Kern River

The Kern River is one of California's great wild rivers — a 165-mile cascade of whitewater that tumbles down from the high Sierra Nevada through a dramatic granite canyon before reaching Lake Isabella. The river is famous for its challenging whitewater rapids, excellent trout fishing, and hidden natural hot springs tucked along its banks. For Ridgecrest residents, the Kern River corridor is the nearest mountain river escape, accessible via the stunning Highway 178 drive through the Kern Canyon.

The upper Kern River above Lake Isabella is the premier whitewater destination. During spring and early summer snowmelt, the river runs Class III-V rapids that attract kayakers and rafters from across the state. Several outfitters based in Kernville offer guided whitewater rafting trips ranging from family-friendly Class III runs to expert-level Class V adventures. The river is also renowned for its wild trout population — brown and rainbow trout thrive in the cold, clear water, and fly fishing along the upper Kern is considered among the best in Southern California.

Scattered along the Kern River Canyon are natural hot springs where geothermal water seeps to the surface, creating warm pools alongside the cold river. Some are well-known and easily accessible, while others require short hikes to reach. These hot springs offer a unique experience — soaking in warm mineral water surrounded by granite canyon walls with the sound of the river rushing past. The canyon itself is a geological spectacle, with exposed granite walls rising hundreds of feet above the river and the remnants of old mining operations visible along the hillsides.