The 2012 Season Is On It's Way

The 2012 rafting season is just around the corner and it promises to be yet another outstanding year here on the Kern River. Our Whitewater School launches on April 14th and we expect to be running Forks and Upper Kern trips from April 28th through June 17th. The Lower Kern will kick in on Memorial Day weekend and is expected to run through August 19th, however the season on the Lower could be extended if releases from the Isabella Reservoir allow. Keep these booking windows in mind when planning your trip to take advantage of the best water levels the Kern River has to offer this year. If you have any questions about our trips or would like to check on availability, give our office a call at 1-800-323-4234.

Thanks for an Outstanding 2011 Rafting Season

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.

Guide Profile: Matt Adkisson

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.

How to Choose a River Outfitter

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.

2011 Rafting Season Unfurled

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.

Kern River Outfitters Announces 2011 Summer Schedule

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.

Join Us on the Lower Kern this Labor Day Weekend

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

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

Clear Skies Return To The Kern River Valley

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.

Guide Profile: Bridget Murphy

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.

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

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.

Vanessa Herrera

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.

Upper Kern Peaks Sunday, June 6th

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.

Dwight and Ernie

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.

Rafting Center 2010: A Work in Progress

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

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

Fall on the Kern River

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.

Forbes Magazine Lists Kern River As One Of The Ten Best Rivers In the Country

Forbes Magazine recently ran an article on the ten best places to go whitewater rafting in the country and the Kern River made the top of the list.

If you’d like to see the notation click here.

Kern River rafting has never been more popular and the 2009 season is expected to be another great year. Southern California rafting enthusiasts have always held the Kern in high regard as one of the best places to enjoy a California rafting trip.

If your looking to run the Lower, Upper, or Forks of the Kern we are ready to help put your trip together. Just give us a call at 1-800-323-4234 and we will have you in a raft enjoying the Kern whitewater in no time.

2009 Guide Training is Fast Approaching

Kern River Outfitters 2009 Guide Training is scheduled to launch on April 18th and run consecutively through April 23rd this year. With California rafting summer outings becoming more and more popular every year, increasing numbers of intrepid folks look to our guide training course to either improve their existing skills, or develop new ones from scratch. If you have an inclination to become a competent Southern California rafting guide, you still have an opportunity to sign up. In short order, you’ll be rafting the Kern River in style. Learn about Kern River rafting on the Lower Kern, Upper Kern and Forks of the Kern with the best in the business. Give our office a call at 1-800-323-4234 if you have any questions or would like more information.

Dwight and Trudy Pascoe

Dwight and Trudy Pascoe are two treasures whose contributions help make Kern River Outfitters one of the best whitewater rafting outfits in the business.

Dwight is a genuine Kern River native. He was born in Bakersfield (by the way, yesterday just happens to be Dwights birthday) and raised in the Kern River Valley. He spent a good portion of his formative years on a cattle ranch in the South Fork country.

He attended high school in Bakersfield. In those days, the bus ride to high school was a little more complicated that it is today. In fact, he would leave Sunday evening and return Friday evening, spending the entire school week in Bakersfield. When he wasn't in school, he was busy fishing, hiking, riding horses and punching cattle all throughout the Southern Sierra Nevada and Owens Valley. In the midst of all of this, Dwight managed to log in 30 years with Cal Trans. He still operates snow plows in the winter keeping the roads open and safe for all of us here in the Kern Valley. Dwight is a fountain of local and regional historical knowledge. Ask him about the days prior to the Isabella Dam or driving cattle to market on horseback and he will gladly dispense all kinds of fun historical tidbits.

Trudy hails from Tulare, California and has operated a number of successful businesses including a busy photography studio. Here at Kern River Outfitters, she manages our Rafting Center making sure our guests arrive with a smile on their face, have a hot cup of coffee in their hands, and questions and last minute concerns addressed. She also looks after the guides offering sage advice when the need arises.

Trudy found Dwight 22 years ago and they've been happily riding the range ever since. We all hope they will be saddling up with Kern River Outfitters for many years to come.