What's the difference in the stretches of the Kern you run?
The Kern offers over 60 miles of runnable water. It's divided into three stretches:
The Forks of the Kern is a three day, 20 mile stretch of Class Four and Five whitewater that runs through one of the most beautiful canyons in the country. This trip is usually not for first time rafters, but offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience one of the most remote and exhilarating rafting trips anywhere.

The Upper Kern one day trip offers 20 miles of Class Three/ Four whitewater to choose from and is our primary early season trip offering. The Thunder Run is a one day Class Five trip that runs through a section of the Upper Kern with a steeper gradient and a higher class of rapids than the rest of the Upper. It offers those looking for a bigger challenge the opportunity to test their skills on one of the wilder sections of the river. The Thunder Run, like the Forks of the Kern, is for experienced rafters that are fit and ready for adventure.

The Lower Kern is our premier two day Class III-IV trip that offers something for everyone. Originating from Isabella reservoir, this 20 mile stretch of river has some of the most enviable qualities of any river in the country, warm water and plenty of great whitewater to boot! Halfway through the trip, we stop and spend the evening at our private campsite where you're lavished with sumptuous meals, thick sleeping pads, redwood sleeping decks, and an outdoor experience that you'll remember for a lifetime. The Lower Kern is perfect for a family outing and is enjoyed by experienced as well as novice rafters. The Lower Kern is primarily a two day trip, but for those looking for a shorter trip, several one day offerings are available.

How old do I need to be to go rafting?
The minimum age on our Lower and Upper Kern trips is 9. Occasionally, when flows are high, the age limit is raised to 12. Class Five trips on the Forks and the Thunder Runs require a minimum age of 14.

How do I make a reservation?
Once you have an idea of which stretch of river you might like to run, just give our office staff a call. They have helpful information and can assist you with your decision as well as give you up to the minute availability information. A good thing to keep in mind is the earlier you can make your reservation or inquiry, the greater the likelihood the time frame you’re looking at will be available. We are limited in the number of guests we can accommodate, and trips often book out quickly.

What is your payment and cancellation policy?
Reservations made prior to May 1st require a deposit ($50 for one day and half day trips, $100 for two day trips, and $250 for Forks of the Kern trips) within ten days to hold your spaces. Your remaining balance is due on May 1st or 30 days prior to the day your trip launches, whichever date arrives first. Reservations made after May 1st require full payment within 10 days of making the reservation.

Our cancellation policy is one of the most liberal in the industry, however we operate under stringent federal regulations which restrict the number of guests per trip and the number of trips per season. We incur substantial expenses before each trip departs and, in the event of late cancellations cannot recover costs, nor can we make refunds. If you must cancel at the last minute, try to find a friend to take your place. Written cancellation notice received by our office more than 30 days prior to the trip will result in a refund in fees paid less the deposit. There are no refunds for cancellations made within 30 days of your trip launch.

How's the weather in the Kern Valley?
The Kern is tucked away in the Southern Sierra and blessed with ideal weather for rafting. Early season trips (late April through May) can sometimes present cooler days, but the majority of the season offers temperatures from the low 80's to the mid 90's.

Are there mosquitoes or other bugs that bite?
During bigwater years, when there is an overflow of water, you might experience an occasional mosquito but, for the most part, biting insects are not a problem on the river. One exception is the yellow jacket which can occasionally be a nuisance on late season Lower Kern trips.

What's the difference between an oar boat and a paddle boat?
An oar boat is maneuvered by a guide sitting in the center of the raft and wielding a set of oars. These boats are primarily used as gear and safety boats, but occasionally they accommodate a couple of paddlers in the front compartment. A paddleboat is a raft navigated by 4 to 7 paddlers and a guide. This is the most common configuration we use on the river. A "hind end frame" is an oar frame strapped to the rear of paddle boat. This hybrid raft is sometimes used during high water conditions and allows the highest degree of steering coupled with the acceleration of a paddle crew.

How many people fit in a raft?
Most of the time rafts have 5-7 paddlers and a guide.

How many folks can we book on a trip?
Upper Kern trips have a limit of 25 guests. On occasion, when taking certain groups, we are allowed to raise the limit to 30. Thunder Run trips are limited to 25 guests. Forks of the Kern trips are limited to 15 guests. Lower Kern Trips are limited to 30 guests.

Are there discounts for groups?
We are able to offer discount to groups of 12 or more on Upper Kern, Thunder Run, and Lower Kern trips on every day except Saturday. On the Forks of the Kern, the 15th spot is free when the entire trip is booked. We are able to offer discounts to non-profit groups with a minimum of 10 participants on Upper or Lower stretches who are able to start Monday through Thursday. Family Discounts are available to families who book a Two Day Lower trip on Mondays and Wednesdays. Guests 16 and under are eligible for a youth discount on any of our trips except on the Forks and those departing on Saturdays. Our only requirement for these discounts is that payment is received via one check or credit card.

Who are our guides?
Our guides are a fantastic group of outdoor professionals that have a passion for the Kern River and love sharing the experience of a whitewater trip with our guests. Some of them have moved on to other professions but still continue to guide part time. Among our ranks are doctors, lawyers, engineers, business owners, teachers, musicians, and students. Our guides are expertly trained boaters and hold certifications in First Aid and swiftwater rescue. Many have advanced Wilderness First Aid and swiftwater training. All of them are helpful, pleasant, knowledgeable and are a joy to spend time with.

What kind of gear will I need to bring?
A list of recommended gear specific to your trip is outlined in trip notes provided to you when you make your reservation.

Can you accommodate special needs?
We are happy to accommodate our guests' special dietary needs and are able to take medication that needs to be refrigerated. There is an area on your Participation Agreement where you may list any special needs. This information will be relayed to your Trip Manager and arrangements will be made to accommodate your requests.

Should I purchase trip insurance?

It is not a bad idea to purchase trip insurance when you make your reservation. Although cancellations are rare, our cancellation policy is firm and trip insurance may protect you from a loss of fees paid in the event of an unexpected cancellation. Trip insurance information is available from our office.

Should I bring valuables on the trip?
We suggest that you leave your valuables at home when rafting with us. Expensive jewelry, watches, and cameras that are not waterproof add little to your trip experience and can cause heartache if they are lost or damaged.

What kind of rafts do you use?

We pride ourselves in running only top of the line rafts and equipment. Our rafts are constructed from a high quality hypalon composite that offer a durability and comfort that is unmatched in the industry.

Can I bring a musical instrument?

You might want to leave your baby grand at home, but a guitar or harmonica might be a nice choice for an overnight trip on the Lower Kern. The Forks of the Kern poses a little more complicated logistics however, and anything larger than a harmonica might be best left at home.

What about gratuities?

Guests often inquire whether it is acceptable to leave a gratuity for their guide at the conclusion of their trip. If you felt your guide was exceptional, you should feel free to give him or her a token of your appreciation. A typical gratuity is between 10% and 15% of the trip fare, but guides are appreciative of any gesture. In the spirit of teamwork, our guides typically pool their gratuities at the conclusion of the trip.

If I arrive a day or two early, are there good camping sites nearby?

The area has plenty of campgrounds along the Upper Kern as well as the lake. For information on campgrounds along the banks of the Upper take a look at: http://www.kernvalley.com/news/kerncamp.htm. For information on campsites around the lake: http://www.kernvalley.com/news/lakecamp.htm. Note: Tillie Creek Campground is only about 1/2 mile from our Rafting Center. Kern camping PDF is provides additional camping information.

What about lodging?

In addition to a host of camping options, the Kern Valley offers many motels. The link below offers a pretty comprehensive overview of the motels that serve visitors: http://www.natureali.org/accommodations.htm. Our Lodging PDF is a printable list of places to stay in the area.

How long is the drive time to get to the Kern?
You can reach the Kern River in about 3 1/2 hours from Los Angeles, 5 hours from San Diego, 6 hours from the Bay Area, and 5 1/2 hours from Las Vegas.

Are their airports nearby?
Meadows Field in Bakersfield is about an hour from our Rafting Center and has just opened a new terminal. America West Express, Continental, Delta, and United Express service this airport and offer nonstop flights to and from many parts of the country. If you happen to be a private pilot, the Kern Valley Airport is only minutes away from our headquarters. We'd be happy to arrange a shuttle for you upon your arrival.

Are there other fun things that we can do in conjunction with a rafting trip with Kern River Outfitters?
Sure there are! Although nothing beats a whitewater trip on the Kern, many of our guests have inquired how they can extend their visit with another outing in the Valley. We've compiled a list of area attractions to help you out. These range from fun family outings to a round of golf at the Kern Valley Golf Course. Our local office staff has all the inside information as well. Feel free to give them a call if you'd like more suggestions or ideas.