Forks of the Kern River - Wilderness Juggernaut
2 or 3 Day Rafting Trip (Class V)
May through July
(Depends on snowpack - Season may be shorter or longer!)
The launch point for the Forks trip, at the confluence of the Little Kern River with the main Kern, is accessible only by trail - a 3-mile-long, Forest Service rocky trail which descends steeply down into the majestic canyon.
All food and river gear is transported in by pack animals and each member carries in his or her own gear (we suggest a 30-lb. limit) in special waterproof bags with padded shoulder straps which we provide.
Packing-in to the Kern wilderness heightens your sense of isolation, adventure and natural beauty that is the hallmark of a Forks-of-the-Kern rafting trip.
In this breathtaking canyon of solid granite deep within Sequoia National Forest, the Kern River pirouettes through what is probably the finest stretch of raftable whitewater in North America, the Forks of the Kern.
Eighteen miles long and dropping at the astonishing rate of 60 feet per mile, the Forks of the Kern River tumbles through a supremely delightful, nearly continuous series of class IV and V rapids and waterfalls.
Awesome drops, mammoth holes and towering waves crowd in one after the next in quick-fire, presto tempo seemingly without end. This cannonball shot of white water crashes together, like a screaming, dancing cyclone in ever-building crescendo, rumbling higher and higher on the Richter scale.
Rising well over 1000 feet, the towering canyon walls of the Forks of the Kern change from lush, sloping forest to naked, vertical granite. Spectacular side-canyon cascades plunge into the canyon.
A few yards from the river, Freeman Creek forms a magical waterfall, full and high, descending into a pool with sandy bottom, swirling and bubbling, inviting one to swim around behind the falls and peer out through the cascade. Dry Meadow Creek enters the main canyon down a staircase of magnificent waterfalls in a smooth, voluptuous gorge culminating in a wonderful natural waterslide you will love.
The Forks should be attempted only by healthy, active, rugged people with the ability to hike in, strong swimming skills and previous whitewater rafting experience. All participants must be able to complete the Class V Warm-Up. Before inviting friends to join this trip, please make sure they qualify physically, are aware of the rigors to be encountered, are strong swimmers, and, if they wish to paddle, have paddled class IV and can complete the Class V Warm-Up. Wetsuits are vital and are included in the trip price.
Forks of the Kern Rapids: Some quite memorable Forks rapids include Carson Falls, West Wall, Vortex, Gortex, Needle Rock, Geology I, II, and III.
What to Look Forward to on this trip:
The Forks of the Kern covers 18 River Miles of long, wild and challenging mainly class IV-V rapids.
Forks of the Kern River Trip Stats:
| River Class: |
V |
| Normal Season: |
May to July |
| Days: |
2 or 3 days |
| River Miles: |
18 |
| Minimum Age: |
16 |
| Boat Types: |
Paddle & Oar |
| Gradient: |
60' per mile |
| Elevation: |
4680' |
| Distance from L.A.: |
155 miles |
| Distance from Bay Area: |
340 miles |
| Group Size Limit: |
15 |
| Wet Suits: |
Required |
Top 5 Reasons to go on this trip (Upper Kern - Forks of the Kern Wilderness):
- There is a reason this rafting trip is world renown. But you'll never know if you don't go!
- This is a great trip for those seeking to advance from class IV to class V whitewater
- Incredible scenery only a couple of hours from Los Angeles. You will feel like you have been away for a lifetime!
- Rock water slides which rival Waterworld
- Carson Falls (just don't look down)
Forks of the Kern Wilderness Rafting Trip Dates and Pricing
2008 Start dates:
May 3, 8, 13, 18, 23, 28
June 2, 7, 12, 17, 22, 27
July 2, 7, 12, 17, 22, 27
August 1, 6, 11, 16, 21, 26
|
| Trip Starts |
Adult |
Youth |
Group |
| Two Days |
$725 |
$652 |
$616 |
| Three Days |
$905 |
$814 |
$769 |
*Sorry, no discounts on Saturday - starts Memorial through Labor Day weekends.
Subject to a 4% River and Land Use Fee.
More Helpful Information about
White Water Rafting on the Kern River
For all of the instructions on rendezvous locations, what to bring, where to stay, and
everything else you need to know, please click to download our
Kern River Forks Rendezvous Information
Upper Kern River Rafting Rendezvous Information
Kern River Area Links:
- Kernville Chamber of Commerce
Kernville Chamber of Commerce provides information about the Kernville area, including local accommodation, attractions, and events
- Kern Highway 178 Road Conditions
Real-time road conditions, closures information and restrictions for State Highway 178. The 178 follows the Lower Kern river Canyon, and is the main thoroughfare entering the Kern River Valley.
- Sequoia National Forest
The Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument are named for the giant sequoia. Located at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada Mountian Range, it awaits your discovery of the lush meadows, wonderful whitewater and beautiful canyons.
- Whispering Pines Lodge
Classic country lodging on the Kern River and a beautiful bed and breakfast!
- Camp James
THE BEST CAMPGROUND ON THE BEAUTIFUL KERN RIVER IN KERNVILLE, CALIFORNIA!
Situated between majestic mountains and just minutes from the giant redwoods, Camp James offers you an "oasis" for your visit to the spectacular Kern River Valley!
Upper Kern River Flow:
Flows on the Upper Kern are natural snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada mountains, all the way up to Mount Whitney. We run trips from 700 to 7,000 CFS.
For detailed flow information click here.
Note: Temperatures on the Forks of the Kern average 10-15 degrees cooler than the Kernville temperatures shown above because of the higher altitude.
