A Celebration of Whitewater and Fireworks on the Kern River

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

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

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

Cool Video of the Lower Kern

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

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.

Snow Report Points to Outstanding Kern Rafting Season

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.

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

Outstanding Lower Kern Flows Continue

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

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.

Magic Eight Ball: What Should Everyone Do This Week?

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).

4th of July on the Kern River

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

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

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

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.

Choosing an Outfitter for your Rafting Trip

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.

Article in Antelope Valley Life

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.

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.

Everything is new here - except the guides

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.

Kern River Rafting Company Adopts Brigade Customer Service Standards

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!

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.

Opening Day Flag Flies

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.