How to Hike the Upper Kern River, California
Not to be confused with the more substantial trek into Sequoia National Park known as the Kern River Canyon Hike, hiking the upper Kern River is a pleasurable few hours along its southern bank. There is some minor elevation gain, but generally the trail ascends small bluffs and then drops near the rushing river. The trail passes among several boulder jumbles as well as towering pines and aged oak trees.
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Instructions
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Locate the town of Kernville on the map of California. Plan a trip in late spring or early summer. The waterfalls on the north bank are at their strongest and the river is at its most rapid. Also, the famous California wildflowers are in bloom.
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Check with the Forest Service in Kernville for current trail conditions and inclement weather.
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Leave north from the town of Kernville taking the Kern River Highway. Drive carefully; there are several hairpin turns along the highway.
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Drive to the Johnsondale Bridge, an unmistakable structure crossing the upper Kern. It is easily identifiable by an adjacent bridge that is closed to traffic.
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Park in the parking area located immediately after crossing the bridge. There will be several autos parked there as well as some rafting buses and trailers.
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Cross back across the bridge by foot. A series of stairs descend from the top of the bridge to the southern bank of the river. The trailhead begins at the last step.
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Take the trail in a northeasterly direction, following the river into the Sierra Nevada Range. There are a few primitive campsites along the shore, but they require a permit. A few years ago a careless camper started a fire which spread up the river toward the settlement of Ponderosa and threatened several Sequoia tree groves.
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Note that across the river several rafting outfitters can be seen putting into the water. Kernville has a few companies that provide this service for a fee. Plan a river trip for the next day.
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Observe many rushing waterfalls that join the river from unnamed tributaries. All seem to enter the river with a violent rush, making a quick descent over the obstructive outcroppings.
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Continue along the upper Kern, over bluffs and down ravines. The trail eventually meets up with a mountain trail which then joins the Pacific Crest. One can return to the trailhead at any time.
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Tips & Warnings
Hotel accommodations are plentiful at Kernville and its sister city, Lake Isabella. Rooms tend to book up on summer weekends, but rarely during the week. Better lodging options are within an hour south in Bakersfield.
