California whitewater, Kern River Kern county, Mouth of canyon to Lake Ming section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS II-IV     4.8 miles   I'm not sure the above coordinates are correct. I've guided the Kern for 7years. The takeout location is close enough but the putin coordinates are just wrong. Those coordinates would put you in the middle of some class VI rapids (IE unrunable) There are actually two putin locations. 1. LAT 35.439250 LON -118.802450 This put in is impossible to get to without trespassing. So you need special permission. It's located right below the     Rio Bravo Hydroelectric Dam. This section is actually a class IV followed by two class V's. I've done the entire Kern, it's definitely V. You can only do this extra section during very high water years because the Power plant diverts most of the water along this stretch. 2. LAT 35.429084 LON 118.825602 Also, on private property with no public access. Only Search and Rescue, Kayak Olympic Team, and River's End Rafting have access to this putin. There is also a public access point on racheria rd. There is a little trail to get there just past the gated community gates. I believe there is still a sign. It's not a long hike. That point gives you 5 miles of   very fun class II and III rapids, swimming areas, rope swings, etc. Be aware that many people have died along this section of the river because they were not wearing a life jacket. It's better to do this section with a professional guide because of all the potential hazards such as trees and brush. Says matt Putin Location Coordinates: Latitude: 35.45999 Longitude: -118.7783 Takeout Location Coordinates: Latitude: 35.43289 Longitude: -118.85261 Says Susan The starting location is a short drive from Bakersfield, if you're not familiar with the area there's a road map further down the page. Kern River, Mouth of canyon to Lake Ming road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.     Map Detailed Map Stats Stats for this river stretch Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Kern River.   Whitewater Near Kern River: Kern River, Kern County, 3 miles away       Class II-IV - 4.8 miles long (Mouth of canyon to Lake Ming) Kern River, Kern County, 11 miles away       Class V+ - 12 miles long (Democrat Hot Springs to mouth of canyon) Kern River, Kern County, 21 miles away       Class III-V - 11.5 miles long (Sandy Flat to Democrat Hot Springs) Kern River, Kern County, 26 miles away       Class II-III - 7 miles long (Lake Isabella to Sandy Flat) Whitewater Outfitter - Chuck Richard's White Water, Kern County, 26 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Whitewater Outfitter - Kern River Outfitters, Kern County, 29 miles away       Whitewater outfitter   Ski Areas Near Kern River: Shirley Meadow, California , 23 miles away, 600 foot drop, 3 lifts, 7 runs Mt Waterman, California , 94 miles away, 1300 foot drop, 3 lifts, 10 runs Mountain High, California , 98 miles away, 1600 foot drop, 16 lifts, 62 runs Ski Sunrise, California , 98 miles away, 816 foot drop, 4 lifts, 24 runs   Hotels Near Kern River: Americas Best Value Inn, Bakersfield , 8 miles away Hampton & Suites BFL Hwy 58 CA, Bakersfield , 9 miles away Quality Inn & Suites Bakersfield, Bakersfield , 14 miles away BEST WESTERN PLUS Hill House, Bakersfield , 14 miles away Bakersfield Marriott At The Convention Center, Bakersfield , 14 miles away   Campgrounds Near Kern River: Kern River County Park, Bakersfield, 4 miles away Lower Richbar Campground, Kern County, 5 miles away Camp Okihi Group, Bakersfield, 5 miles away   Public Lands Near Kern River: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park, Three Rivers - CA , 56 miles away Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Thousand Oaks - CA , 70 miles away Fort Tejon State Park, California , 33 miles away Hungry Valley State Park, California , 38 miles away Tule Elk State Reserve, California , 39 miles away   Golf Courses Near Kern River: Rio Bravo Country Club, Bakersfield , 3 miles away Kern River Golf Course, Bakersfield , 6 miles away Bakersfield Country Club, Bakersfield , 9 miles away   Lakes Near Kern River Julia Lake, Kern , 18 miles away