Kern River Rafting

• Posted on August 6, 2009 at 4:06 PM
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It may be August, but rafting on the Kern River couldn't be better! Water levels out of Lake Isabella are holding at a steady 1100 Cubic Feet Per Second (CFS) - a great level for rafting on the Kern River.

Whitewater rafting outfitter, Kern River Outfitters, has rafting trips planned on the Lower Kern River through August 22nd and still has space on a few dates. The Kern River is California's "whitewater hotspot", according to Examiner's "Kern River Rafting Report" (June 26, 2009). It looks like that will be the case in August as well.

Kern River rafting trips are a great way to explore the scenic mountains of the Southern Sierra mountain range. The canyon that the Lower Kern River flows through is reminiscent of old western movies and, in fact, the towns of Kernville, Lake Isabella, and Bodfish have a storied history speckled with the likes of John Wayne and other cowboys.

The Lower Kern River is also well known for its amazingly warm water temperatures. Jumping in to cool off from the heat is a relaxing experience - not shockingly cold like many other rivers in the west. Couple the water temperature with the roller-coaster rides that the Kern River rapids provide, and you've got yourself the perfect one or two day retreat.

On the first day of a Kern River rafting trip, the day of rafting comes to a close at Kern River Outfitters beautiful private camp. It is nestled along the bank of the Kern River, immediately below one of the Kern River's most fun rapids - Powerful Possum. Their campground has many small decks for sleeping as well as luxurious camping mattresses that will help your tired muscles find the rest they need. Their guides are also well-versed in the art of gourmet camp cooking, so you are sure to eat well.

The second day of the Lower Kern River offers rapids similar to the first day: big class III and IV drops with enormous waves and holes. The trip comes to a close about 10 miles downstream of camp at a take-out known as "Democrat". From here, passengers load-up onto Kern River Outfitters' bus and head back to Wofford Heights.