California White Water Rafting Trips:
Upper Kern River

Upper Kern River - Dazzler
Half-Day Rafting Trip (Class III-IV)
April through July (depends on snowpack)

On the Dazzler, after a quick warm up run, we head straight for the very best of the charging, galloping Upper Kern - where we ride and ride and ride some more!

The 20+ mile Wild and Scenic Upper Kern is naturally divided into numerous shorter sections with names that are legends in the word of whitewater: Limestone, Chemise Gorge, Powerhouse, Cables, Ant Canyon.

Each of these famous runs is different at different flows, and each has its own unique ideal flow. So, whichever sections are best on the flow on the day of your trip, those are what we run. Our buses and flatbed raft trailers make transfers from run to run smooth and swift.

On these trips there is no lunch, no down time, no flat water, just maximum, high-energy, class III-IV action and non-stop whitewater fun!

Memorable Upper Kern Rapids include Limestone, Joe's Diner, Betty's Bakery on the Limestone Run; The Wall, Tombstone, Pepsi Challenge/Tequila Chute on the Camp 3 Run; Powerhouse Rapid on the River Kern Run; Ewings and Big Daddy on the Lickety Run.

What to Look Forward to on this trip:

Our Upper Kern trip covers 6-12 River Miles of mainly class IV rapids on the Limestone, Camp-3 and Lickety runs.

Upper Kern River Trip Stats:

Top 5 Reasons to go on this trip (Upper Kern - Dazzler):

1. Southern California's only "Wild and Scenic" white water river
2. Combine rafting with tons of recreational opportunities in Kernville and the surrounding area
3. A perfect trip for your family, novices welcome!
4. Only a short drive from Los Angeles, you can breath in that river air - Ahhh!
5. It's the rafters dazzler...

Upper Kern River - Snap, Crackle and Pop
1 Day Rafting Trip (Class III-IV)
April through July (depends on snowpack)

Depending on water levels and the group's interests, we jet down several different sections of the Upper Kern, beginning with a stretch that is not overwhelming and gradually working up to stretches packed with sheer heart-thumping excitement.

Our buses and flatbed raft trailers make transfers from one run to the next smooth and swift. An ideal choice for both the novice and seasoned rafter, these full-day trips include lunch and beverages. Minimum age is 12 yrs old.

Note: Please understand that at certain water levels the best class IV stretches are well upriver from Kernville and require a bit more bus time - and the time frames quoted here for Upper Kern trips are approximate.

Upper Kern rapids: Limestone, Joe's Diner, Betty's Bakery on the Limestone Run; The Wall, Tombstone, Pepsi Challenge/Tequila Chute on the Camp 3 Run; Powerhouse Rapid on the River Kern Run; Ewings and Big Daddy on the Lickety Run.

During times of lower water, the best Class IV whitewater is on the Limestone run, which is upstream from Fairview Dam. It makes for a longer bus ride to the put-in, but is quite worth it!

What to Look Forward to on this trip:

Cover 6-12 River Miles of mainly class IV rapids on the Limestone, Camp-3 and Lickety runs.

Upper Kern River Trip Stats:

Top 5 Reasons to go on this trip (Upper Kern - Snap, Crackle & Pop):

1. The only "Wild and Scenic" white water boating river in Southern California
2. Combine rafting with recreational activities in Kernville and surrounds
3. A dream trip for your family and novices are welcome!
4. Only a short drive from Los Angeles in pristine surrounds.
5. It's not the rafters who do the eating in Joe's Diner.

Upper Kern River - Thunder Run
1 Day Rafting Trip (Class V)
April through July (depends on snowpack)

The Wild and Scenic Upper Kern River offers top Class V whitewater and fresh mountain air. The Upper Kern River's Thunder Run lies between Fairview Dam and the KR3 Power Station.

Combining dramatic class V drops and boulder gardens with rip-roaring class III and IV sections in between, this white water voyage welds the Upper Kern into an electrifying ribbon of relentless, exploding whitewater.

Long, pulsating rapids rock and roll one after the next. An ongoing frenzied dance of intense pleasure, this run bounds over high drops and twirls among boulders on and on, rumbling and booming, mile after mile. Here, cliffs of red, yellow and magenta conjure visions of the Painted Desert, and crystalline water cascades in twists and turns down gorges.

A full step up in excitement and difficulty from the Lower Kern, this class V run is for seasoned, daring whitewater enthusiasts only.

All participants must be physically fit, swim well, and have previous class IV rafting experience. Wetsuits are essential. We raft primarily in paddle boats. Paddlers must have class IV paddle experience and must, at the beginning of the trip, complete the Class V Warm-Up.

Thunder Run Rapids: Some of the more memorable rapids include Squashed Paddler, Sock'em Dog, The Flume and Fender Bender.

What to Look Forward to on this trip:

The Thunder Run covers 9 River Miles of long, wild and challenging mainly class IV-V rapids.

Upper Kern River Trip Stats:

Top 5 Reasons to go on this trip (Upper Kern - Thunder Run):

1. You will NEVER forget the Thunder Run
2. This is a great trip for those seeking to advance from Class IV to Class V
3. Incredible scenery only a few hours from LA
4. Great option if you want to combine rafting with a short weekend getaway camping trip
5. Sock'em Dog. Woof woof

Upper Kern River Rafting Trip Dates and Pricing

BOOK ONLINE will display trip dates over the next 21 days, or the first available dates. Choose your exact dates on the next page.

2010 Start dates:

Dazzler - Three departures daily:
Early Bird 8 am - 12:30 pm | Midday 11 am - 3:30 pm | Afternoon 2 pm - 6:30 pm

Snap, Crackle & Pop - One day Odyssey:
from 8 am - 3:30 pm

Subject to a 4% River and Land Use Fee.

Subject to a 4% River and Land Use Fee.

Subject to a 4% River and Land Use Fee.

To check availability and / or make your reservation, either call our friendly and helpful staff at 800-400-7238
or Use our new On-line Reservation System

More Helpful Information about
White Water Rafting on the Kern River

For all of the instructions on rendezvous locations, what to bring, where to stay, and
everything else you need to know, please click to download our
Upper Kern River Rafting Rendezvous Information
Kern Thunder Run Rendezvous Information

Kern River Area Links:

• Kernville Chamber of Commerce
  Kernville Chamber of Commerce provides information about the Kernville area, including local accommodation, attractions, and events
• Kern Highway 178 Road Conditions
  Real-time road conditions, closures information and restrictions for State Highway 178. The 178 follows the Lower Kern river Canyon, and is the main thoroughfare entering the Kern River Valley.
• Sequoia National Forest
  The Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument are named for the giant sequoia. Located at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada Mountian Range, it awaits your discovery of the lush meadows, wonderful whitewater and beautiful canyons.
• Whispering Pines Lodge
  Classic country lodging on the Kern River and a beautiful bed and breakfast!
• Camp James
  THE BEST CAMPGROUND ON THE BEAUTIFUL KERN RIVER IN KERNVILLE, CALIFORNIA! Situated between majestic mountains and just minutes from the giant redwoods, Camp James offers you an "oasis" for your visit to the spectacular Kern River Valley!

Upper Kern River Flow:

Flows on the Upper Kern are natural snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada mountains, all the way up to Mount Whitney. We run trips from 700 to 7,000 CFS.

For detailed flow information click here.