Kern River Whitewater
"Forks Run"

Information & Maps provided by US Forest Service / Department of Agriculture

Kern Wild and Scenic River
Sequoia National Forest

Welcome to whitewater paradise - the Forks of the Kern. Designated by Congress in 1987, as a National Wild and Scenic River, this section of the Kern River pirouettes through some of the finest raftable whitewater in North America. The Forks is a nearly continuous series of class IV and V rapids and waterfalls.

FORKS RUN MAP & LOCATION: The launch point begins 45 miles north of Kernville, at the confluence of the Little Kern River with the main Kern and is accessible only by trail. Travel north of Kernville via Mtn. Hwy. 99 to Johnsondale. Half-a-mile past Johnsondale turn right and take the Lloyd Meadow Rd. (22S82) north for 15 miles. Turn right again at the dirt road (20S67) marked "Forks of the Kern" and proceed to the end of the road (approx. 3-miles) to the Forks trailhead. The hike to the launch point is a 3-mile long, narrow, rocky trail which descends steeply to the Kern River.

GETTING EQUIPMENT TO RIVER: For most whitewater enthusiasts, getting equipment down the 3-mile trail to the Forks put-in will require the use of pack horses or mules. For details on renting animals, contact Golden Trout Wilderness Pack Trains, P.O> Box 756, Springville, CA 93265. Summer Phone: (209) 542-2816. Winter Phone: (209) 539-2744.

RIVER MANNERS: You will be required to obtain a campfire permit before venturing down the Forks trailhead. A shovel and a fire pan are required. Extinguish all fires completely with water using the drown, stir, and feel method. Overnight camping down at the Forks on the river is within the Golden Trout Wilderness and a visitor permit is required.

COMMERCIAL OPERATORS: Five whitewater rafting companies are authorized by the Forest Service to outfit and guide day and overnight whitewater trips on the Kern River. Please contact the rafting companies directly for more information or reservations:

PERMIT REQUIREMENTS: Permits for private whitewater boating are required from May 15 to September 15. Each group of people must have a permit with a designated party leader and complete a daily use manifest prior to launch. Manifests should be placed in one of the designated boxes. Group size is limited to 15 people. Reservations can be made in advance with a $2.00 fee through a drawing selection process beginning March 15. The drawing will be held April 15 and confirmations letters will be mailed by May 1. Permits go first-come, first served after May 15. Permits MUST be picked up in person at one of the two locations listed below:

Lake Isabella Visitor Center

4875 Ponderosa Drive

Lake Isabella, CA 93240

(760) 379-5646

Tule River Ranger District

32588 Highway 190

Springville, CA 93265

(209) 539-2607

SEASON AND WATER FLOW: Late spring and early summer are recommended for boating the Forks Run (May to June). Water flows are dependent on snow melt and natural runoff. Changes in water flow may drastically change river conditions. Daily waterflow information is available from Lake Isabella Visitor Center at (760) 379-5646, the Cannell Meadow Ranger District at (760) 376-3781 or Canyon Connection / Weather.

RECOMMENDED SAFETY EQUIPMENT: A Coast Guard approved personal flotation device must be readily accessible, properly fit, and in good condition, for each member of the party. Each raft should have an extra oar or paddle, a 50 foot throwline with bag and a 16 foot mooring line.

TRIP TIPS:

• Prior to your trip, check with the Ranger Station for local road & water conditions.

• Paddlers should have at least previous Class IV paddlers experience.

• The Forks should be attempted only by healthy, active, rugged people with strong swimming skills.

• Carson Falls and the Vortex may require portage; scouting mandatory; be prepared.

• Water temperatures can be extremely cold; carry a wet suit. Watch for signs of hypothermia.

• If renting pack animals to transport equipment, remember to bring collapsible frames and oars.

• Carry waterproof trash and waste bags. Secure bags so they will remain with the boat in the event of a flip.

• Lightweight hiking boots for the hike down to the Forks are recommended.

• Water from streams may contain a parasite known as Giardia, which can cause flu like symptoms. Heat water to a rolling boil for 5 minutes before using.

• Poison oak can be found in abundance along the Kern River. Recognize it at a glance by its triple leaf pattern. The leaves change color with the season. Avoid contact with it and wear protective clothing.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: For more information about the whitewater boating program, call the Lake Isabella Office at (760) 379-5646