The combination of our camp, one of the most exciting class-IV river stretches in the West, and a beautiful Sierra foothills high desert canyon makes for an active, comfortable, and quick outdoor escape – away from traffic, lines, and hectic daily schedules. There are truly few trips like it.
Day 1:
We meet in the morning at our River Center near Kernville. There you will meet the guides, get geared up, and listen to a safety and orientation talk. Then we make the short drive to the river, get the boats in the water, and begin our trip downriver.
The Lower Kern begins with a fun class-III warm-up stretch which makes it a recommended rafting trip for first-timers or experts in good health. After lunch the whitewater picks up and we end the day with 4 bigger rapids including two class-IVs. Along the way we will stop to swim, try a jumping rock, and enjoy the warm waters of the Kern.
In the afternoon we will pull into our comfortable riverside Kern River Safari Camp. The afternoon and evening can be spent hiking, playing games in the sun, or just hanging out. We will serve appetizers, a big dinner, and dessert. Then the evening is generally filled with laughter echoing off the canyon walls and the star filled Sierra Foothills sky.
Day 2:
After a hearty breakfast and plenty of time for a second cup of coffee we get back on the water and float from camp. Day 2 starts with some mellow whitewater before a portage around the infamous Royal Flush rapid. At the ‘portage’ we walk the rafts around a spectacular but unrunnable cataract. The portage and the beauty and power of the location add to the overall quality, excitement, and authenticity of this run.
Once we get the boats back in the water we soon enter the famous Big 5 section of the Lower Kern. This is the most concentrated Class IV whitewater of the trip and features powerful drops like Hari Kari and Horseshoe Falls.
We will get off the water in the early afternoon and be back at our River Center between 3:30 and 5.
Please Note: This trip is perfect for experienced and first time paddlers (and for those who find regular camping to be not their cup of tea). However all guests need to be in reasonable physical condition for the whitewater rafting section. If you have any questions or concerns please give us a call or an email.