California is full of great rivers and plenty of rafting. Two of the best locations for rafting in California are the America River in Northern California, and the Kern River, located in the heart of Sequoia National Forest near Southern California. The Kern River is know for its fast flowing, heart-pounding whitewater adventure. Either way, you can’t go wrong with a visit to California rivers. The Kern River is mostly for those with previous whitewater experience. Some trips may have minimum age limits.

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The Kern River is a river in eastern California in the United States, approximately 155 mi (249 km) long. It drains an area of the southern Sierra Nevada mountains northeast of Bakersfield. The major sections of the Kern River include the Lower Kern River below Lake Isabella, the Upper Kern, and Thunder Run flowing above the lake and the world-famous Forks of the Kern run which starts at the confluence of the Little Kern and the North Fork Kern and rolls downriver to Johnsondale.

Formerly the river flowed an additional 20 mi (32 km) south through now-dry swamps to Arvin, then west into Lake Buena Vista. In periods of high runoff, the lake overflowed into the nearby San Joaquin River.

The most popular recreational activities on the Kern River are white water rafting and kayaking. The Lower Kern River offers Class III – IV rapids for good whitewater fun. The Upper Kern also has class III – IV rapids and is run regularly by commercial outfitters. The wild Forks of the Kern is a class V California rafting experience for high-level excitement and energy.

Written by  Ryan Hutchings.

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