Kern River Whitewater
"Forks Run"

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

Kern Wild and Scenic River
SequoiaNational Forest

Welcome to whitewater paradise - the Forks of the Kern. Designated byCongress in 1987, as a National Wild and Scenic River, this section of the KernRiver pirouettes through some of the finest raftable whitewater in NorthAmerica. The Forks is a nearly continuous series of class IV and Vrapids and waterfalls.

FORKS RUN MAP & LOCATION: Thelaunch point begins 45 miles north of Kernville, at the confluence of the LittleKern River with the main Kern and is accessible only by trail. Travel north ofKernville via Mtn. Hwy. 99 to Johnsondale. Half-a-mile past Johnsondale turnright and take the Lloyd Meadow Rd. (22S82) north for 15 miles. Turn rightagain at the dirt road (20S67) marked "Forks of the Kern" and proceedto the end of the road (approx. 3-miles) to the Forks trailhead. The hike tothe launch point is a 3-mile long, narrow, rocky trail which descends steeply tothe 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 useof pack horses or mules. For details on renting animals, contact Golden TroutWilderness 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 permitbefore venturing down the Forks trailhead. A shovel and a fire pan arerequired. Extinguish all fires completely with water using the drown, stir, andfeel method. Overnight camping down at the Forks on the river is within theGolden Trout Wilderness and a visitor permit is required.

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

PERMIT REQUIREMENTS: Permits for private whitewater boating arerequired from May 15 to September 15. Each group of people must have a permitwith a designated party leader and complete a daily use manifest prior tolaunch. Manifests should be placed in one of the designated boxes. Group sizeis limited to 15 people. Reservations can be made in advance with a $2.00 feethrough a drawing selection process beginning March 15. The drawing will beheld April 15 and confirmations letters will be mailed by May 1. Permits gofirst-come, first served after May 15. Permits MUST be picked up inperson 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 recommendedfor boating the Forks Run (May to June). Water flows are dependent on snow meltand natural runoff. Changes in water flow may drastically change riverconditions. Daily waterflow information is available from Lake Isabella VisitorCenter at (760) 379-5646, the Cannell Meadow Ranger District at (760) 376-3781or Canyon Connection / Weather.

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

TRIP TIPS:

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

• Paddlers should have at least previous Class IVpaddlers 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 awet 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 bagsso they will remain with the boat in the event of a flip.

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

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

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

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