| Description: The wild & scenic designation. includes both the North & South Forks of the Kern. his tumbling mountain stream originates in the high Sierra near Mount Whitney. Camping, picnicking, fishing, rafting, & kayaking bring thousands to its banks each year. Waters of the Kern, along with other rivers in the area, can be treacherous, as changing H2O levels, hidden rocks, & swift currents make the rivers unsafe for swimming. Enjoy yourself, but take special care along rivers. The South Fork descends through deep gorges with large granite outcroppings & domes interspersed with open meadows. It is habitat for the golden trout, the state fish of California. The upper 47.5 miles of the North Fork flow through Sequoia National Park & the Golden Trout Wilderness, a scenic area with a wide variety of recreational opportunities, as well as cultural & historical features. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail parallels the South Fork for a ways.
Location: The North Fork from the Tulare-Kern County line to its headwaters in Sequoia National Park. The South Fork from its headwaters in the Inyo National Forest to the southern boundary of the Domelands Wilderness in the Sequoia National Forest.
Season: year round
Fee: for some areas along the river
Reservations: no
Fishing
Picnicking
Boating (WW)
Hiking/Backpacking
Camping
Wildlife Viewing
Drinking Water
RV Sites
Restrooms
Notes: Managed in partnership with the Inyo National Forest & Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park. |
Forest Supervisor's Office, Kern River Campground Web Site |
Campground: Forest Supervisor's Office, Kern River in Porterville California *