Kern River
★ Wild & Scenic🛶 AW Stewardship
Kern Co. · 170 mi · Class I–V+
277CFS/ 5.13 ft
Flood→Stable
Optimal: 400–2500 CFS · USGS #11189500
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
National Wild & Scenic River · Sequoia National Forest · American Whitewater Stewardship
Southern California's premier whitewater river — drops out of the southern Sierra Nevada through Sequoia National Forest and Kern Canyon. The Forks of the Kern (Class V–V+) is one of the most committing wilderness whitewater runs in North America: 15 miles of continuous Class V with no road access.
Trip sections
Forks of the Kern — Class V–V+, 15 mi, wilderness only
Upper Kern (Johnsondale to Fairview) — Class IV–V
Lower Kern Canyon — Class III–IV, most accessible
Outfitters
Kern River Outfitters
Kernville-based all levels
Whitewater Voyages
Forks and Lower Kern trips
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPSLoading forecast...
10-Year Flow Patterns
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Your Optimal Range
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Data Quality
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.