Kern
Location: South-central California (about 120 miles north of Los Angeles).
Length of trips: Upper Kern 10 to 15 miles in one day; Lower Kern 20 miles in one to two days.
Season: Upper Kern April through mid- or late July; Lower Kern April through September. The water flow usually peaks in May and early June.
Weather: Mild Pacific breezes dominate the climate of the southern Sierra Nevada. Daytime temperatures range from 80° to 110°F, then drop into the 60s and 70s at night. Rain is rare during rafting season. Bring insect repellent to ward off wasps and bees.
Lodging: Forest Service campgrounds and primitive campsites on sandy beaches and gravel bars.
Boats: Kayaks, oar boats, paddle rafts.
Rapids: Upper Kern Class IV; Lower Kern Class III and IV. Cold, clear water.
Special features:
- Less than a four-hour drive from Los Angeles.
- Dramatic Sierra scenerysheer granite walls and spires, forested mountains, rolling hills.
- Colorful wildflowers in spring.
- Brilliant autumn foliage.
- Great hiking.
- Good trout fishing.
- Black bears, mule deer, chukars, red-tailed hawks, waterfowl, Sierra blue grouse, California quail, mountain quail.
- Both the Upper and Lower Kern are suitable for seniors in good physical condition, families, and novice river runners. The Lower Kern is suitable for the physically challenged who are comfortable in and around the water.
Nearby excursions:
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
- Mount Whitney.
- Lake Isabella.
For a list of outfitters:
- Cannell Ranger District, Sequoia National Forest, 105 Whitney Road, P.O. Box 6, Kernville, California 93238; +1 619 376 3781, fax +1 619 376 3795. Try to book at least two to four weeks in advance.
For more information:
- California Division of Tourism, 801 K Street, Sacramento, California 95814; +1 916 322 2881 or 800 862 2543, fax +1 916 322 3402.
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks story in NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER, May/June 1994.
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