Kern River Whitewater
"Lower Kern Run"

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

Kern Wild and Scenic River
Sequoia National Forest

Welcome to the Kern River! Designated by Congress in 1987, as part of the National Wild and Scenic River System. With a gradient of 30 feet per mile, the Kern is one of the steepest and wildest whitewater rides in North America.

LOWER KERN RUN MAP & LOCATION: The Lower Kern is 32 miles from the Isabella Dam to the canyon Mouth above Bakersfield, California. Of this, 19 miles of thrilling rapids draws thousands of river runners each summer. At normal flows, BLM launch sites to Sandy Flat is mostly Class II water, with a few short Class III rapids. Along this stretch brush and trees, overhanging the riverbed, present a special hazard for rafters. Below Sandy Flat are Class III and IV rapids with Class II sections interspersed. One Class V rapid, Royal Flush, is found in this section where floaters must portage using the developed trail on the right bank.

PERMIT REQUIREMENTS: This is an annual permit good for the entire year. Permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis and are free of charge. A permit is required for EACH craft. Group size can't exceed 15 people on the lower Kern.

To obtain a permit, fill out an application IN PERSON at Forest Service offices in Lake Isabella, Kernville or Bakersfield. Applications will not be mailed out or left in office drop boxes. Upon completion of your application, a water proof permit may be issued.

RIVER USE MANIFEST: Each day, a completed manifest must be left at a designated drop off point for the specific river run prior to your launch. Manifests are available at each Forest Service office and at designated drop off boxes in the field. The maximum party size for each manifest is 15 people for the Lower Kern River ONLY. More than one permit number may appear on a manifest as long as the number of passengers does not exceed the 15 person limit.

If new passengers are added to your trip during the day, a new river use manifest must be completed and left at a designated drop off point, prior to the next launch.

SEASON AND WATER FLOW: During a normal water year, the rafting season usually runs from May to September. Lower Kern waterflows are dependent upon releases from Lake Isabella Dam. Normal flows range from 800 to 3000 cfs. After Labor Day, flows may drop below 800 cfs. Daily waterflow information is available from Greenhorn Ranger District at (805) 871-2223 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. Plan ahead, as parking and camping space is limited at put-in and take-out sites. Scout rapids before running to check for hazards. Experienced rafting skills are a must. Poison Oak can be found in abundance in the Lower Kern Canyon. Recognize it at a glance by its triple leaf pattern and shiny surfaces. The leaves change color with the season. Avoid contact with it and wear protective clothing. Rattlesnakes are found along the Kern River, watch your step!

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Kern River Ranger District

105 Whitney Road

Kernville, CA 93238

(760) 376-3781