upper kern thunder run

Whitewater Voyages - 2013
UPPER KERN THUNDER RUN
TRIP MEETING TIME:
All Trips
LOCAL WEATHER AT RIVER:
8:00 a.m.
www.weather.com
MEETING SITE:
WATER FLOWS:
Whitewater Voyages’ (inside Frandy Park)
11252 Kernville Road
Kernville, CA 93238
www.dreamflows.com
Whitewater Voyages’ Kern Office:
(760) 376-8806
Note: Frandy Park charges daily parking fees as follows…
$8.00 per car. $12 per 15-passenger van. $20 per school bus.
Whitewater Voyages does not own or operate Frandy Park
and has no
control over parking fees. For further parking information you may contact
Frandy Park at (760) 376-6483.
Zip Code 93238
RESERVATIONS OFFICE:
(not a meeting site for trips)
P. O. Box 2004
Kernville, CA 93238
Phone:
Fax:
Email:
Website:
(800) 400-7238
(760) 379-4511
[email protected]
www.whitewatervoyages.com
DIRECTIONS TO MEETING SITE
We recommend that you NOT GPS directions…most customers that do so end up in the wrong place!
A.
Bakersfield, on Hwy 99, is where you’ll connect onto Hwy 178 East toward Lake Isabella
From South of Bakersfield:
From Interstate 5 connect onto Hwy 99
Exit eastbound onto Hwy 178 / Rosedale Hwy
From North of Bakersfield:
From Hwy 99 exit onto Golden State Avenue
Golden State Avenue becomes a surface street for a few blocks through downtown—stay in your right-hand
lanes and watch for the Hwy 178 onramp on the right hand side
B.
After connecting onto Hwy 178 East follow directions below…
1. On Hwy 178 East go approximately 50 miles (a significant portion of 178 is a curvy, two-lane canyon road—drive carefully!)
2. Exit Hwy 155 / Kernville
3. Turn left off exit and go approximately 10 miles—you will pass through Wofford Heights about halfway to Kernville
4. In Wofford Heights Hwy 155 cuts off to the left—do not follow 155 at that point—instead stay right towards Kernville.
5. You are near Kernville when you pass the golf course on the right.
6. Shortly after the golf course the road will curve right—you will start to see small businesses and cross over the river
7. Immediately at the end of the “bridge” that crosses the river turn right into Frandy Park
8. When entering Frandy Park, after paying parking fees, follow signs directing you to Whitewater Voyages
Note: In the event that Highway 178 from Bakersfield to Lake Isabella is closed,
you may take Highway 58 to Highway 14 to Highway 178 at Lake Isabella
Whitewater Voyages - 2013
UPPER KERN THUNDER RUN
PERSONAL GEAR
TRIP AGENDA
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Arrive and check in at meeting site/time specified above.
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Turn in your signed, completed Release Form at trip check-in.
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Rafting gear provided (life vest, helmet, wet suit if needed).
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Transported to river put-in.
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Safety talk administered by Whitewater Voyages’ lead guide.
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Class V Warm Up Test.
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Rafts launch onto river; each raft has own professional guide.
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Enjoy midday lunch along river’s edge.
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Raft to take-out.
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Cold beverage provided & transported back to meeting site.
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View photos of your trip and your raft.
Please see the “What to Bring Rafting” essentials list
contained in this trip packet.
PLEASE…DO NOT PLAN ON WEARING
FLIP-FLOPS OR THONGS FOR RAFTING.
You must wear shoes that securely stay on your feet—such as
tennis shoes, sturdy water shoes, water sandals that strap on
completely, etc.
(Reasonably priced slip-on water shoes are available for sale at
our meeting-site store. Also, for your convenience sunscreen,
water cameras, sunglass straps, sunglasses, hats, t-shirts and
cold drinks are available for purchase at trip check-in site.)
WET SUITS
Wet suits are provided for use as needed on a complimentary basis.
Wet suits are typically required through May. Occasionally, cool weather occurs after May in which case a wet suit may be needed.
Wet suit size requirements are determined at trip check-in.
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Wet suits provided are 3mm neoprene “Farmer John” style
Nylon paddle jackets provided with wet suits—however booties are not—please wear sturdy, secure-fitting shoes and wool socks
Wet suits should be worn over bathing suit, lightweight non-cotton shorts or polypropylene long underwear
We recommend wearing shorts over your wet suit to help prevent slipping on the raft
MEALS
A granola-type snack is provided on the raft. Please bring a personal water bottle with you…a gallon water jug is provided on each raft.
One-Day Trips:
Lunch along the river. Lunch consists of variety breads, deli-meats, cheeses, vegetables, fruit, cookies and punch.
Vegetarians usually find sufficient accommodation however special needs requests are accepted through our main reservations office.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Please understand that alcohol is strictly prohibited while rafting.
PLEASE DO NOT TAKE CAR KEYS OR VALUABLES WITH YOU ON THE RIVER!
You may leave your car keys in our Kern office at check-in.
Whitewater Voyages cannot be responsible for items left in your car.
Whitewater Voyages - 2013
UPPER KERN THUNDER RUN
LOCAL CAMPING
Advance Reservations:
National Recreation Reservation Service
www.reserveUSA.com
Forest Service Campground Details:
Kernville Ranger District
LOCAL MOTELS
River View Lodge
(877) 444-6777
(760) 376-3781
Note: Some campgrounds do not require reservations
and campgrounds usually have toilets and water; some
have trailer pads and hot showers…we like “Camp 3.”
Frandy Park:
www.frandy.net
(888) 372-6399
(760) 376-6483
IMPORTANT NOTE
Camping is available in Frandy Park. Frandy Park requires
reservations and charges for camping. Frandy Park has a restroom,
showers, and RV parking but NO hookups.
Whitewater Voyages does not own, operate, or manage Frandy Park and has
no control over camping fees.
Additional camping information and links are available on
our website at www.whitewatervoyages.com
Kernville Chamber of Commerce
877) 885-6333, or, (760)376-6019
McCambridge Lodge
(760) 376-2288
Kernville Inn
(760) 376-2206
Kern Lodge Motel
(760) 376-2224
Sequoia Motor Lodge
(760) 376-2535
Pine Cone Inn
(760) 376-6669
BED & BREAKFAST INNS
Kern River Inn
(800) 986-4382
Whispering Pines Lodge
(760) 376-3733
Note: On weekends many of the above facilities require a
two-night minimum stay and have strict cancellation
policies… if this is a problem you might consider a
Bakersfield motel. If planning a motel stay, early booking is
recommended! You might want to consider a motel/hotel
in Bakersfield where weekend two-night minimum policies
are not common and prices are slightly more competitive.
(760) 376-2629
Thank you for rafting with Whitewater Voyages…we hope you have a great time!
Release Form Notice
Following is a copy of the Release of Liability form that all persons must
complete and sign before embarking on a rafting trip.
When a reservation is made and confirmed the reservations office will send, to
the person whose name the reservation is under, an email with a partially
completed Release form with the reservation number, rafting date, river
selection, and length of trip specified.
The emailed Release form should be distributed to each member of the rafting
party. Each rafter will need to finish completing the form by filling in their
personal information (name, address, etc.).
The Release form is sent as a fill-in Adobe PDF document. You may distribute
the form by email, or print and copy it for another method of distribution.
Release forms should be submitted to Whitewater Voyages’ staff at trip check
in. We recommend arriving at trip check in with your form already filled out.
PLEASE BRING THIS FORM, SIGNED, TO
YOUR TRIP CHECK IN. THANK YOU.
WHITEWATER VOYAGES RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT This is a release. Read it carefully before signing. This release essentially states that I know I am going on a whitewater rafting trip in a wilderness/outdoor environment ‐‐ not on an amusement park ride or to an air‐conditioned shopping mall. As a result of the inherent risks in this activity, I know I may die, get hurt, or damage my belongings. If any of these occur, I understand that I cannot make a claim, sue, or expect WHITEWATER VOYAGES, its owners, officers, agents, employees, associates, the State of California, its Department of Parks and Recreation, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Placer County Water Agency, and Sacramento Municipal Utility District (hereinafter referred to collectively as WHITEWATER VOYAGES) to be legally responsible or pay for any damages. ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND ACCEPTANCE OF RISKS: I, the undersigned, hereby acknowledge that I have voluntarily chosen to go on this whitewater rafting trip with WHITEWATER VOYAGES. Certain risks are inherent in any recreational activity and cannot be eliminated, altered, or controlled, and these risks that contribute to the unique character of the activity can also be the cause of injury, illness, death, and damages. I know and fully understand that a whitewater rafting trip, whether on a raft, oar boat, kayak, or any other type of vessel, is an outdoor adventure activity in wilderness environment with inherent risks and hazards where serious accidents can occur, participants can die, sustain injuries and property damage. Also, I understand that Class IV and V represent the most difficult and dangerous levels of whitewater and recognize that the risks associated with whitewater rafting are greatly increased. • I acknowledge and willingly assume all risks and hazards in whitewater rafting and river‐related camping from the pre‐embarkation rendezvous until the conclusion of the trip, including, but not limited to, (1) loss of control of the raft, falls in, out, or about the raft, collision with other participants, equipment, other rafts, rocks, trees, and any portion of the interior of the raft, and any other man‐made or natural obstacles, whether obvious or not; (2) judgment, decision‐making and conduct of the guides; (3) submersion in water, drowning; (4) encounters with animals, wildlife and insects; (5) exposure to wilderness environment, extreme temperatures, and inclement weather, remote areas, wilderness terrain, including travel by foot or vehicle in any way related to this activity, whether at camp or elsewhere; (6) assistance in lifting and/or carrying rafting equipment; (7) rescue‐related injuries; and (8) unavailability of immediate and appropriate medical attention in case of injury. • I further understand and acknowledge that WHITEWATER VOYAGES provides foot cups in some of its boats to assist participants in stabilizing themselves. The use of foot cups may present an increased risk of knee, ankle, or other injuries because of their restrictive nature. Use of foot cups is totally voluntary. • I understand and acknowledge that the above list is not complete or exhaustive, and that other risks, known or unknown, anticipated or unanticipated, may also exist and result in injury, illness, disease, death or damage. My participation in this activity is purely voluntary and I elect to do so at my own risk. RELEASE: In consideration for WHITEWATER VOYAGES allowing me to participate on this trip, I voluntarily agree to release, discharge, and hold harmless WHITEWATER VOYAGES and for any and all claims of liability arising out of their negligence, fault, recklessness, or any other act or omission which causes the undersigned illness, injury, disease, death, and damages of any nature in any way connected with my participation in this rafting activity. I also expressly agree to release and discharge WHITEWATER VOYAGES from any act or omission of negligence in rendering or failing to render any type of rescue, emergency or medical services. In signing this document, I fully recognize and understand that if I (or any minor on whose behalf I am signing this release) am hurt, die, or my property is damaged, I am giving up my right to make a claim or file a lawsuit against WHITE WATER VOYAGES, even if they negligently or by some other act or omission cause the injury or damage. • I further agree, to hold harmless, defend, and indemnify WHITEWATER VOYAGES from all defense costs, including attorney's fees incurred in connection with claims for bodily injury, wrongful death, or property damage, sustained by any minor under 18 years of age on whose behalf I am signing, or which I may have caused to spectators or other third parties, whether negligent or not, in the course of my participation in this activity. • As parent or legal guardian of a participant under 18 years of age, I have read and voluntarily agree that said minor may participate in this whitewater rafting trip, and I sign this release on their behalf and on the behalf of the minor's parents and/or legal guardians. In addition, I give W HITEWATER VOYAGES permission to treat said minor in case of illness, injury, emergency, or accident. Should emergency medical services become necessary, for the undersigned participant or minor, the expenses are the sole responsibility of the participant and not that of WHITEWATER VOYAGES. Personal medical and travel insurance is strongly advised for all participants. • WHITEWATER VOYAGES reserves the right to accept or deny service to any person. I hereby agree to follow all rules, regulations, and instructions of WHITEWATER VOYAGES while on this trip. I also certify that I and any minor on whose behalf I am signing, are physically and mentally capable of participating in these activities. I hereby represent that I have informed WHITEWATER VOYAGES of any pertinent medical conditions that may affect my or the minor's participation in these rafting activities. I hereby agree that WHITEWATER VOYAGES may use film or photographic records of this rafting trip for its promotional and/or commercial purposes. The Venue of any dispute that may arise out of this agreement or otherwise between the parties to which WHITEWATER VOYAGES or its agents is a party shall be either the town of El Sobrante, California, Justice Court or the County or State Supreme Court in Contra Costa County. Guide school/skills workshop participants: I understand that Whitewater Voyages is not certifying my guiding proficiency or readiness to go to another outfitter and guide right away after this training. I understand I will need additional extended training and practice to acquire proficiency in the skills being taught. I HAVE READ THIS DOCUMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY. I UNDERSTAND THAT I AM ASSUMING ALL THE RISKS INHERENT IN THIS WHITE WA TER RAFTING ACTIVITY. I UNDERSTAND THAT IT IS A RELEASE OF ANY AND ALL CLAIMS. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS THE ENTIRE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE UNDERSIGNED AND WHITE WA TER VOYAGES, THEIR OWNERS, OFFICERS, AGENTS, AND EMPLOYEES, AND THAT IT CANNOT BE MODIFIED OR CHANGED IN ANY WAY BY THE REPRESENTATIONS OR STATEMENTS BY WHITE WA TER VOYAGES OR BY THE UNDERSIGNED. I VOLUNTARILY SIGN MY NAME AS EVIDENCE OF MY ACCEPTANCE OF ALL THE PROVISIONS IN THIS RELEASE AND MY AGREEMENT TO BE BOUND BY THEM. Present this form at the river at trip check‐in. Please print clearly. Name (please print) Home Phone Address City State E‐mail Address: In the future we will be communicating mainly by e‐mail and through our website. Rafting Date(s) Cell Phone River(s) Zip Date of Birth Trip Length Are you over 18? YES NO ‐‐ If No, then accompanying adult must sign & date here: Signature (If under 18 parent or legal guardian must sign here also*) Date Signed Reservation No. *Minors not accompanied by their parent must bring this form signed by their parent or legal guardian. Adult accompanying the minor must also sign this release as a verification of the parent/guardian signature. 2011 WHAT TO BRING FOR RAFTING - 2013
ESSENTIALS
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Clothing appropriate to season and weather
See guidelines below for summer and spring/fall trips
Sunscreen
Plan to use plenty of sun protection cream with a high SPF# on exposed skin;
Don’t put sunscreen on your forehead…splashes of water will wash it down into your eyes!
Secure head strap for eyeglasses or sunglasses & secure chin strap for hat or visor
Sold at meeting site for Kern and American River trips.
Personal water bottle
Gallon water jugs are on rafts from which your bottle may be replenished.
Magnetic hide-a-key for car keys…do not take your keys on the river with you!
If you wish you may leave your keys in the care of our staff while you are on the river.
OPTIONAL
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Waterproof or disposable camera
CLOTHING GUIDELINES
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Change of clothes for the drive home
Summer
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Swim suit or shorts
Protective footwear
Tennis shoes that lace tightly, wet suit booties, or rugged, protective sandals that securely strap on. Bare feet, flip flops
and thongs are not safe or permissible.
Sun hat or visor
With chin strap to prevent hat loss.
Spring & Fall
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Warm clothing
Plenty of warm clothes made of synchilla, polarplus, wool, fleece, capilene and similar materials which insulate well even
when damp. Please avoid wearing cotton which when wet does not provide insulation and in cool or cold weather make
you colder!
Waterproof paddle jacket, windbreaker or rain suit.
Hat
Wool or an alternate insulating material such as Synchilla, Polarplus, etc.
In cold weather, warm wool socks should be worn with your protective footwear.
Protective footwear
Tennis shoes that lace tightly, wet suit booties, or rugged, protective sandals that securely strap on. Bare feet, flip flops
and thongs are not safe or permissible. In cold weather, warm wool socks should be worn.
Wet suit
Provided by Whitewater Voyages, whenever needed, on a complimentary basis. Wet suits do not include booties or
footwear. Clients must provide own footwear.
MEDICAL CONDITION ALERT
Bring your own medication…
Our staff is prepared to provide basic first aid, but we are prohibited by law from providing, and we are not
trained, to administer medications or advanced medical care. So all clients with medical conditions such as
susceptibility to anaphylactic shock from bee stings, allergies, etc., should bring, keep handy, and inform
their guide(s) about their medication/anaphylactic kit.
Whitewater Voyages
WET SUITS - 2013
Wet suits are provided for your use on a complimentary basis
Size
At
Trip
Check-In
Required In
Spring & Cool
Weather
Kern (Lower, Upper)
√
√
Kern (Forks, Thunder Run) (Class V)
√
√
Kings
√
√
River
Required At
All Times
√
WET SUIT SIZING
Height Range
5’1”
5’4”
5’8”
6’1”
6’3”
Weight Range
5’3”
5’7”
6’0”
6’2”
6’4”
100
115
140
180
220
115
140
180
220
240
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Wet suits are 3mm-thick Farmer John neoprene with nylon paddle jacket.
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Wet suits should be worn over bathing suit, lightweight non-cotton shorts or polypropylene long underwear.
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Baggy shorts should be worn over wet suit to reduce slipping on raft.
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Wet suits do not include booties-please provide your own footwear...tennis shoes with thick wool or
polypropylene socks are recommended.
RVE 2013
Size
Small
Medium
Large
X-Large
XX-Large
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Please note that wearing any cotton with your wet suit will make you colder.
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A hat is recommended during cool weather—either wool or an alternate insulating material.
CANCELLATION POLICY - 2013
Please understand that when a reservation is made and confirmed with a deposit it becomes an assured/guaranteed
reservation…Whitewater Voyages is committing to hold space for you and remove that space from the market. If you
decide to cancel, it can be difficult for us to rebook the space—especially
in the case of cancellations that occur close to the reserved trip date.
With this is mind, we must firmly adhere to the following policy:

No-Shows/Late Arrivals
No refunds or trip credits will be given for "no-show" or late-arriving guests that miss the trip departure--in
such cases all monies paid to Whitewater Voyages are forfeited.
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According to the time frame in which you cancel, a cancellation fee will be assessed and the remaining
balance of monies paid toward the cancelled space will be issued either as a refund or trip credit (trip credits are
good towards a future Whitewater Voyages trip):
Cancellation occurs 10 or fewer days prior to trip date
50% Cancellation Fee, 50% Trip Credit
Cancellation occurs 11 to 30 days prior to trip date
20% Cancellation Fee, 80% Trip Credit
Cancellation occurs 31 or more days prior to trip date
20% Cancellation Fee, 80% Refund
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Cancellation fees, trip credits, and refunds are calculated only on actual money amounts paid to
Whitewater Voyages toward the cancelled trip space. Expenses incurred in association with your planned
trip, or monies paid to other vendors/facilities in connection with your cancelled trip, are not the responsibility
or liability of Whitewater Voyages. Any refunds issued are done so in the same method that the client payment
was originally submitted to Whitewater Voyages.
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Persons may be substituted within a reservation without penalty.
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In lieu of cancellation, a change in trip dates, or river choice, will be accommodated (pending space
availability on your alternate trip chice) without penalty if:

1)
The change occurs 14 or more days prior to the originally booked trip date.
If the change occurs less than 14 days prior to the original trip date booked, there may be a
processing fee of $15 per person, up to a maximum total charge of $60 per reservation.
2)
The change does not result in cancellation of the originally booked trip for other clients due to
the trip falling below the minimum number of persons required to run a trip. A change that
causes cancellation of the original trip for other clients is treated as a cancellation and the above
cancellation fees apply.
We regret that exceptions cannot be made for personal emergencies or illness. For this reason we
urge our guests to purchase trip cancellation insurance. Trip cancellation insurance is available through
Travel Insured International, Inc., 800-243-3174.
Whitewater Voyages ♦ 800-400-7238 ♦ 5225 San Pablo Dam Rd., El Sobrante, CA 94803
Whitewater Voyages’ Recreation Guide To
Sequoia National Forest & The Kern River Valley
A key gateway to the southern Sierra, the Sequoia National Forest and the Kern River Valley are a recreational
wonderland! Fabulous attractions include not only 60 miles of exhilarating world class whitewater on the Kern River,
but also an amazing abundance of other delightful, learning-filled, enriching activities: wind-surfing, fishing, mountain
biking, hiking, birding, golfing, kite-boarding, jet skiing, lake kayaking, gold mining, horseback riding, rock climbing,
antiquing, shopping, B&B-ing, fine dining, naturalist tours, historical exploration, spelunking, hot spring basking and so
much more! Whitewater Voyages hopes this guide will help you find and enjoy some of the many attractions of the area.
Remember, this is only a place to start. There is plenty here to discover on your own!
As a meeting place of five bio-regions, Sequoia National Forest and the Kern Valley wilderness provides the perfect
setting for adventure and wonder. Whether enjoying the cascading waterfalls, the giant sequoias, or basking in the
desert sun of Joshua Tree, this recreational paradise is sure to present
the perfect backdrop for your adventures!
Forest’s treasures include
Trail of 100 Giants
Giant Sequoia National Monument
South Fork Wildlife Area
Kern River Preserve
Golden Trout Wilderness
Dome Land Wilderness
In addition to the wilderness
and wildlife preserves, another
showpiece for the Kern River Valley
is Lake Isabella.
Located just miles from your whitewater rafting adventure and easily accessible when entering or exiting the Sequoia
National Forest, Lake Isabella is the
largest freshwater lake in Southern
California. Well stocked with trout, bass,
crappie, bluegill and catfish, the great
fishing draws people. Others come to
boat, sail, water ski or jet ski.
These vast regions of natural wonderland offer thousands of acres of beauty and intrigue. Hiking, fishing and camping
are just a handful of activities to be enjoyed. To make the most of your Kern River Valley experience,
we recommend planning your adventure in advance.
To obtain information about Sequoia National Forest
recreation, permits, camping, maps, brochures, etc., contact...
Kernville Chamber of Commerce
P. O. Box 397
11447 Kernville Road
Kernville, CA 93238
760- 376-2629
www.kernvillechamber.org
Kern River Ranger District
P. O. Box 9
Kernville, CA 93238
760- 376-3781
www.fs.fed.us/r5/sequoia
Kern River Valley
Chamber of Commerce
P. O. Box 567
Lake Isabella, CA 93240
866- KRV-4FUN
www.kernrivervalley.com
Whitewater Voyages — 800-400-RAFT — www.whitewatervoyages.com — [email protected]
Things to Do & See
Annual Events
In addition to the great whitewater rafting, the Valley is home to many annual events which are
certain to add to your unforgettable vacation! These are just a few events which usually take place during
the rafting season, but to check out a complete list of events, visit www.kernvillechamber.org
and view the Kern Valley Annual Events Calendar.
Kern Valley Festival
“A Celebration of the Bio-regions" - Getting bigger every year, this event celebrates the Valley's ecological diversity. Five of
California's six bioregions meet here, making it unique in the world. The Valley also hosts 315 species of birds and scores of other wildlife species. There are field trips with experts, workshops, live animals and outdoor games for the kids. Info: 760-376-2629.
Spring Fine Arts & Crafts Festival
Enjoy an array of arts and crafts created by local artists and craftsmen: fine leather accessories, hand-crafted jewelry and beautiful one-ofa-kind paintings of all varieties. Festival Admission is free. 760-376-1403 or 760-379-6162.
Kern River Valley Historical Society History Days
Learn about the intriguing history of Kernville through exhibits, films, and much more provided by the Kernville Museum. In
addition to exhibits and outdoor recreation, the museum provides tours which allow you to explore luxurious natural hot springs, gold
mines, and historical buildings and homes that make the area so quaintly unique. Admission is free. 760-376-6683.
Annual Whitewater Wednesday
Sponsored by the Kernville Chamber of Commerce, this event introduces newcomers to the sport of whitewater rafting. All of the local
rafting companies donate rafts and guides to the cause. Riverside Park is the place. Come get wet with us!
Info: 760-376-2629.
Kids Fishing Derby
Kids Fish Free! This fishing event is tons of fun for children ages 5-16, as they race to catch Lake Isabella’s largest fish for trophies and
fun fishing prizes. After the contest weigh-in, everyone can enjoy complimentary hotdogs, snacks and sodas, a friendly face-painting and
a visit with Smokey the Bear! There are lots of other fun activities for everyone! Admission is free. 760-376-2804.
Hikes & Favorite Places
Cannell Meadow Trail
North of Kernville on Sierra Way just before the SCE Powerhouse on the right, the trail ascends through a variety of landscapes
to the Kern Plateau. Great in the spring when the wildflowers bloom, it's also a nice biking trail.
Needles Lookout Trail
A short drive south of Quaking Aspen is the Needles Lookout Road, follow the trail for about an hour to the top of the Needles. Enjoy
the fantastic series of granite domes and the awesome views of the Kern River, Lloyd Meadows and the
Golden Trout Wilderness. Visiting hours are 9-6 when occupied. Limit 4 in the lookout at one time.
Dry Meadow Creek & Peppermint Creek
Both these creeks are accessible from Lloyd Meadow Road and feature water worn granite tubs and falls,
cool water and great views! Our favorite high country day spots!
River Trail ~ Park at the Johnsondale Bridge, walk back over and down the stairs on the south side. The trail
follows the North Fork of the Kern for 5 miles. An easy hike for a great picnic by the river.
Find out how to enjoy more of the breathtaking Valley and Giant Sequoias by visiting
www.fs.fed.us/r5/sequoia or by calling the Kern River Ranger District office at 760-376-3781.
Whitewater Voyages — 800-400-RAFT — www.whitewatervoyages.com — [email protected]
Whitewater Voyages’ Kernville Outdoor Center Welcomes All!
We warmly invite you to visit our Kern Outdoor Center in Kernville, located inside Frandy Park Campground.
Aside from being our meeting area for all Kern trips,
K.O.C. is also a great place to get your Whitewater Voyages souvenirs!
You can purchase cool t-shirts, hats, sundries and much more...
there’s even a place to check out pictures of you and your friends and family on the river!
We may be able to take short-notice or walk-in reservations for the Kern at our river office (760-376-8806). However,
because of our busy season, we recommend that you reserve your trip well in advance by calling our main office, open
weekdays year-round and on weekends during the season, at 800-400-7238.
Haven’t Booked Yet?
Enjoy
Get Involved...
the beautiful scenery of
the
Whitewater Voyages offers
a variety of trips
throughout California.
Kern River trips
range anywhere from
1/2 day express trips to
3-day expeditions,
the most popular being the
1-day Upper Kern
and 2-day Lower Kern.
From our well-trained,
fun-loving guides
to our sumptuous meals,
Whitewater Voyages
is dedicated
to making your trip enjoyable!
For advance reservations
call us at
800-400-7238.
Even on short notice, we may be
able to accommodate you.
Kern River Valley!
And please help
preserve the beauty
of our National Forest
by treading lightly and
leaving no trash behind.
Whitewater Voyages
would like your rafting adventure
and visit to the Kern River Valley
to be a spectacular experience.
In fact, we hope you enjoy the river
and beauty of the Valley
so much that we see you every year!
We are continuously searching
for ways to provide the best
experience for our patrons, and the
annual events and creativity of
the Kern River Valley
residents add to the warm
welcome and adventure that
the area has to offer.
The Valley community works
diligently to preserve
the natural beauty of the river
and the Valley.
As part of this effort,
Whitewater Voyages schedules
annual Kern River clean up trips .
If you would like more information on how contribute to clean-up efforts and conservation of the Valley
contact us or the Kern River Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Whitewater Voyages is an equal opportunity outfitter operating under a Special Use Permit from the Sequoia National Forest.
Visitor Guide published compliments of Whitewater Voyages. (KVG Rev 01/07)
Whitewater Voyages — 800-400-RAFT — www.whitewatervoyages.com — [email protected]
Lodging & Campgrounds
Motels/Inns in Kern Valley
Lodging in the Valley offers the perfect small town charm you may be looking for to jump start or complete your rustic river
adventure. Many require a two-night minimum stay on weekends and holidays so be sure to check in advance for availability/rates.
Whispering Pines Lodge, 760-376-3733
www.kernvalley.com/whisperingpines
River View Lodge, 877-885-6333
www.kernvalley.com/riverviewlodge/goto.html
Kern Lodge Motel, 760-376-2223
www.kernvalley.com/kernlodge/
Kern River Inn B&B, 800-986-4382
www.kernriverinn.com
Kernville Inn, 760-376-2206
www.kernvilleinn.com
Pine Cone Inn, 760-376-6669
www.pineconeinn.com
Motels/Inns in Bakersfield
Bakersfield, approximately 50 miles from Kernville, is the last “big city” before you head up the mountain to Kernville.
You may want to consider staying in Bakersfield if you’re looking for a reasonable one-night stopover during your travels.
Below is a list of several motels/inns that are located in Bakersfield near Highway 178 (toward Lake Isabella/Kernville).
La Quinta Inn, 661-325-7400
Double Tree Hotel, 661-323-7111
Ramada Limited Suites, 661-831-1922
Best Western Crystal Palace, 661-327-9651
Days Inn, Bakersfield, 661-324-5555
Campgrounds and RV Parks
Frandy Park ~ (800) 372-6399 ~ www.frandy.net
Tent camping, RVs, river parking.
All of Whitewater Voyages’ Kern River trips meet at Frandy Park*, which offers campsites on a first-come,
first-serve basis for a fee paid upon entrance. Restrooms and pay showers are on site. For more information
regarding accommodations and rates, or to inquire about advance reservations, contact Frandy Park*. Please note...Frandy Park is not
owned or operated by Whitewater Voyages. All fees are charged at the discretion of the owners of Frandy Park and are not controlled
by Whitewater Voyages. Frandy Park charges a parking fee to Whitewater Voyages’ clients.
Forest Service Campgrounds
The Forest Service hosts a wide array of campgrounds at affordable rates, both along the rive and Lake Isabella. Some of
The more popular sites are listed below. For information about campground specifics and amenities it is best to contact the local Forest
Service (Kern River Ranger District ~ 760-376-3781).
Hobo
Sandy Flat
Camp 3
Camp 9
Limestone
Pioneer Point
Goldledge
For detailed information about Sequoia National Forest camping, recreation, permits, maps, brochures, etc.,
visit the U.S. Forest Service website at http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sequoia.
Some Forest Service campgrounds may be reserved through the National Recreation Reservation Service at
877-444-6777, or, through www.ReserveUSA.com.
You can also visit the Chamber of Commerce website at www.kernvalley.com/news/campmenu.htm.
Boating & Fishing
Lake boating and fishing permits may be obtained at these locations:
French Gulch Marina ~ 760-379-8774
Red’s Kern Valley Marina ~ 760-379-1007
Isabella Market ~ 760-379-8222
Primos ~ 760-376-2555
Dean’s North Fork Marina ~ 760-376-1812
Crossroads Market ~ 760-379-8170
James Sierra Gateway Market ~ 760-376-2424
Riverside One Stop ~ 760-376-1688
Information can be obtained by contacting the Kern River Ranger District ~ 760-376-3781.
Please confirm any/all travel directions with a California map.
Whitewater Voyages — 800-400-RAFT — www.whitewatervoyages.com — [email protected]