:15:00.000-07:00

WOFFORD HEIGHTS, CALIF. – May 2, 2011 – Kern River Outfitters in conjunction with the Kernville and Kern Valley Chamber of commerce has announced June 1^st as the grand opening of their newly re-modeled Rafting Center in Wofford Heights. Painstaking effort and attention to detail in design makes this building the perfect fit for guests joining them for rafting trips this summer. A hospitality center offers guests coffee, tea, or hot chocolate upon arrival and a spacious retail area allows for ease of browsing for those looking for incidentals and souvenirs. New changing rooms offer guests a convenient place to change into their river gear and a custom designed “Photo Bar” has been installed to allow guests to comfortably view pictures of their rafting trip upon their return.

Landscape architect David Prior with Grow Tech landscaping mentions, “People have relayed the building is now the most attractive in Wofford Heights. The Eldarica Pine trees surrounded by numerous manzanita, juniper, Texas Sage, penstemons and a host of other native plants in conjunction with an attractive boulder arrangement gives the exterior of the building a handsome look that compliments the whitewater theme to a tee.” Keith Stephens, general manager of Kern River Outfitters concurs, “The building looks fabulous. We are all excited to greet our guests at this wonderful facility. It has taken a while to come together, but it was worth the wait. The building projects the quality and professionalism that has been our hallmark for over 30 years.”

The grand opening will run from 6:30–8:30p.m. and will feature a tour of the premises, door prizes, and refreshments for all who attend. If you are able to make the function, please RSVP Jim Ritter at 1-866-213-7754.

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 this grand opening or any of the trips they offer, visit www.KernRafting or give their office a call at 1-800-323-4234.

###

Sierra Snowpack Has Outfitters Planning Extended Rafting Season

2011-04-12T06:30:00.000-07:00

Anticipated Runoff Poses Challenges & Opportunities for Kern River Outfitters

Data provided by the California Cooperative Snow Survey on April 1, 2011 shows the statewide snowpack to be 160% of average with some readings above southern California’s Kern River drainage to be nearly twice normal. For outfitters offering rafting trips on the Kern River, these readings promise exceptional flows all summer.

Easily reached from all of Southern California, the Kern River is a popular destination for people looking for rafting vacations close-to-home. Just three hours from Los Angeles, the Kern features runs of varying difficulty lasting from a few hours to three-days. The heavy snowpack and resulting runoff will provide plenty of water for a season expected to last well into
September.

“We’re getting ready for a big year,” says Luther Stephens, the general manager for Kern River Outfitters. “This will be one of the best seasons ever for folks looking to raft the Kern River.” Stephens oversees the company’s operations and is using historical data to project what the season will look like on different sections of the river. “On sections that rely entirely on snow melt for water, like the Upper Kern and Forks, we’re looking at a season that will stretch well into August. We haven’t been able to do that in quite a few years.” Stephens is cautionary that high flows might restrict trips on the Forks of the Kern in May and June. “The best time to run the Forks stretch will be after peak flows recede and the water clears, is warmer, and more manageable”, he says. “We expect that to happen towards the end of June. It is going to be a rare and fabulous season on all stretches of the Kern River this summer.”

For Stephens, mapping out the extent of the season is only part of the challenge presented by high water flows. Staff training and scheduling is another part of the puzzle. “We’re already planning orientation trips and training for our staff,” he reports. “We have the most experienced crew on the river but they don’t get to see a season like this very often so we’re stepping up our training for the entire crew.”

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 in California. Trips are offered on the Kern River in Sequoia National Forest, east of Bakersfield.

For more details about the Kern River and rafting conditions this summer, visit http://www.KernRafting, email office@kernrafting.com or call Kern River Outfitters at 1-800-323-4234.

Kern River Outfitters Announces 2011 Summer Schedule

2011-03-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

WOFFORD HEIGHTS, CALIF. – March 21, 2011

Kern River Outfitters has announced their summer schedule with the approach of the 2011 rafting season. Guide training begins on April 16, Upper Kern One Day trips start the weekend of April 23, Lower Kern One Day trips are scheduled to begin April 30, and Lower Kern Two Day trips are slated to begin May 15. Forks of the Kern trips will be begin in early May. The anticipated high water from mid-May through early June will necessitate a black out period for the Forks trips. “The peak water flow this year will most likely occur between the last week of May and the first week of June this year,” comments Keith Stephens, general manger for Kern River Outfitters. Stephens adds, “The best time to run the Forks of the Kern this year will be from June 15 through early August due to the abundant snow pack. The Upper Kern should run through the first week of August and the ever popular Two Day Lower Kern trip should easily run though Labor Day weekend this season. It is going to be a very busy year for rafting here on the Kern River.”

Wednesday, June 1, the company will hold the grand opening of their newly renovated Rafting Center complete with refreshments and a showing of outstanding river photography by noted outdoor photographer Tysun McMullan. “The long awaited opening of our new Rafting Center will be a time of celebration here on the Kern River,” says Stephens, “The opening coupled with the fantastic water flow this year has everyone beaming with excitement.”

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, visit www.KernRafting or give their office a call at 1-800-323-4234.

2011 Guide Training Slated to Start April 16

2011-03-10T14:06:00.001-08:00

WOFFORD HEIGHTS, CALIF. – March 7, 2011-- Kern River Outfitters has announced April 16 as the opening day for their professional guide training course conducted on the Kern River in Southern California. The six day course provides participants with an intensive training in the art of whitewater rafting including swiftwater rescue skills, natural and human history, and customer service.

Those selected to work for Kern River Outfitters as river guides are able to take advantage of an active and fun lifestyle spent outdoors on the river, the opportunity to meet and raft with hundreds of interesting people, subsidized summer housing, participation in the company’s SIMPLE-IRA pension plan as well as the chance to work on other rivers in Idaho and Oregon.

Kern River Outfitters’ guide school is touted as the best whitewater training and skill development course in the recreation industry. The cost for the six day school is $715.85. Keith Stephens, general manager for Kern River Outfitters notes, “We expect to hire between eight and ten new guides this season. With the abundant snow pack this winter, we expect to be running trips from mid April through the Labor Day weekend.” He adds, “Every year we look for bright, articulate, and athletic recruits who love the outdoors and love sharing it with other people.”

The course is not limited to people looking to become professional river guides. It is also open to private rafters looking to advance their whitewater boating skills. Interested parties can contact Kern River Outfitters at 1-800-323-4234 for more information or to sign up for the course.

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, visit www.KernRafting or give their office a call at 1-800-323-4234.

Guide Profile: Andrew Matthews

2011-02-15T10:11:00.000-08:00

Having grown up surfing outside of San Diego, waves were nothing new to Andrew when he first decided to become a river guide for Kern River Outfitters. 2011 marks his 4th year on our crew. During this past off-season, Andrew has traveled to Africa with his kayak and to Central and South America with a surfboard.

We're looking forward to another fabulous year with Andrew and his infectious smile and sense of humor.

Snow Report Points to Outstanding Kern Rafting Season

2011-02-07T08:03:00.001-08:00

April 23rd marks the opening day for Kern River Outfitters on Southern California’s Upper Kern River. Fed by snowmelt off the Southern Sierra Mountains, the Upper Kern River is one of the most popular one-day whitewater rafting stretches in California. The Kern River is the closest rafting to Southern California’s largest cities, Los Angeles and San Diego.

The Upper Kern’s water supply comes from natural run-off – not dam release – so flows fluctuate more widely than its downstream counterpart, the Lower Kern, which is fed by Lake Isabella. As temperatures rise in the early spring, the Upper Kern turns from a calm trickle to a raging river.

Keith Stephens, general manager for Kern River Outfitters, indicates that the 2011 season is going to be outstanding. “The storms that pounded Southern California and the Kern River drainage over the month of December have deposited enough snow to account for 100% of normal for the entire season,” noted Stephens – “ and with the snow pack we have already accumulated, we are guaranteed a fantastic year of whitewater rafting here on the Kern.”

Kern River Outfitters runs one to three-day guided commercial rafting trips on the Kern River in the Sequoia National Forest. Typically, the rafting season on the Kern begins in late April and runs through the first part of September.

Just a few hours outside of Los Angeles, the Kern River is an ideal river for families and first-timers, as well as seasoned river runners. It features whitewater rapids ranging in difficulty from Class II – V and there are numerous trip options, making the river suitable for everyone. Trips range in duration from two hours to three days, and in price from $60.00 to $898.00 per person, depending on the day of departure and length of trip. Group, family and non-profit discounts are available on all trip dates except for those departing on Saturdays. With more than 40 professional river guides on staff and over 35 years in the business, Kern River Outfitters is the most experienced and popular river rafting company that offers trips on the Kern River. For details, visit http://www.KernRafting.com, or call 1-800-323-4234.

Join Us on the Lower Kern this Labor Day Weekend

2010-08-31T16:47:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo of a some happy folks who just came off our Lower Kern trip this afternoon. We still have a few spaces for one and two day trips this weekend. Our last half day Lower on Labor Day also has 10 spaces available. Summer is not over yet. You still have an opportunity to get your whitewater fix before fall sets in. If you would like more information on our trips, feel free to give our reservations office a call at 1-800-323-4234 and we'll save a seat for you and your family.

Sunshine and Fun on the Lower Kern River

2010-08-17T12:55:00.000-07:00

The Lower Kern is still running at a great level. Pictured above is a group of happy rafters celebrating after running Hari Kari Rapid on the Lower. With water temperatures close to 70 degrees and beautiful, sunny days, August could be the best time of the year to enjoy either a one or two day Lower Kern trip. There is still some space available for this upcoming Saturday (8/21) departure. If you'd like more information on one of these trips, feel free to give our office a call at 1-800-323-4234. We are here to help and happy to assist you plan your visit to the Kern River Valley this year.

Powerful Possum Rapid, Lower Kern

Don't miss out on the fun. There is still time to plan the rafting trip of a lifetime. 1-800-323-4234

Perseid Meteor Shower Offers Stunning Show for Lower Kern Overnight Guests

2010-08-12T15:25:00.000-07:00

Guests on our Lower Kern overnight trips will be treated to a spectacular show when gazing at the stars overhead over the next couple of weeks. The Perseid Meteor Showers will be at their peak this evening and will offer stargazers a brilliant light show all through the night. The shooting stars are expected to light up the night sky once or twice a minute throughout the evening.

Although the peak is expected this evening, above average shooting star activity can be expected throughout the month of August. If you can't make it up to the river where the conditions are ideal, take a moment to step out tonight wherever you are and see if you can catch a glimpse of this event.

Better yet, join us for a Two Day trip on the Lower Kern this month and accent an outstanding river trip with one of Mother Natures most spectacular night sky shows.

For more information, give our office a call at 1-800-323-4234.

Outstanding Lower Kern Flows Continue

2010-08-11T14:07:00.001-07:00

The Lower Kern continues to offer outstanding water flows as we approach mid-August and head into September. The photo above is of guide Bridget Murphy and her crew as they rounded the bend and took aim at Horseshoe Falls rapid on the Lower a few days ago. With flows expected to exceed 2000cfs (cubic feet per second) tomorrow, the Lower Kern will provide whitewater enthusiasts the best rafting conditions of any river in California.

Our plush camp on the Lower Kern is the perfect place to spend the evening under the stars in anticipation of your next day on the water. If you can't join us for an overnight trip, we may be able to get you on either the first or second day of this spectacular run. Take a look at our Lower Kern map for some photos of the rapids and popular landmarks.

If you would like information on rafting the Lower Kern, feel free to give our office a call at 1-800-323-4234.

Clear Skies Return To The Kern River Valley

2010-07-29T16:47:00.000-07:00

Photo by Brett Duxbury:

The "Bull Fire" that raged through the Upper Kern Canyon only a couple of days ago has moved away from the Kern Valley. This photograph, taken a few hours ago, clearly shows the area north of Kernville scarred by the blaze.

Contrary to recent reports, the sky above is crystal clear and beautiful. Although this fire is still burning in the back country, the Kern River Valley's picture perfect blue sky has returned. Nature's recovery efforts are already in full swing and our trips on the Lower Kern River are running uninhibited by the recent event. Still flowing at levels around 2,000cfs, the Lower Kern is the perfect place to spend a couple of days with friends and family. The water's great, the air is clear, and the scenery is fabulous. Call 1-800-323-4234 to check for availability and reserve your seat in our whitewater playground.

Kern Valley's "Bull Fire" Moving North; Rafting Trips Unaffected by Fire

2010-07-28T16:40:00.000-07:00

The "Bull Fire" that started just over 48 hours ago in the Bull Run Creek drainage adjacent to the Upper Kern River has moved north and away from the towns of Kernville and Riverkern. Although the residents of these two communities seem to be safe from the immediate threat, the community of Fairview is now in the cross hairs of the fire. With a little luck, and a lot of hard work from the men and women fighting the fire, Fairview will be spared.

Although this fire has caused some logistical changes, it hasn't caused any problems for folks running our Lower Kern trips. The water is better than ever on the Lower Kern and folks are having a blast on the river. The smoke caused by the first day of the fire has already cleared from the Kern Valley.

Here are some photographs of the amazing men, women and machines that offer lightening quick response when fire threatens. Our hats are off to all of them.

Line up of fire trucks in Kernville

"Sky Crane" helicopter scoping the scene

Water Bomber pulling up after a drop

Helicopter making the drop

Bridget and crew having a great time today on the Lower Kern River

Outfitter Provides Comfortable Camping Options on Multi-Day Kern River Rafting Trips

2010-07-14T07:41:00.000-07:00

Kern River Outfitters’ Campground on the Lower Kern River is a Far Cry From “Roughing It”

If it’s the “camping” part of a multi-day rafting trip that has deterred you from enjoying one of California’s best whitewater river trips, Kern River Outfitters has the solution. With a luxurious campground located approximately halfway down the twenty mile section of river rafted on their two-day trips, Kern River Outfitters provides customers with amenities that make the camping experience a far cry from “roughing it”.

Kern River Outfitters, which last year was recognized by National Geographic as one of the “Best Travel Companies on Earth”, has distinguished their Kern River rafting trip experience by focusing on quality and customer service. “We enhance the camping experience by having an overnight camp that pampers customers with redwood sleeping decks, extra-thick camp mattresses, solar lights, outstanding cuisine, and beautiful views of the river,” said Keith Stephens, general manager of Kern River Outfitters.

The Lower Kern River, which is often touted as the premier multi-day rafting trip in California, will offer substantial water flows for rafting trips into mid-September. Reservations are required and trip space is limited to 30 people. For more information on rafting on the Kern River or to reserve your space, call Kern River Outfitters at 1-800-323-4234 or visit http://www.KernRafting.com.

Guide Profile: Bridget Murphy

2010-07-12T15:15:00.000-07:00

Bridget joined our team after graduating from our guide training in April of 2009. She hails from New York City and attended the University of Rhode Island in Kingston. She received a BS in Nutrition and Dietetics in the spring of 2008. In addition to her academic pursuits, Bridget was a scholarship athlete for the University of Rhode Island's NCCA Division One Varsity Gymnastics team.

Bridget has flourished in her second year on the Kern. Her guiding skills are second to none and she is a frequent request by guests running our Lower Kern Two Day trips. In addition to her outstanding guiding skills, Bridget has made a name for herself by demonstrating perfect handstands at camp and headstands on her raft in the calm sections of the river. We're happy to announce that Bridget is going to be guiding trips through the first part of September this year. If you would like to request Bridget, give our office a call at 1-800-323-4234 and we will make every effort to schedule her on your trip.

Guide Profile: Darby Vreven

2010-07-10T13:19:00.000-07:00

Darby Vreven is one of those rare guides blessed with phenomenal experience, poise, talent, athleticism, and a sunny, outgoing personality. He started guiding on the Kern in 1982 and has seen the Kern River run at levels many just dream about. In 1983, the Isabella spillway overflowed and the Lower Kern ran in excess of 7,500 CFS (cubic feet per second). Darby was one of only a handful of guides who ran the Lower Kern at these impossible levels and has some tall tales of his exploits that day in the Lower Kern Canyon. He is a veteran of two Iron Man Triathlons and has recently retired as a special education teacher for Kernville Elementary here in the Kern Valley.

Darby has been the lead instructor for our spring guide trainings over the past few years. His love of guiding and high degree of experience has enabled him to pass on invaluable skills to our guide trainees. He's pictured here running an oar boat through Carson Falls rapid on the Forks of the Kern last weekend. When not on the water, you can find Darby running with his faithful golden retriever, Solar, or mountain biking on the trails that crisscross the Kern Valley.

Casa Colina's Annual Lower Kern Trip

2010-07-07T10:08:00.000-07:00

Every year, Kern River Outfitters hosts a group of rafters from Casa Colina Rehabilitation Center on our Two Day Lower Kern trip. Guide Kristen Finstad is pictured above coming through Possum Rapid with a boatload of grinning guests from last year's Casa Colina trip. Anne Johnson, founder and director of Casa Colina's Outdoor Adventures program, organizes this group every year. This inspiring group makes up one of the most rewarding trips we run every year. Today is day two of their 2010 Lower Kern trip. We'll post photos of this year's trip when they come off the water this afternoon.

Magic Eight Ball: What Should Everyone Do This Week?

2010-07-04T13:30:00.000-07:00

If you are like the other million-plus folks out there wondering exactly what to do with yourself over the next few days we have great news for you. We've taken the guess work, planning, and decision making difficulties and used our office's Magic Eight Ball to help you find the answer to the century old question of "What Should I Do?"

After shaking and rolling the Magic Eight Ball across the floor the answer shined proud and true: "Go Rafting on the Kern River" it read. We took a photo to post here so you can see the Magic Eight Ball for yourself. To heed its advice simply pick up your phone and give us a call at 1-800-323-4234.

This coming week has plethora of trip options: Double Licketies, Half-Day, and Full-Day trips on the Upper Kern River; One and Two-Day trips on the Lower Kern; and of course the Three-Day trip on the Forks of the Kern (July 10th).

Forks of the Kern: July 10th, 11th, 12th

2010-07-02T12:47:00.000-07:00

Pictured above is master guide Darby Vreven exiting from the "Thing" (the last hole in Carson Falls Rapid on the Forks). Darby is rowing a fully loaded gear boat on day three of the trip that came off the water last Sunday. It was absolutely glorious out there.

This season has seen almost unprecedented conditions on the Forks. With flows hovering around 2000cfs, the water conditions are as close to perfect as you will ever see, especially in July.

Chocked full of world class whitewater, Forks of the Kern is one of the nation's premier rafting trips. We have a trip slated to leave on Saturday, July 10th at 8:00am. This trip is one of our "Priority Dates" and features a reduced rate. Take a look at our interactive Forks of the Kern Map and get a tantalizing view of some of the scenery and rapids on this epic run.

If you would like more information, or would like to make a reservation for this trip of a lifetime, give our office a call at 1-800-323-4234 and we'll arrange your trip on this Wild and Scenic whitewater adventure.

Half-Day Lower Kern Trips (Class II-III)

2010-07-01T10:14:00.000-07:00

One of our lesser-known trips is the Half-Day Lower Kern. This trip is great for those who are looking for a pleasant mix of the Lower Kern's stunningly beautiful river canyon as well as mellower whitewater than some of our other full-day and half-day trips. The whitewater on the Half-Day Lower Kern trip is class II and III, which means it is perfect for inexperienced paddlers or those who simply want a relaxing float.

The Half-Day Lower Kern meets at 1:00 p.m. at our rafting center. Trips typically get off the water around 5:00 and are back at our base by 5:30. In total, we raft about 6 miles and run dozens of class II and a handful of class III rapids.

In 2010 we are offering Half-Day Lower Kern trips on the following dates: July 4th, July 31st, August 1st, August 7th, and August 8th. If you would like to join us on this wonderful stretch of river, give us a ring at 1-800-323-4234. Click here to download the Half-Day Lower Kern trip notes.

Celebrate America’s Birthday on the Kern River

2010-06-30T08:59:00.000-07:00

The “Wild and Scenic” Kern River is a Great Place for Families to Celebrate the Fourth of July

Americans throughout the state of California are looking for new ways to celebrate the nation’s birthday and an increasing number of them are taking their families rafting for the holiday. The Kern River in Southern California offers celebrants a fabulous venue to enjoy the great outdoors for the Fourth of July. All three sections of the Kern River - the Upper, Lower, and Forks of the Kern - are running at summer levels that haven’t been seen since 2006. These water flows are allowing whitewater enthusiasts an opportunity to raft the entire river at ideal conditions. Visitors to the Kern Valley will also be treated to an exceptional fireworks display over Lake Isabella the evening of July 3rd.

Keith Stephens, general manager of Kern River Outfitters, suggests a rafting trip coupled with an evening lakeside enjoying the fireworks as an ideal family outing. “Families looking for a wholesome get-a-way can’t beat the combination of a day or two of whitewater and the fireworks show over the lake.” Stephens adds, “Our most popular river trip, the Two-Day Lower Kern run, will be serving overnight guests a 'real American' dutch oven apple pie and ice cream dessert on the Fourth of July, in addition to an ample helping of good old fashioned whitewater.”

The Kern River Valley offers visitors a wide range of recreational opportunities in addition to rafting. Side hikes to giant sequoia groves, golf, fishing, and boating on Lake Isabella are just some of the activities that are available. For more information on rafting trips or other opportunities for family oriented fun in the Kern Valley, contact Kern River Outfitters at 1-800-323-4234 or visit their website at http://www.KernRafting.com.

4th of July on the Kern River

2010-06-30T08:56:00.001-07:00

This weekend promises to be one of the highlights of the 2010 season here on the Kern River. In addition to the best rafting conditions we've seen in years, there will be an awesome fireworks show over Lake Isabella on Saturday, July 3rd just after dark. Every year, after drip drying from a day or two of rafting, we gather around the lake and wait for the show to begin. We still have a few spaces for our one day trips on the Upper, Lower, and super affordable two hour Double Lickety Split trips on Saturday. Celebrate our nation's birthday with us on the Kern River. We guarantee a day of outstanding whitewater and an evening filled with fun and fireworks. Give us a call at 1-800-323-4234 and our office staff will help you arrange an unforgettable visit for you and your family.

Vanessa Herrera

2010-06-28T15:33:00.000-07:00

Pictured above is a beaming Vanessa Herrera standing guard below Carson Falls on the Forks of the Kern.

Vanessa has been guiding with Kern River Outfitters since graduating from our guide training in 1998. A stand out during the course, she showed an innate aptitude for guiding and has long since become one of our top guides. After long seasons guiding on the Kern during the summer, Vanessa spent many off season traveling in Mexico, Costa Rica, and other far flung regions seeking out whitewater wherever she could find it. In recent years, she works as an elementary school teacher in Los Angeles during the winter. Vanessa's smile and pleasant demeanor brightens the days of all lucky enough to find her wielding a guide paddle in the back of their raft.

Something for everyone on Southern California’s Kern River in July

2010-06-23T07:21:00.000-07:00

The numerous trip options make Kern River rafting trips suitable for nearly everyone.

Two weeks after the Kern River spiked to an impressive 8,600 cubic feet per second, the water flow on all three sections of the river has receded to ideal levels for whitewater rafting. “We’ve been running trips since early April but now is the first time all sections of the Kern are running simultaneously and at perfect water flows,” reports Keith Stephens, general manager of Kern River Outfitters. “We expect these levels to remain steady through the month of July and into August,” adds Stephens.

The furthest south of any Sierra Nevada river, the Kern River offers whitewater enthusiasts a wider range of rafting opportunities than any river in California. Rafters can choose from a range of easy Class II and III two hour trips on the Upper Kern to expert three day Class V adventure on the Forks of the Kern. “Our most popular trip is the Two-Day Lower Kern run,” says Stephens, who has worked on the Kern River for over 20 years. “It’s fun whitewater for families and our camp is spacious and incredibly comfortable.”

Numerous options make Kern River rafting trips suitable for nearly everyone and the short driving distance from Southern California’s largest cities make it a popular summer destination. For information about the Kern River or California rafting trips in general, contact Keith Stephens at 1-800-323-4234 or visit: http://www.KernRafting.com.

Celebrate 4th of July on the Kern River

2010-06-21T15:45:00.000-07:00

Looking for something to do on 4th of July Weekend?

A Kern River rafting vacation is the ticket to a peaceful 4th of July away from the crowds. On the Upper Kern we still have space on our full-day and half-day trips for both Saturday and Sunday. On the Lower Kern there are still spaces open on our two-day Saturday-Sunday trip. Call us at 1-800-323-4234 to reserve your space today.

The Thunder Run

2010-06-16T15:30:00.000-07:00

The Thunder Run is an exceptional Class Five 0ne-day trip on the Upper Kern. We ran one today and yesterday. The conditions are perfect: beautiful weather and exceptional water flows. Pictured above is our guide Scooter Carling and his raft of eager paddlers having the time of their lives dropping into Fender Bender Rapid. They were having as much fun as you could possibly fit into one day.

Here are a couple more shots taken of the proud crew as they exited the rapid:

The conditions for Class Five adventures on the Thunder Run and the Forks of the Kern could not be better. The melting 2010 snow pack will allow us to run many more of these trips over the next few weeks. We currently have six spaces available for our Thunder Run departing tomorrow morning at 8:30am. If you'd like to join us on one of these great trips, give our office a call at 1-800-323-4234 and we'll have you paddling before you know it.

Choosing an Outfitter for your Rafting Trip

2010-06-16T12:33:00.000-07:00

A Careful Selection Can Be the Difference Between a Fabulous Trip and a Bad Experience

A rafting vacation is a popular way for families and groups of friends to enjoy the thrill of whitewater and the serenity of the great outdoors. But how do you choose the most competent outfitter? Keith Stephens, general manager of Kern River Outfitters, suggests you ask a few simple questions. “Experience and track record are paramount when one looks for a professional outfit. Outfitters who are able to attract and hold top quality guides are in the position to offer their guests the best experience on the river.” Stephens advises to inquire as to how much experience a company’s guide staff offers. When shopping for an outfitter, here are a few a few key questions to ask:

1. Do they have a loyal customer base that returns year after year?
2. How long have they been outfitting on the stretch of river you’re intending to run?
3. Are they held in high regard by the federal agencies overseeing their permit?
4. Is their guide staff competent and family friendly?

Answers to these simple questions can shed light on the sometimes foggy process of choosing the right outfit for your group.

River trips can range from hour long jaunts to multi day adventures and rapids from easy Class II and III to more moderate Class IV and high adventure Class V outings. “An excellent rafting outfitter should have a depth of guide staff that can negotiate all of these levels of rapid difficulty with confidence,” Stephens adds. Guide personality is also a key factor in a successful, fun rafting trip. Ask your prospective outfitter the average age and make up of their guide staff. An excellent outfitter will have a good variety of men and women guides who not only specialize in technical skills on the water, but are also interesting, engaging hosts.

Kern River Outfitters has 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 information on Kern river trips visit www.KernRafting.com or call 1-800-323-4234.

Marie, Rich and Family Go Rafting

2010-06-14T09:47:00.000-07:00

Marie Griffin, long time friend of Kern River Outfitters' general manager Keith Stephens, brought her family up for a taste of the Kern this past weekend. Pictured above alongside the river just prior to launching on their Double Lickety Split run is Marie and her husband Rich along with their kids Sarah, Sophie, Amanda, and Grace. Everyone who met them said the same thing: What a wonderful family.

They had a great time. And, it sure was nice having them. Here's a couple more photos of the family droppin' in and having fun in the sun on the mighty Kern.

If you'd like to have a little fun yourself, give us a call at 1-800-323-4234 and we'll find a trip that's perfect for your family too.

Article in Antelope Valley Life

2010-06-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

AV News Editor Tom Bryant joined us on a one-day Upper Kern rafting trip last week. He wrote a great article about Kern River Outfitters and our guides, you can check it out here. In his article, Tom writes:

"We arrived at the Kern River Outfitters early in the morning and met Vanessa, a wonderful guide who gave us some detailed lessons and information for our day on the river.

We were then introduced to Keith and Matt who would be our Guide's throughout our daylong trip. I mentioned attitude and atmosphere, these two guides had both and made our trip a trip to remember.

Even if you've never been rafting before, or ever experienced rapids like this, Keith and Matt are two of the best in keeping you safe. The training is non stop from the time you get into the boat to the time to get back to their office. That's right, white water rafting is not a spectator sport, it's a hands-on sport that is second to none."

Check out the full article here.

Upper Kern Peaks Sunday, June 6th

2010-06-10T09:25:00.000-07:00

The Upper and Forks of the Kern appear to have peaked this past weekend. The flows were approaching 9,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). Here's a picture of "The Flume" (one of the rapids on the One Day Class V "Thunder Run") flowing during the peak. At theses flows, we pass on running Thunder Runs and look for calmer places to take our rafts, but it is still interesting to see how the river changes with these unusually high water flows. The peak flows are beginning to diminish and the river will slowly decrease revealing crystal clear water and wonderful, steady flows throughout June and July for our Upper, Lower, and Forks of the Kern trips. Interested in taking advantage of one of these great vacations? Give us a call at 1-800-323-4234.

Lower Kern Rafting in Full Swing

2010-06-06T10:59:00.000-07:00

Our most popular rafting trip, the two-day Lower Kern, is now in full swing for the summer. With temperatures in the mid-90s and flows holding at an excellent 2000 cubic feet per second, the Lower Kern is the obvious choice for a multi-day rafting trip in California.

The Lower Kern is well known for fun and exciting rapids, warm water, and a beautiful river canyon. Our camp is located exactly half way through the run, about 10 miles downstream of the put-in, and is a comfortable place to call "home" for the night.

Give us a ring to book your Lower Kern rafting trip at 1-800-323-4234. You can also learn more about the Lower Kern by clicking here.

Exploring the Kern River Drainage

2010-05-28T11:58:00.000-07:00

The Kern River is the main draw to the Kern River Valley during the spring and summer months. However, there are many sites to visit and explore after a day or two on the river and that's exactly what I did this past week. After spending Tuesday on the Upper Kern River I grabbed my girlfriend, two sandwiches, and my camera and we began our trek to greater heights.

After passing Johnsondale Bridge the road begins a steep climb and follows South Creek to the small town of Johnsondale. Continuing up the road we reached an intersection that all of our guides here at Kern River Outfitters are familiar with: The Road to the Forks, which turns off to the right. We continued off to the left and after about 15 minutes we hit a four-way stop at the Western Divide Highway. We turned to the right and continued down the road toward the Trail of 100 Giants.

After another 15 minutes we reached the Dome Rock, which offered some spectacular views of the entire Kern River Valley and the Needle Rocks. What a great place to eat lunch too.We were trying to find the trail to the Needle Rocks but there is so much snow still up high that the side-roads were all closed. So, instead of hiking we went to the restaurant/bar in the small town of Ponderosa and enjoyed a tasty brew and a game of pool.

While visiting the Kern River Valley, be sure to check out some of the many side-adventures this great place has to offer. Our guides and staff are more than just raft guides, they know this area better than anyone and can help you have the trip of a lifetime, both on and off the river.

The reason we are going to have a great
season on the Kern River: lots of snow!

Make Plans Today: Call 1-800-323-4234

2010-05-27T07:57:00.000-07:00

Memorial Weekend is fast approaching and if you don't already have plans to visit the Kern River now is the time to pick up the phone and give us a ring. We still have space available on a few of our most popular trips, but not for long.

Right now on the Kern River we are experiencing better than normal river flows and with that in mind many past guests are calling and saving their seats. So, if you don't have plans, give us a call. You can reach us at 1-800-323-4234 or office@KernRafting.com.

Dwight and Ernie

2010-05-26T11:13:00.000-07:00

These unassuming hombres are the cornerstones of our transportation division here at Kern River Outfitters. Pictured here waiting for their guests to get suited up for their trips this morning, Dwight and Ernie (and Bob and Mike who are not in the photo) are responsible for safely transporting our guests, guides, and equipment to and from the river each and every day during the spring and summer months. They are not only great drivers, they're great guys too. We all feel lucky to have these fellas on board. Join us on the Upper, Lower, or Forks of the Kern this year and you'll get the added bonus of meeting these guys as well as the rest of our talented staff here at Kern River Outfitters.

Kern River Outfitters Teams up with U.S. Forest Service and California Land Management for River Clean Up Day on Saturday, June 12th

2010-05-25T11:19:00.000-07:00

Kern River Outfitters has teamed up with California Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service for the 2010 Upper Kern River Clean Up Day scheduled for Saturday, June 12th at 9:00am. Participants meet at Corral Creek along the Upper Kern and will spend a few of hours helping beautify the Upper Kern River. A BBQ lunch at Headquarters Campground will follow the clean up. This is a great opportunity to do something good for the Kern River and have some fun to boot. If you would like more information, please call Debbie Campbell at 1-760-376-1815. You can also call our office at 1-800-323-4234.

Extended Upper Kern Rafting Season

2010-05-24T07:42:00.000-07:00

Due to a cooler than normal May, flows on the Upper Kern are going to be great until late July. Snow in the Kern River drainage is not melting as quickly as what would normally be expected. Yesterday's "high" of 58 degrees was a chilly surprise but what might be a sting of cold air today is a promise of great water flows in July.

The Upper Kern River is California's most accessible class II-V stretch of whitewater. For more than twenty miles the river offers up world-class whitewater and a beautiful river canyon all within a pitching-wedge from the road. With various access points, finding a river section suitable for just anyone is possible.

Our Upper Kern trips meet at our rafting center at 8:30 a.m. and return sometime between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. We serve a great lunch along the river and take you on many of the different sections of the Upper Kern. For more information about the Upper Kern, or to book your trip, call us at 1-800-323-4234.

Forks of the Kern River Video

2010-05-21T09:32:00.000-07:00

The Forks of the Kern, the crown-jewel of wilderness class V, was where 17 Kern River Outfitters' guides and staff found themselves on Tuesday and Wednesday. Each year we hold a staff training trip on the Forks and this year the two-day trip was an absolute blast. We took two paddle boats and three oar boats, had clean lines, and got to see one of the most beautiful sections of river that we know of.

Mike Spradlin shot video, edited it, and then recorded his own music to put together this sweet clip of runs at West Wall (aka Confusion) and Carson Falls.

Everything is new here - except the guides

2010-05-20T18:09:00.001-07:00

Things are exciting here at Kern River Outfitters' headquarters. Each day the nice UPS man drops off another shipment of something new for the 2010 season. First came the lifejackets and helmets. That's right: fresh, new, brightly colored, and high-floating jackets coupled with brand-spanking new helmets are now ready in the gear shed to hit the water.

Next came umbrellas for our Lower Camp. These shade-making machines are ready to be plopped into place. They were followed by new silverware, new table cloths, new t-shirts, and new throw-bags. Each day a new surprise.

At KRO, we believe the smallest details of every trip deserve attention. And that's why we start with new gear and equipment. No other outfitter knows service like we do here and that's precisely why our guests come back year after year.

The big new touch for 2010 is our Rafting Center: bigger, newer, and better than any river trip meeting location in California.

The only thing that's not new here at Kern River Outfitters are our guides. Our guides are the most experienced river men and women you will find anywhere. And that's the most important detail of your trip. Oh, and Jason has a new dog named Banjo. Come join us on the river - everything's new you know, well, except our guides.

Packing into the Forks of the Kern

2010-05-18T06:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday our crew packed into the Forks of the Kern in preparation for our Forks training trip. We're launching this morning and will be taking out tomorrow afternoon. Things are looking great for the trip: beautiful weather and great water flows.

Gary (many refer to him simply as "Starter") drove some of the crew up and was able to snap some photos from the pack station. The Forks is one of the most isolated multi-day trips in the United States and mules are necessary to carry all of our heavy equipment down to the river. It's one of the few rafting trips on earth where the task of getting to the river is an adventure in itself.

We still have spaces available on many of our Forks trips for 2010. With a good snow pack, our Forks of the Kern rafting season will extend into late July. Give us a call today to begin planning your trip, 1-800-323-4234.

Here are some shots Gary was able to get yesterday:

Kern River Rafting Company Adopts Brigade Customer Service Standards

2010-05-17T12:12:00.000-07:00

Kern River Outfitters is "raising the bar" for customer service in the whitewater rafting industry.

Bridgade-style service is a standard of performance and care defined by a select group of river outfitters in Idaho and Oregon offering multi-day rafting vacations. It recognizes the need to provide exceptional service to clients who have a myriad of family vacation choices. Today’s successful adventure travel providers have elevated their service standards to compete with cruise lines, destination resorts and other vacation choices.

For Kern River Outfitters, based in Wofford Heights, California, adopting a brigade style service philosophy was an easy step. Already recognized as the premier rafting outfitter on the Kern River, the company queried guests and guides to determine what standards needed to be defined and implemented. Reservations manager, Dawn Jordan, summed it up, “It is a company wide effort to provide memorable and exhilarating rafting trips that feature exceptional customer service, acclaimed meals, gracious and welcoming guides, and a desire to introduce guests to the secrets of the Kern River Valley.”

The company set standards for a variety of trip elements. Boating safety, environmental interpretation, food handling & meal preparation, equipment inspections, guide training, and office staffing all were reviewed to set a level of service beyond what is typically expected on a rafting trip.

Will Volpert, Operations Manager, believes the effort pays big dividends for guests and guides. “We’ve set the bar for guest satisfaction at a very high level. We have always been committed to running the highest quality trips possible and in this economic downturn it is more crucial than ever to continue on this trend.”

For information on rafting the Kern River, contact Kern River Outfitters at 1-800-323-4234. Idaho & Oregon River Journeys is another outfitter that has adopted this level of service. Learn about their trips at http://www.IdahoRiverJourneys.com or http://www.RogueRiverTrips.com.

Is it Saturday? Looks like it!

2010-05-15T09:30:00.001-07:00

It's been a busy Saturday morning here at KRO headquarters but now it's 9:30 a.m. and each bus has left the rafting center headed towards the river. There are a few highlights for today:

1) Our first Lower Kern trip of the season is hitting the water in about, well, half an hour.
2) We have a lot of folks on a Thunder Run trip. As I write this they are doing a swim test at the park.
3) We're celebrating a 50th birthday on today's Thunder Run. Happy Birthday Steve and have a great day out there!

We have space on tomorrow's Big Five and Upper Kern trips. Give us a ring if you'd like to join in on the awesome whitewater and crystal clear skies: 1-800-323-4234.

Kern Operations Manager Drops In on Idaho's Middle Fork of the Salmon

2010-05-14T11:58:00.001-07:00

This looks like a pretty big raft, eh? Will Volpert, our Kern Operations Manager is seen here at the helm of our sister company's sweep boat on the Middle Fork of the Salmon. We're not sure which position has a higher degree of responsibility, running the sweep and being responsible for ALL of the gear for an entire six day trip down the Middle Fork or running our Kern operation. These sweep boats are not easy to run, but William is a master. He has a vision of finding a way to use these boats on the Kern, but, as of now they are not part of our operation. They might make a great Lickety Split craft, but we're not sure about the Forks of the Kern . . . just yet.

Our sister company, Idaho River Journeys, offer's six day trips on the Middle Fork and Main Salmon in Idaho. We love the Kern, but we have to admit that these two Idaho rivers offer a very special opportunity for friends and families to run two of the most beautiful rivers in the country. Feel free to give Bob and Mary a call at 1-888-997-8399 if you'd like more information on these outstanding multi-day wilderness rafting trips.

Opening Day Flag Flies

2010-05-13T10:08:00.000-07:00

Every summer, we pick a day to celebrate the opening day of our Kern River rafting season. This year, we have a lot to celebrate: the remodel of our Rafting Center, the abundant snow pack, and the return of our talented guides and smiling guests for the season. With a fresh coat of paint on the pole, we raised our flag this morning in honor of the fabulous summer of rafting that lies ahead of us. Look for it when you arrive into Wofford Heights. It is not only a harbinger of the great time you'll have on the water with us, it also marks the meeting place (6643 Wofford Blvd) for your Upper, Lower and Forks of the Kern trips.

Rafting Center 2010: A Work in Progress

2010-05-12T09:26:00.000-07:00

Kern River Outfitters' new and improved Rafting Center is under construction and expected to be completed this summer. It will feature a more comfortable check in and retail area, large outdoor patio, and improved "Photo Wall" that will allow you to see the pictures taken of your adventures on the water. Here are a couple photos of the project:

Our temporary Rafting Center is located in our warehouse lot across the street at 6643 Wofford Blvd. (at the intersection of Wofford Blvd and Woodland Drive). Although quite a bit smaller than we're used to, it offers all of the amenities our old (soon to be new and improved) Rafting Center offered and even has a room dedicated to reviewing your photographs. Trudy, Heidi and the gang have worked hard to make this facility warm and convenient and will be ready with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate upon your arrival for your Upper, Lower, or Forks of the Kern rafting trip.

Here's a couple of photos of the temporary Rafting Center:

We are all looking forward to the completion of the new and improved Rafting Center. In the meantime, we'll look forward to meeting all of you at the temporary location.

Thirteenth Annual Whiskey Flat Trail Run

2010-05-11T10:40:00.000-07:00

The annual Whiskey Flat Trail Run was completed this past Saturday. Kern River Outfitters' guide Darby Verven started a non-profit agency called Run For A Way that has organized this run for the past thirteen years. Darby, a veteran of two IronMan Triathlons, is a retired Kern County Special Education teacher and currently is a full time Kern River Outfitters guide with over 28 years running the Kern. He started this agency with the goal of promoting "health, wellness, and fitness" for everyone in the Kern Valley. Proceeds from this race have helped to provide a swim program for kids based at the swimming pool at the South Fork Middle School, a BMX bike track in the Kern Valley, and funds to help the South Fork Middle School's track team compete in off-site competitions, among other noble efforts. It has also provided funds to members of the local community who have needed help raising funds to fight challenging illnesses.

The race has 5k and 10k events as well as a "Kids" run. The youngest participant this year was Ella Mauer who ran the race with her mom Kristina and friend Emma in tow. There is also a team award for the fastest four person team entry. This year, a group of Forest Service fire fighters won the rotating team trophy. They are entitled to host the trophy for one year as well as receive four "growlers" filled with the fine beers from the Kern River Brewery. Congratulations to these fine, fast, fire fightin' fellas.

Kern River Outfitters is proud to be a sponsor of this race and looks forward to many more years of helping with this excellent event.

Here are a few photos of Saturday's competition:

Darby Pointing the Way

Pre-Race Briefing

Stretching Out Prior to the Run

Ella Mauer. . .the Youngest Competitor this Year

A Few Gals in the Home Stretch

The 2010 "Team Trophy"Winners

Our Guides Are Going Rogue - Literally

2010-05-10T10:54:00.000-07:00

During this summer Kern River Outfitters guides Deb Meymarian, Ryan Guy and Will Volpert will head north to work for our affiliate, Rogue River Journeys, on Oregon's famous Rogue River. The Rogue is an amazing river with fun rapids, beautiful scenery, bountiful wildlife and pleasant summer weather.

Deb Meymarian has guided since 1994, splitting her time between the Lower Kern and the Rogue. This summer she will be our lead guide on a Rogue River wine tasting trip that will pair vintages from the southern Oregon region with wines from the Mediterranean regions of France and Spain.

Ryan Guy has guided on the Kern for seven seasons. In 2009, after enrolling in a Master's in Communication Studies program at Chico State University, Ryan worked on the Rogue River Journeys crew. This summer he'll be paddling big water on the Kern into July, and then will head to Oregon to work three Rogue trips before school starts in August.

Kern River Outfitters operations manager Will Volpert has grown up on rivers, first rafting the Rogue with his parents at the age of six months. This August, he'll be back on the Rogue to lead our kayaking instruction trips with DeRiemer Adventure Kayaking.

Click here for more information about Rogue River rafting vacations, or give Jim Ritter a call at 1-866-213-7754.

A Mother's Day Tale from the Forks of the Kern

2010-05-08T16:17:00.000-07:00

"Mamas don't let your babies grow up to be boatmen..."

Last summer was my first year down on the Kern. Prior to the 2009 season I had heard a lot about this river. In fact, the Kern is where my mother trained to become a guide and having grown up in the whitewater outfitting business the phrase "how's the Kern doing?" was a probably off the tip of my tongue more often than "what's for dinner?"

Having worked with many former Kern guides I heard mixed reports of what the Kern was actually all about. However, one thought always resonated from everyone: The Forks of the Kern is just about the best multi-day trip anywhere. And with that in mind I headed south.

At the end of April we decided to run a Forks training trip. The date was set for May 12th. The cost of getting equipment down to the river is expensive so I wasn’t expecting my own boat. The trip continued to grow and at some point we discovered that we would need another oar boat and, yes, I would be taking it.

That was great news – for me (at the time), the only thing scarier than running big water was being someone’s passenger. Then, it turned out that my girlfriend wanted to go. Then, it turned out that my mother wanted to go. So I was left wondering exactly what the hell I had gotten myself into. They would be my paddle-assist and I now realized that the only thing scarier than being someone’s passenger is rowing your mother down class V.

Running Lower Freeman Creek Rapid:

Mom arrived into town on Mother's Day just in time to help pack for the trip.

The Forks is something incredibly special. When you’re not focused on the whitewater you have a chance to catch a glimpse of a very dramatic and beautiful river canyon. The whitewater is, of course, one of the main draws to this section of river. The thing that is most impressive about the whitewater is how continuous it is.

From a statistics book, one probably wouldn’t predict the Forks to be as great as it is. The gradient is only 65 feet per mile and the run is only 18 miles. There are lots of rivers and creeks that match up and exceed both of these numbers. This is a great thing about rivers and creeks – they aren’t machines, you can’t just look at numbers, they’re dynamic and sometimes you just have to be there to see what they’re like. As guides we like to look at rapids and say “this one’s class III, this one over here is class IV-, and so on…” and I could do that for every rapid I’ve seen, but what I would prefer and what is more meaningful to me is to just say that it is “big” water and - when your mother is in the boat - it is “bigger” water.

Confusion Rapid on the Forks of the Kern River:

The peak of the trip for me was reaching the lead-in to Carson Falls (the last "big one"), pulling over, and walking down the scout trail. The drop led into a huge lateral hole, which, if you hit it correctly, you would punch. Otherwise, you would end up going into “The Thing” – a large nasty pour-over covering the right side of the river. I picked out a marker and knew we could hit it. We did, but we did not have enough left-angle and the monster hole zipped us straight to the lip of The Thing.

Luth had hiked up from the road to take photos of the boats dropping Carson. He snapped a photo of our boat on the brink of The Thing. There is a look of horror on my face as I try to straighten the boat out, Dana looks shocked that we ended up where we did, and my mom… she’s giggling. I guess she knew we would end up just fine.

About to drop into the Thing:

To all you moms out there:
Happy Mother's Day!

Interested in rafting the Forks of the Kern?

Kern River Outfitters is proud to be one of only a few outfitters permitted to run this impressive stretch of river. 2010 promises to be a great season on the Forks. The Kern River drainage is now up and over 140% of normal which all but guarantees a fabulously long Forks of the Kern season. Participants on our Forks trips must be in good physical shape and will be put through a swim-test. Prior paddling experience is a must. Trips are three days in length but two-day trips are available for charter groups.

Trip Dates:

May 26, 31
June 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30
July 5, 10, 15

For additional information about the Forks of the Kern River, please call us at 1-800-323-4234 or visit our Forks of the Kern web page.

Join us on Thursday or Friday

2010-05-08T09:59:00.000-07:00

Next Thursday and Friday (May 13th and 14th) are going to be prime days to raft the Kern River. We've got a few different trips going out and weather is supposed to be absolutely perfect. According to forecasts, we'll be enjoying mid to high 80-degree days, plus flows on both the Upper and Lower Kern are going to be spectacular.

If you've been holding off on booking an early-season rafting trip, it's now time to hit the "go" button and give us a ring. Call us at 1-800-323-4234 to book your trip right now and lock-in a seat for one of the best days of rafting for the year.

What do we have going on?

Thursday, May 13th:
Two-Day Lower Kern - $348/adult
One-Day Upper Kern - $158/adult
Half-Day Upper Kern - $115/adult
Two-Hour Lickety Splits - $50/adult

Friday, May 14th:
Two-Day Lower Kern - $378/adult
One-Day Upper Kern - $158/adult
Half-Day Upper Kern - $115/adult
Two-Hour Lickety Splits - $50/adult

Call us for youth prices and group discount information, 1-800-323-4234.

Ladies and Gentleman, the First Thunder Run of the Year is Now in Progress

2010-05-07T09:48:00.000-07:00

They're off and running. The first Class V Thunder Run of the season is shown leaving the grounds and heading out for a day of rafting under crystal skies and warm weather. With the Upper Kern River running in excess of 2,600cfs, these folks are in for a fabulous day of playing on the river. If you would like more information on the Thunder Run or any of the trips we will be offering this summer, feel free to give our helpful office staff a call at 1-800-323-4234. We're happy to answer any questions you might have and help you plan your visit to the Kern River. You too could soon be having as much fun as these folks heading up to the river in anticipation of a day filled with fun and adventure.

Ben's First Run on the Lickety Split

2010-05-06T11:13:00.000-07:00

After completing our 2010 Guideschool, and being checked off to run this portion of the Upper Kern, Ben Woodruff is seen guiding the first Lickety Split trip of his career. It's not every guide who gets his first trip immortalized in digital pixels. Ben's hitting the wave at Ewings straight and everyone is in the boat. Good job Ben, There's nothing quite like having your first year as a guide be a Big Water year. Go Ben. It's going to be a great year on the Kern. Ben's a lucky guy. . . and so is everyone else fortunate enough to get on the water this summer.

Kern River rafting with mom on Mother's Day offered by Kern River Outfitters

2010-05-05T06:35:00.000-07:00

"Paddles up" for mom on Mother’s Day

Paddling down a class IV rapid with mom by your side may sound like an odd gift for Mother’s Day, but on the Kern River one outfitter is working to make it a reality. Kern River Outfitters, a 30-year veteran company on California’s most popular whitewater river, has developed a special “Mother’s Day” trip aimed at those who would rather give mom life-long memories and a thrilling experience rather than a dozen roses.

The trip, which features two days and 20 miles of class III and IV whitewater, takes place on the Lower Kern River outside of Lake Isabella. After the first day of rafting, Kern River Outfitters has a private camp that their guests stay at located about half-way down the river. “This trip is a mother’s dream come true,” commented Will Volpert, operations manager for Kern River Outfitters. “Mom gets to experience the world-class whitewater of the Lower Kern River and, while at camp, she can kick back, relax, drink a glass of wine, and let our guides take care of everything.”

Camping on the Lower Kern River is not your everyday camping experienced, explains Volpert. “Our camp includes sleeping decks, thick sleeping mattresses, shade tarps, picnic tables, and a full kitchen,” he says. “Plus, our guides take care of all the meals and always make sure our guests are comfortable. We take a lot of people who think they will be ‘roughing it’ and when they return from their trip they are always pleasantly surprised.”

As an incentive to choose their two-day Mother’s Day Lower Kern rafting trip as a gift, Kern River Outfitters is offering a “mother discount” of 10% off for her space. Gift certificates are also available but, as Volpert points out, “Mother’s Day only comes once a year and this trip is designed specifically with that in mind.”

Kern River Outfitters has been rafting on the Kern River since 1980. With a staff of over 50 professional river guides and support personnel, the company and its affiliate, Idaho & Oregon River Journeys, run one- to six-day river trips in California, Oregon and Idaho. For more information, visit http://www.KernRafting.com or call 1-800-323-4234.

Lower Kern River is Roaring

2010-05-04T07:58:00.000-07:00

Update: Lower Kern River reaches 2,000 Cubic Feet per Second.

If you haven't already heard, the Lower Kern River is roaring at an unseasonably high 2,000 Cubic Feet per Second. There has never been a better time to see the Lower Kern River. We have space available on this weekends trip ~ what better way to celebrate Mother's Day than spending two days creating unforgettable memories?

Give us a ring today to book your two-day Lower Kern rafting trip at 1-800-323-4234.

Photography 101 by Tysun McMullan

2010-05-03T08:56:00.000-07:00

Kern River Outfitters' photographer Tysun McMullan writes about a photography tip that will make your friends ask, "how'd you do that?"

Have you ever seen one of those photographs of a river, stream or ocean with surreal looking blurred water and thought, "How did they do that?" I am going to give you a short explanation of how this works and let you run with it.

Those of you who understand cameras and how they work will already know how this is done. It’s not a big secret and it is extremely simple. That said I am amazed at how many people come up to me and say “how did you do that!”

First off, there are only three factors that you need to think about. Shutter speed, Aperture and ISO. The most important factor is shutter speed. You want to tweak the ISO and Aperture in order to achieve the desired shutter speed. The speed of your shutter stipulates the amount of time that your camera shutter is open. Anything below 1/60 of a second will show blur if your subject is moving. Anything that is in front of your lens while your shutter is open will be recorded, including light. On the contrary 1/800 of a second would be a good speed to shoot rafting pictures at. The shutter is open for a shorter amount of time so there is no chance of a blurred subject. Capiche?

For this type of photography you will need a tripod (or a handy rock) Whatever you use, the camera cannot move during your exposure. The goal is to capture the movement of your subject and in order to do that your camera must be completely still for the length of the exposure.

Once you have found your subject, in our case moving water, set your camera to aperture priority mode “A”. An aperture in a lens is the hole or opening through which light travels onto the image plane. The size of the Aperture controls your depth of field but it also controls the amount of light that reaches your image plane or sensor. The higher the number f-stop/aperture means a smaller hole. Therefore, less light.

Now you need to think about your current light. The less light allowed into the camera the longer the shutter will need to stay open to get a proper exposure. Allowing limited light into the camera can be achieved in a few different ways. Today we are only going to think about natural light without filters. Without filters you will have to shoot at dusk or dawn and adjust your ISO and aperture to achieve your desired shutter speed.

So...There you are on the banks of the mighty Kern. The sun is going down and you have found one of your favorite riffles to shoot. First Set your ISO to the lowest setting. Probably ISO100. ISO denotes how sensitive the image sensor is to the amount of light present. A low ISO will require more light and your camera will compensate with a longer exposure. Depending on what kind of depth of field you are looking for you can balance between the ISO and Aperture to effect the length of your exposure. I usually start with the highest number aperture F/22 - F32 depending on your lens so that the least amount of light will be allowed into the camera. If it is starting to get dark and your ISO is set low and the aperture is set high your camera should require at least a 1-second exposure, probably longer. Think about how much movement you are going to get in that 1 second of moving water. At this point you can just play with the different aperture and ISO settings depending on the amount of blur you desire.

Reading that back it sounds a bit complicated. It’s not. The beauty of digital is that you can see what you have done right away and make adjustments accordingly. Back in the dark ages with film we would take multiple shots of the same subject at different shutter speeds and see what we got after developing the film.

With a 5 second exposure you can turn a rapid into a silky blanket running through a garden of rocks. Play around with it, have fun, and don’t drop your camera in the river!

written by Tysun McMullan

Check out Ty's website gallery at: http://www.tysun.net

Cinco de Mayo on the Lower Kern River

2010-05-01T09:25:00.001-07:00

Join us May 5th on the Lower Kern River for our first ever "Cinco de Mayo on the River" trip. Fantastic whitewater and tasty food are what makes the Lower Kern the place to be for this years party. Our camp is in and we're waiting for the first group: give us a ring at 1-800-323-4234 today and we'll plan the fiesta for you.

Cinco de Mayo on the River

Meeting Location: Kern River Outfitters' Rafting Center
Meet Time: 9:30 AM on May 5th
Return Time: Between 4:00 and 5:00 PM on May 6th
River Miles: 10 the first day, 10 the second day, total of 20
Difficulty: Class III and IV
Price: $348 adults / $313.20 youth

Two days rafting on the Lower Kern River

2010-04-29T22:07:00.000-07:00

Next available two-day Lower Kern weekend trip date: May 8th and 9th. Call us at 1-800-323-4234 to book this trip.

The Lower Kern River, California's best two-day rafting trip, is open for business starting this weekend. 20 miles of rafting nirvana is a hard thing to waste, but with great flows having held steady for the past two weeks it seems that has been the case. Well, up until now. Our camp is up and running and we are now offering trips on the famous Lower Kern.

And, it looks like we're the only ones doing it. Outfitters are used to opening the Lower Kern starting in late May or early June. Not this year. We've been watching the gauge and it appears that the early-season water is here to stay. So if you want something really different, join us on the Lower Kern River in May.

Not sure camping is for you? Our campground is private and luxurious. We give our customers thick sleeping pads and provide you with sleeping decks. Camping has never been more comfortable. Still not sure? Check out our camp photos on Flickr.

The Nitty-Gritty of our two-day Lower Kern trips:

Sunday to Thursday launches: $348 adult / $313.20 youth
Friday Launches: $378 adult / $340.20 youth
Saturday launches: $408 adult and youth

Meeting time is 9:30 AM at our rafting center the day of the launch. Click here for the trip details PDF. We provide all meals starting with lunch the first day and ending with lunch the second day. Our bus will take you from our rafting center to the river and from the take-out back to the rafting center. Parking at our rafting center is free.

For additional information, visit our Lower Kern rafting page.

Next available two-day Lower Kern weekend trip date: May 8th and 9th. Call us at 1-800-323-4234 to book this trip.

Upper Kern River Rafting Information

2010-04-29T08:18:00.000-07:00

The Upper Kern River offers the best road-accessible class IV-V rafting trips in California. There are a variety of different sections that we run. Most of our trips are full day trips and meet at 8:30 AM at our Rafting Center. From there we load up on the bus and head upstream through the town of Kernville.

Over this past winter we've designed maps for the Upper, Lower, and Forks of the Kern. Click on the map thumbnail below to view a larger version.

Our guides will choose the sections to be run, but most trips feature the famous "Limestone" section of the Upper Kern. This is the furthest upstream trip one can do (other than the Forks of the Kern) and also serves up some of the best whitewater on the entire Kern River.

Here are some shots of rapids on the Upper Kern River:

Limestone Rapid:

Sock-em-dog:

Ewings:

Black Bottom Falls:

Forks Road Currently Closed Due to Big Snow

2010-04-28T08:55:00.000-07:00

Access to the trail head for the Forks of the Kern will be delayed this year. Due to the high volume of snow this winter and spring (the storms still haven't released their grasp on the Southern Sierra), Lloyd Meadow Road is still closed and will remain so for up to two weeks. The photo above shows a portion of the occluded road. Word on the street is that there are drifts as high as 8 feet high blocking access. We suppose this is a small price to pay for a promising season ahead. We'll keep you posted as to the road's condition and expected opening day.

California's best Class V whitewater rivers will have exceptional rafting seasons

2010-04-27T07:20:00.000-07:00

Higher than average snow packs will lengthen rafting seasons for California's top two Class V river trips.

Two of California’s best class V whitewater rafting rivers will have longer seasons than normal due to larger than average snow packs. Both the Forks of the Kern in Southern California and the California-Salmon in Northern California are un-dammed, free-flowing rivers, which rely solely on melting snow to provide adequate water flow for rafts. The two rivers are often touted as the best class V runs in the West.

The Forks of the Kern River is the southern-most drainage of the Sierra Mountains and is the closest multi-day class V river trip to Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and San Diego. For 20 miles the river roars through a tight and steep canyon deep within the Golden Trout Wilderness Area. “The Forks of the Kern is often considered the premier wilderness class V rafting trip in the United States,” commented Keith “Luther” Stephens, general manager for Kern River Outfitters. “It’s everything a great river trip should be: the river flows through a gorgeous canyon, there are numerous great side-hikes, and the whitewater can’t be beat.”

Snow pack figures for the Forks of the Kern are at 120% of normal. “Our Forks season is dictated by the amount of snow in the southern Sierras,” Stephens says. With the snow pack higher than normal, Kern River Outfitters has begun scheduling trips for as late as July 15th, about a month later than last year’s final trip.

The California Salmon River is located in far northern California - one of the most isolated and wild areas of the state. Cutting between the Salmon and Trinity Alps, the river drains moderate-elevation, high-precipitation areas; including the Sawtooth Glacier, the only glacier in California's coastal range. The run combines beautiful, lush coastal scenery, an intimate, marble-smooth, granite inner gorge, endless waterfalls cascading in, emerald-green waters, tons of wildlife, and amazing class IV-V pool-drop whitewater. Momentum River Expeditions combines most Salmon trips with the rarely run class V Scott River, creating one of the ultimate class V adventures in the country.

Rafters take on the class V "Gaping Maw" on the Cal-Salmon River:

Snow pack is not measured for the Salmon drainage; however a good estimate can be made with nearby snow measurements and information from local rangers and backcountry users. Snow pack on the California Salmon is estimated to be around 200% of normal and local backcountry skiers are reporting more snow than they have seen in years. As a result of the high snow pack, Momentum River Expeditions expects to run Cal-Salmon trips into late June.

"Many people don’t realize that California has some of the best and most accessible class V whitewater in the world – there are very few places that even come close,” comments Pete Wallstrom, owner of Momentum River Expeditions. “If there ever was a ‘perfect’ year to see these rivers, this is the one.”

Kern River Outfitters Offers “Free” Rafting Trips

2010-04-26T06:36:00.000-07:00

Hot off the press:

Kern Trip Fare Can Be Applied to an Idaho Rafting Vacation

Kern River Outfitters, Southern California’s premier whitewater rafting company, announced today a joint promotion with Idaho River Journeys to provide its Kern customers with an offer they can’t refuse: guests who take a trip on the Kern River any time this summer can apply 100% of the cost toward a 2010 rafting vacation on Idaho’s Middle Fork or Main Salmon River.

“Customers who take advantage of this promotion will essentially enjoy a free river trip on the Kern,” observes Keith “Luther” Stephens, general manager of Kern River Outfitters. “For people who enjoy rafting and adventure travel, this is the deal of a lifetime. We think we’ll have a lot of takers. When folks come off a Kern rafting trip, most are excitedly talking about and planning their next river journey. A family river trip in Idaho is the perfect summer vacation, and is exactly what guests are looking for: more rafting, more days, more fun.”

A week-long rafting vacation on Idaho’s Middle Fork and Main Salmon offers something for everyone: mile-upon-mile of crystal-clear water teeming with wild trout, exhilarating whitewater, stunning scenery, sandy beaches, breathtaking waterfalls, magnificent hiking, soothing natural hot springs, Native American pictographs, a “pampered” camping experience with professional guides who prepare food to rival your favorite restaurant, and more stars than your kids can count. It’s no wonder the Middle Fork and Main Salmon are considered America’s best family adventure vacation destinations. For more information, visit www.IdahoRiverJourneys.com, or call 1-888-997-8399.

Kern River Outfitters offers half-day to three-day trips ranging in difficulty from Class III to Class V on three sections of the Kern River: the Upper, the Lower and the Forks. Just a few hours from most Southern California cities, the Kern River is a popular summer vacation destination getaway for first-timers and families, as well as for experienced river rafters. Prices range from $115 to $998 per person, depending on the length of the trip and the date of departure. For more information and details on this limited-time promotional offer, visit www.KernRafting.com, or call 1-800-323-4234.

First Lower Kern rafting trip slated for May 1st

2010-04-22T09:15:00.000-07:00

For the past two weeks flows on the Lower Kern River have been at great levels for whitewater rafting. We've held our breaths and waited to see if flows would hold or fall and it's become apparent that the great water levels are here to stay.

We are now officially opening the Lower Kern River to rafting on May 1st. This is the earliest date we have ever offered California's most popular two-day rafting trip. Be part of rafting history on the Kern River by joining us for our earliest Lower Kern opening day trip ever.

The Lower Kern River features the best class III and IV whitewater rafting in California. Our two-day trips spend the night at the best and most luxurious private camp (see photos here) on the river. It is located approximately half-way through the 20 mile run which gives our customers two 10 mile days of excellent rafting.

Give us a call today to reserve space on our May 1st/2nd two-day Lower Kern rafting trip at 1-800-323-4234.

Welcome to Arctic Blast: April, 2010

2010-04-21T07:33:00.000-07:00

The Kern River drainage is being hit with a storm that tastes like December and is dropping a reported two feet of snow high in the mountains. It started yesterday around noon, about 30 minutes after our whitewater school pushed off onto the Lower Kern River, and has continued through the night and into this morning.

Welcome to Arctic Blast 2010 - natures way of telling us that winter really "ain't over 'til it's over" and that we are now destined for one of the most memorable seasons of Kern River rafting we've seen in a long, long, long time ("icing" on the cake you might say).

But don't let this gorilla of a storm fool you; current predictions show great rafting weather from here on out.

Lower Kern River reaches milestone levels - highest since 1998.

2010-04-20T06:36:00.000-07:00

Releases from Lake Isabella went up and over 1,000 cubic feet per second yesterday - earlier than the milestone has been reached in the past decade.

The Lower Kern River, fed by releases out of Lake Isabella, reached flows of over 1,000 cubic feet per second yesterday morning. Yesterday’s abnormally high release for this time of year capped-off a two-week span in which the outflow of Lake Isabella has increased daily. It also marked the first time in 12 years that the Lower Kern has reached the milestone this early in the year.

Cubic feet per second (CFS) is a common way of measuring water volume in a river. It refers to the amount of water flowing past any particular river point for every second. The Lower Kern River is considered "runnable" in a raft at flows above 500 CFS.

Whitewater rafting outfitters rely on the outflow from Lake Isabella for their Lower Kern rafting trips. “It pretty much dictates our season,” said Keith “Luther” Stephens, general manager for Kern River Outfitters. For the Lower Kern to see releases in excess of 1,000 CFS this early in the season indicates a very good rafting season ahead. “We’ve pushed our opening day trip nearly three weeks ahead of when it launched last year,” noted Stephens – “and with the snow pack we have, the season should go into September.”

Kern River Outfitters has been rafting on the Kern River since 1980. With a staff of over 50 professional river guides and support personnel, the company and its affiliate, Idaho & Oregon River Journeys, run one- to six-day river trips in California, Oregon and Idaho. For more information, visit http://www.KernRafting.com or call 1-800-323-4234.

Kern River Festival

2010-04-18T19:48:00.001-07:00

This past weekend was the Kern River Festival and the town of Kernville came to life with kayakers, spectators, vendors, and locals all having a great time. The river was spotted with kayaks and other lesser-known crafts, especially during the first ever "Hooligan Race". Contestants in the Hooligan Race were to make a craft that could float built out of anything but a boat. As you might guess, the Hooligan Race was great to watch as a spectator but maybe even more fun to participate in.

Here are some of our favorite photos from the Kern River Festival. We hope to see everyone back next year!

Opening day for Upper Kern River rafting set for April 26th

2010-04-16T08:01:00.000-07:00

The closest rafting to Los Angeles is going to have great water in 2010.

April 26th marks the opening day for Kern River Outfitters on Southern California’s Upper Kern River. Fed by snow melt off the Southern Sierra Mountains, the Upper Kern River is one of the most popular one-day whitewater rafting stretches in California and is the closest class II to class V run to Los Angeles.

The Upper Kern’s water supply comes from natural run-off – not dam release – so flows fluctuate more widely than its downstream counterpart, the Lower Kern, which is fed by Lake Isabella. As temperatures rise in the early Spring, the Upper Kern turns from a calm trickle to a raging river.

Gary Thornbrugh, a guide of 21 years on the Kern River, knows that this coming season is going to be outstanding. “2010 has potential to be a season to remember. Current snow pack in the Kern River drainage is up and over 100% of normal,” said Thornbrugh. When asked why he returns year after year, Thornbrugh said, “The whitewater on the Upper Kern River is a river-runners dream. Over the course of a season the river constantly changes flow, which makes it a different ride every time. It’s always new and exciting and never grows old.”

Thornbrugh guides for Kern River Outfitters, an outfit that offers daily launches on the Upper Kern River. Their schedule for the Upper Kern goes into mid-July this year, which, according to Keith “Luther” Stephens, their General Manager, was not even a possibility last year because of the lower snow-pack.

The Kern River is often touted as the best whitewater rafting river in California. Kern River Outfitters offers rafting trips from two hours to three days in length, with class II to class V rapids on the Lower, Upper, and Forks of the Kern. For additional information on rafting the Kern River, contact Kern River Outfitters at 1-800-323-4234 or visit http://www.KernRafting.com.

Luth's First Tweet

2010-04-15T10:51:00.000-07:00

Big changes are happening here at Kern River Outfitters. We've got all new lifejackets en route, a freshly painted flag pole, and moved our freezer from one end of the warehouse to the other. And, as if these changes weren't big enough on their own, our General Manager, Keith "Luther" Stephens, made his first "tweet" today.

With Dawn and Will by his side, Luth typed out his first words and proudly hit "tweet".

That's right: you can now follow the pulse of KRO via the social media giant Twitter. We'll be tweeting daily right from the heart of our office.

Luth, proudly dropping into the Twitter world:

Most recent Sierra storms further boost rafting outlook

2010-04-14T07:41:00.000-07:00

Spring snowfall bodes well for 2010 rafting season.

Weather systems that came through the Southern Sierra mountains on Monday dumped four to six inches of new snow making the outlook for the 2010 whitewater rafting season even better than projected. Precipitation above the Kern River, the most popular Southern California rafting destination, was significant and another storm system is expected late this week.

“We’re looking great”, said Luther Stephens, General Manager at Kern River Outfitters. “We were already expecting a good year and these storms will definitely make for an outstanding season.”

The Kern River is the furthest south of any Sierra river and is known for a wide variety of rafting runs and trip lengths. Typically, outfitters offer one to three day trips on various segments of the Kern. The season runs from mid-April through September.

When asked about the impact of the recession on rafting bookings, Stephens said, “Great water always trumps the economy. It is going to be a fabulous year.”

After The Storm

2010-04-13T16:28:00.001-07:00

The recent spate of storms have left us wondering where spring went, but we can't help but be excited about the still growing snow pack. At over 109% of normal, we are looking forward to a long, fun Upper, Forks, and Lower Kern season ahead of us. Yesterday, the Kern River Valley was hammered by yet another big winter storm, but this morning, the glory of the Spring of 2010 was evident everywhere. An epic season is in the wings.

Kern River Valley Student Community Service Program Celebrates 18 Years

2010-04-13T06:56:00.000-07:00

Fifty enthusiastic seventh and eighth grade students from South Fork Middle School will participate in an innovative, educationally focused community service program from May 3rd to May 7th. The program is sponsored by Kern River Outfitters, Sequoia National Forest, California Land Management and Mountain & River Adventures and focuses on developing teamwork and leadership skills and introduces teens to the value and rewards of serving their community.

2010 marks the 18th year of this nationally recognized program. The curriculum includes student service projects including erosion control, stream restoration and trail building, hands-on science and social studies curriculum, and adventure challenge/leadership activities such as river rafting and climbing. Over 1,300 students have participated in the program since its inception. The program was honored with a ‘Spirit of the Land’ award from the U.S. Olympic Organizing Committee and a Service Award from America Outdoors Association. Sequoia National Forest estimates that the value of the work that the students have completed is in excess of $80,000.

"The students really get a lot out of the program," comments Jim Ritter, President of Kern River Outfitters and co-director of the program. "We provide hands on experiences and some adventurous challenges for these students. Throughout the week you can see the kids’ work hard and their knowledge increase."

Kern River Outfitters has been rafting on the Kern River since 1980. With a staff of over 50 professional river guides and support personnel, the company and its affiliate, Idaho & Oregon River Journeys, run one- to six-day river trips in California, Oregon and Idaho. For more information, visit http://www.KernRafting.com or call 1-800-323-4234.

The Kern River Rapid Heartbeat

2010-04-11T07:23:00.000-07:00

"Kern River ride will give you a rapid heartbeat"

San Diego Union - Tribune

For the past two days we've received many calls and emails about a Kern River rafting article in the San Diego Union - Tribune that came out on Saturday, April 10th. Thank you all for getting back in touch and wanting to get on the river. For those of you who haven't seen the article yet you can check it out here.

The whitewater itch is here. Our returning guides are beginning to show their faces at our warehouse, the first truck load of camping equipment has been taken to our Lower Camp, and all of our boats have been polished off and are ready for the introductory splashes of spring.

Before we know it we'll be looking back at another tremendous season on the Kern River. The memories of river trips never fade and the bond of friendships made while on the river can be lifelong. The winter gives us time to relive and revisit those memories and friends but the spring and summer are the only times to create them. Don't let the rafting season slip by without visiting the Kern River. Give us a call today at 1-800-323-4234 or visit us online at www.KernRafting.com to begin planning your trip.

Star Night at Lower Kern Camp on Wednesdays

2010-04-06T09:48:00.000-07:00

New this season, KRO is offering "Star Night" at our evening campfire on our two-day Lower Kern river trips that launch on Wednesdays.

After a day of rafting and a delicious dinner at camp, join our guides for an informal and fun evening session of Astronomy, Legend, and the Beauty of the Stars. The best of the deep sky objects hang out during the summer months and we will join them as we caravan together from one constellation to another. We will gather close and enjoy the thousand stars, planets, a spiral galaxy and if lucky a bright comet or two.

City lights can overwhelm the delicate glow of nebulae and star clusters including even the brightness of the Milky Way. We have found some of the best stargazing opportunities at our secluded campsite on the Lower Kern River. There are a few Wednesdays when the moon will be close to full and stargazing will not be at its brightest. Check with our office for the very best dates.

Besides viewing the Celestial Entertainment you will enjoy the cozy comforts of our semi-developed Lower Kern Camp. At our riverside camp we have private sleeping decks around the site and provide every guest with a comfortable, thick mattress. We're the only outfit on the Kern River to provide this luxury.

• Two-Day Lower Kern Trip Wednesday/Thursday: $348 adult; $313.20 youth.
• Group Rates and Family Rates for Wednesday/Thursday trips
• Book Your Star Night Trip
• Call to speak directly to our Reservations Office: 1-888-997-8399

Sequoia National Forest and Kern River Whitewater Outfitters Help to Support Kern River Valley

2010-03-30T07:57:00.002-07:00

Thought we'd share this press release from this morning. We are proud to work with Sequoia National Forest and feel lucky to call the beautiful wilderness and Kern River our "office".

Sequoia National Forest and river rafting outfitters work together to bring visitors to the Kern River Valley.

(March 30, 2010 ) Wofford Heights, CALIF - The Kern River is a popular recreation tourist destination with its close proximity to several major metropolitan areas in Bakersfield, southern California, the Bay Area, Las Vegas and the San Joaquin Basin.

Thousands of visitors travel to the Kern River Valley each summer to enjoy the fun whitewater and beautiful scenery that the Kern offers. Managed by the Sequoia National Forest and Bureau of Land Management, in partnership with the Kern River whitewater outfitters, the Kern’s commercial rafting program helps to support the Kern Valley’s economy, as guests stay at hotels, dine at restaurants and visit stores. Over 10,000 commercial whitewater guests visited the Kern River Valley in 2009 alone. The outfitter’s permit fees also help to support the Kern Valley, with between $50,000 - $100,000 each season invested in Sequoia National Forest projects and improvements.

The success of the Kern River rafting program is largely due to a strong working partnership between Sequoia National Forest and the outfitters. "The outfitters, Forest Service and BLM personnel work well together to the benefit of our guests who raft with us on the Kern River," comments Jim Ritter, President of Kern River Outfitters. "Because of our partnership with Sequoia National Forest, the Kern rafting program has prospered over the years and brings many visitors to the Kern River Valley."

If you have questions about the Kern River rafting program, please contact Cheryl Bauer at the Forest Service office in Kernville at (760) 376-3781.

###

Kern River theme rafting trips are set for 2010

2010-03-22T07:43:00.000-07:00

Kern River Outfitters has scheduled two of their popular two-day Lower Kern rafting trips as specialty "theme trips".

Kern River Outfitters, a Southern California whitewater rafting outfitter, will offer two theme trips on the Kern River in 2010. A Wine Tasting trip is scheduled for June 17-18 and a Pub & Grub trip featuring craft beers from the Kern River Brewing Company will take place July 8-9. Both trips are two days and are in combination with Kern River Outfitters’ popular Lower Kern rafting trip.

The June Whitewater and Wine Tasting trip will feature a broad sampling of varietal wines from Central California vintners. Tastings will be complimented by tasty hors d'oeuvres followed by a wonderful dinner prepared by the Kern River Outfitters crew.

Partnering with the Kern River Brewing Company, the Pub & Grub trip features a variety of different ales from the brewery, as well as a few home brews. Eric & Rebecca Giddens, founders of the popular local brew pub, will join Kern River Outfitters at camp to talk about their brews, the art of brewing and the role beer is playing in restaurants of all culinary persuasions across the country.

The Kern River is often touted as the best whitewater rafting river in California. Kern River Outfitters runs rafting trips from two hours to three days in length, with Class II to Class V rapids on the Lower, Upper, and Forks of the Kern. For additional information on rafting the Kern River, contact Kern River Outfitters at 1-800-323-4234 or visit http://www.KernRafting.com.

Kern River rafting whitewater school awaiting snow melt

2010-03-03T14:19:00.000-08:00

With Southern California’s snow pack hovering around 100% of normal, Kern River rafting enthusiasts now are waiting for melting snow to turn to whitewater. In April, Kern River Outfitters will host their annual Whitewater School. The school is a six-day course designed to teach the basics of being a whitewater rafting guide. “It’s essentially a six day interview,” says Kern River Outfitters general manager Keith “Luther” Stephens.

Starting on Saturday, April 17th, approximately ten whitewater school participants will trade jeans for wetsuits, cell phones for paddles, and begin training to become guides on Southern California’s famous Kern River. Many of the participants won’t have had any guiding experience and some may not have even been in a raft before. “What we look for in a guide is someone who is personable,” Stephens says. “Our guides are what make Kern River Outfitters stand out. They’re friendly, customer oriented, and they have a passion for being outside and guiding.”

Although most of the Kern River whitewater school participants will be college students looking for a summer job, some will be working professionals who seek a life change. Stephens notes that his current guide staff includes nurses, teachers, and self-employed entrepreneurs. “Our guides are a diverse mix of people, which is great for our organization,” he says. Guides who come back to the Kern every summer become part of a veteran core-group. “They’re essentially the leaders. Our younger and new guides look up to them. Our history on the Kern River goes back nearly 30 years and our veteran guides still carry on the culture and reputation that helped us grow to where we are now.”

Stephens projects that this year’s whitewater school will face challenges not seen in recent years. The above average snow pack means water will be higher and faster than usual. Participants will have to learn more quickly, or face an accidental cold swim in the river. “On the bright side,” Stephens muses, “this year’s class will probably yield some outstanding river guides.” On the river, nothing is a better chalkboard and teacher than nature itself and the whitewater class of 2010 will learn this better than anyone.

For more information about Kern River Outfitters 2010 Kern rafting season please visit their website at http://www.KernRafting.com. For additional information about becoming a guide for Kern River Outfitters, call them at 1-800-323-4234.

2010 Kern River Rafting Season Looks Outstanding

2010-02-17T12:26:00.000-08:00

The last few weeks have been a winter paradise for alpine skiers and snowboarders in California – and they aren’t the only ones happy with recent storms. Riding in deep powder during the winter months is synonymous with whitewater rafting on rivers full to their banks. Whitewater rafting outfitters are used to looking at winter snow-pack data to determine approximately how much water – and how long – they will have to raft during the spring and summer.

In Southern California, Kern River Outfitters operates on the Lower, Upper, and Forks of the Kern River near Lake Isabella. “The two sources we look at in determining our water outlook are water levels in Lake Isabella and snow-pack in the Kern River drainage,” said Keith “Luther” Stephens, Kern River Outfitters’ general manager. “As of today, both of these are above last year’s numbers, which is very promising.”

Stephens, who has been working on the Kern River for over 25 years and has seen high water, low water, and everything in between, has become a sort of water guru for the Kern River Valley. He says that the snow pack “really is the life and blood of our operations. It’s a solid indicator of how long the rafting season will last.” Although it is too early to predict exactly how long the Kern River rafting season will last, in a recent memo to his guides Stephens wrote that regarding snow levels, “The bottom line is that we are already guaranteed a great runoff for the 2010 rafting season.”

Kern River Outfitters is the premier whitewater rafting outfitter in Southern California. They offer trips ranging in rapid difficulty from Class III to Class V, and trip lengths from half day to three days. The numerous options make Kern River rafting trips suitable for nearly everyone, and the short driving distance from Southern California’s largest cities makes it a popular summer destination. For information about the Kern River or California rafting trips in general, contact Luther Stephens at 1-800-323-4234. Kern River information including 2010 trip schedules is available at http://www.KernRafting.com.

The Resurrection of the Rafting Center

2010-02-08T16:38:00.001-08:00

Those of you who rafted with us the afternoon of July 23rd, 2009 might remember this harrowing site. While all of you were out playing on the river, the Rafting Center was experiencing it's own little adventure via a motorhome, a vehicle in tow, and a set of defective brakes. Although causing quite an obstacle to overcome for the balance of the 2009 season, the good news is that no one was injured and it provided an undeniable motivation to remodel the building for the upcoming rafting season. Plans are being finalized as we type for a new and improved Kern Rafting Center to accompany the big water we expect this summer.

Stay tuned for details of our new and improved Rafting Center. With the promise of a bountiful snow pack, the 2010 season is sure to be one of the best years for running the Kern River with Kern River Outfitters, Southern California rafting at it's finest.

The 2010 Snow Pack is Building

2010-01-25T12:58:00.000-08:00

The high country in the Southern Sierra took a pounding last week as three moisture laden storms slammed into the areas comprising the Kern River snow pack. These photos were provide by Dwight and Trudy Pascoe. In the summertime, Dwight is one of our key drivers. In the winter, he drives a snowplow keeping the roads passable around the Kern Valley. His work has been cut out for him this winter and we expect he'll be busy moving snow until the spring.

These past storms and the systems promised to come this winter should make for yet another stellar season rafting the Kern River. We are all hunkered down and waiting for a spring run off that will again prove that Kern River rafting is the best part of a summer vacation.

We will keep you posted as the storms roll in.

Until then, stay warm and keep your paddles crossed for summer fun in 2010.

Fall on the Kern River

2009-11-24T13:10:00.000-08:00

After a long season, even the Kern River requires a rest from the annual whitewater run off that allows us to play all spring and summer. The river mellows, the cottonwoods, alders, and willows all swap their green foliage for bright colors and eventually relinquish their leaves altogether in preparation for a long winter nap. A brief time of reflection and regeneration in preparation for the Spring of 2010. Kern River rafting is California rafting at it's best. We suppose the river deserves some down time, as do we all. Kern River Outfitters wishes all of you a wonderful Thanksgiving and we look forward to seeing all of you next spring, when the river and Kern River Outfitters, renewed, will again provide the most exciting whitewater action in California.

National Geographic Adventure Magazine Dubs the Kern a Must Do Rafting Trip

2009-08-14T13:07:00.000-07:00

National Geographic Adventure Magazine just listed Kern River Outfitters and our Upper Kern River as a must-do rafting trip. The August/September edition highlights the Class Five Thunder Run stretch on the Upper Kern in this list of six Wild and Scenic river trips that should not be missed.

Our sister companies, Rogue River Journeys and Idaho River Journeys, round out the list offering trips on the Rogue River in Oregon and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho.

We feel lucky to be able to offer trips on three of the six Wild and Scenic Rivers listed in this piece. If you would like further information on any of these fantastic trips, feel free to give our office a call at 1-800-323-4234. We would be happy to help you organize your visit to any one of these fabulous rivers.

Friend of KRO: Dave Derr

2009-07-27T13:37:00.000-07:00

This is a time of transition for Dave. On Monday after 30 years of service he retired from the fire department. Dave is married to Dawn Jordan, KRO’s top notch Office Manager.

Dave was 21 years old and working as a union carpenter in Los Angeles when his family moved to the Kern Valley. He’d come up and visit them on weekends and enjoy the outdoor activities and natural beauty of the area. When the weekends kept getting longer, he realized it was time to get a job in the area and move to the Kern River. Firefighting appealed to him because you have the opportunity on your calls to make a bad situation better for people.

Over the years Dave has boated the different sections of the Kern River many times. His favorite trip is the 2 -Day Lower Kern because it has a little bit of everything. As Dave says "You have your “woohoo time” interspersed with quiet sections. And then of course there is the KRO Lower Camp which is set up with a buffed out river kitchen." And it is tough to keep Dave out of the kitchen.

After seeing him at work in the kitchen and tasting his dishes at a couple of bbq’s he was recruited to make the ribs for our Annual Pub & Grub trip. These mouthwatering morsels have just the right combo of heat and sweet and unbelievably he has offered to share the recipe with us. Of course if you’d like to stay out of the kitchen just sign up for next year’s Pub & Grub on July 8-9, 2010 where Dave’s Ribs are paired with cold steins of frosty brew!

In a recent intra-company Rib Cookoff, Dave’s ribs were the clear winner over Jim Ritter of Rogue River Journeys. While accepting his 1st Place Ribbon, Dave graciously commented “I just want to say that Jim’s recipe was excellent. It’s too bad that his long drive to the cook-off put time constraints on his preparation and he had to use canned sauce.” Dawn, Dave’s assistant rib maker, sighed and added “Jim had to use Larrapins”.

Dave’s summary of life:

Favorite rapid on the Kern River: “Pinball, I enjoy its technical aspects”.
Favorite part of the rafting company: “Socializing and meeting new people”
Dave’s favorite person in the world: “ I am married to her, Dawn Jordan”.
Quote from Dave: “When Dawn is happy, I am happy.”

Everyone at KRO congratulates Dave on his retirement!

Dave's Ribs

Heat oven to 350 degrees.
Wash ribs and pat dry. Season well with black pepper and garlic powder. Roast uncovered for 1 hour.
Remove from oven. Mix 2 parts soy to 1 part worcestershire sauce and pour liberally all over ribs, making sure that liquid comes up at least _” on sides of roasting pan. Seal pan with aluminum foil and return to oven for 1 hour and 5 minutes.
Remove from oven and cut into chunks of 2 or 3 ribs. Brush on your favorite sauce and finish on the barbecue.

Lower Kern Whitewater Rafting

2009-07-27T09:21:00.000-07:00

Water levels on the Lower Kern are perfect for rafting. On July 25th, we sent a video camera down to Sundown Falls and Powerful Possum to capture some whitewater footage. With warm temperatures and great water flows, a rafting trip on the Lower Kern River is the perfect way to escape the heat. Give us a call at 1-800-323-4234 to book your trip today!