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We have activated our Big Water Protocol through July 15, raising our minimum ages on some trips.

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Home / Matt Volpert

Author: Matt Volpert

Matt is the owner and operator of Kern River Outfitters. He has been guiding for nearly 20 years and has logged over 20,000 river miles. When he is not on the Kern, you will find him guiding for his older brother, Will, in Southern Oregon, or his younger brother, Skip, on the Middle Fork of the Salmon in Idaho. In the off-season,  Matt writes whitewater guidebooks for GoRafting.com
“First Glance” Forks of the Kern March 1, 2023 update
2023 | Forks of the Kern

“First Glance” Forks of the Kern March 1, 2023 update

ByMatt Volpert March 1, 2023March 1, 2023

The below was an email sent to our Forks of the Kern interest list. Forks updates are first sent there and then later, posted on…

Read More “First Glance” Forks of the Kern March 1, 2023 updateContinue

Finding a Kern River camping site is now improved thanks to Recreation.gov update
2023 | Kern River Camping

Finding a Kern River camping site is now improved thanks to Recreation.gov update

ByMatt Volpert February 4, 2023February 6, 2023

The most popular outdoor activity in Kern County isn’t whitewater rafting, it’s Kern River camping. For years finding a campground has been a cumbersome experience,…

Read More Finding a Kern River camping site is now improved thanks to Recreation.gov updateContinue

Big Water Protocol 2023
2023

Big Water Protocol 2023

ByMatt Volpert January 15, 2023March 13, 2023

Big Water on the Kern River is some of the best rafting you will find in the US. It’s important to implement safety mechanisms though…

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Where our guides have been paddling this off season
2022

Where our guides have been paddling this off season

ByMatt Volpert December 16, 2022December 19, 2022

During the off season, some of our guides head back to school, others work at ski resorts, some move to the beach, and a few…

Read More Where our guides have been paddling this off seasonContinue

Save Your Seat for 2023
2022

Save Your Seat for 2023

ByMatt Volpert November 20, 2022November 21, 2022

Introducing Save Your Seat: Until February 1, reserve a Kern rafting trip without any deposit. By February 1, a $50 deposit per person is required…

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Whiskey Flat Trail
Kern River Hiking | 2022

Whiskey Flat Trail

ByMatt Volpert November 20, 2022November 20, 2022

Summary: Close to town and easy to do.Link to trailhead: Google Map link.Length: 12 milesDifficulty: Class II.Matt’s Rating: Good What makes Whiskey Flat Trail so appealing is it’s just a…

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Kern River Trail
2022 | Kern River Hiking

Kern River Trail

ByMatt Volpert April 6, 2022November 9, 2022

Kern River Trail Summary Summary: When the flowers are blooming this hike is incredible.Link to trailhead: Google Map link.Length: 6 Miles.Difficulty: Class III.Matt’s Rating: GreatGood resources: California Wanderland. The…

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If you have just one day in Kernville what should you do?
2022 | Kern River Area

If you have just one day in Kernville what should you do?

ByMatt Volpert January 2, 2022February 26, 2023

For over four decades, our company has always recommended going on a rafting trip when asked what to do in Kernville. It was a genuine…

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2021 Season Recap: Hits and misses
2021

2021 Season Recap: Hits and misses

ByMatt Volpert December 4, 2021November 9, 2022

Each season Matt does a hit-and-misses report. Read the 2020 report. Read the 2019 report. Hit: Marketing our trips as float trips. When the water flows hit…

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After four year closure, Hobo Campground is now open
2021 | Kern River Camping

After four year closure, Hobo Campground is now open

ByMatt Volpert July 10, 2021December 18, 2022

Easily the best Kern River campground on the Lower Kern, Hobo Campground has recently re-opened and is available to book. In 2017, massive Lower Kern river flows flooded…

Read More After four year closure, Hobo Campground is now openContinue

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Since 1980 we have offered river rafting trips on the Upper, Lower and Forks of the Kern. Our company is a family business with outfits in Southern Oregon on the Rogue River and on the Middle Fork of the Salmon, in Idaho.

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Kern River Outfitters is operated under Special Use Permit with the Sequoia National Forest. Kern River Outfitters is an equal opportunity provider, and operates on a non-discriminatory basis | PUC Carrier ID: PSG0038493 | © 2023 Kern River Outfitters

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  • Select a Rafting Trip
    • By Trip Length
      • Short Trips
      • One Day
      • Two DayMost popular!
    • By Trip Section
      • Upper Kern
      • Lower Kern
      • Forks of the Kern
    • By Month
      • April & May
      • June
      • July & August
  • Trip Planning
    • Your Rafting Trip
      • What To Pack
      • Kern River Weather
      • Find Your Photos
    • Kern River Area
      • Kern River Camping
      • Lodging & Airbnbs
      • Activities & Events
    • Kern River Outfitters
      • Why Choose Us
      • About Us
      • Directions & Contact Us
  • Groups
    • Group Discounts
    • Bachelor/ette Parties
    • Church Groups
    • Company Retreats
    • School Groups
  • Trip Prices
  • 1-760-376-3370

Important: We have activated our Big Water Protocol through July 15, raising our minimum ages on some trips.