California whitewater - Kern River, Kern County Kern county, Mouth of canyon to Lake Ming section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS II-IV     4.8 miles   Putin Location Coordinates: Latitude: 35.45999 Longitude: -118.7783 Takeout Location Coordinates: Latitude: 35.43289 Longitude: -118.85261 Says Susan 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 The nature scenery of Kern County and the cool fresh water will make you feel great. The Mouth of canyon to Lake Ming stretch of Kern River in California is 4.8 miles long and is rated by American Whitewater as a class II-IV section. Some people prefer whitewater rafting and some kayaking, either way in this general area you won't find many other paddling spots. The starting location is a reasonable drive from Bakersfield, please print out a copy of the road map further down the page so you won’t get lost. A good workout and just hanging out with mother nature will make you glad you came. The rivers for whitewater rafting and kayaking here in California are often tougher than in other states, so keep in mind that many runs in this state are not easy. The campgrounds here at Kern River are pretty good. This stretch is mid length, good for a one day paddling trip. The Mouth of canyon to Lake Ming section is one of many paddling sections in this river system. You might have to settle for a hotel a bit away from the river if you want to stay the night, but if you don’t have reservations you might end up sleeping in your car. Briefly about the general area: Not much precipitation falls here at Kern River; the month with most of the rain is February while July is the month with the least amount of precipitation. All through the summer, highs generally are in the 90's at Kern River. Once the sun is down it dips down to the 60's. Daytime highs through the wintertime are in the 50's; night lows in the 30's for Kern River. Kern River, Mouth of canyon to Lake Ming road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked. QUICK STATS AW Class: II-IV Length: 4.8 miles    Putin Location Coordinates: Latitude: 35.45999 Longitude: -118.7783 Takeout Location Coordinates: Latitude: 35.43289 Longitude: -118.85261 Paddler input for Kern River, California: Submit Input: Your Name: Write or Paste Input here: Upload picture:      Input Submission Guidelines Current weather conditions at Kern River, California Local climate location: BAKERSFIELD WSO AP 18 miles away RAFTING TRIP OUTFITTERS There are no whitewater outfitters currently listed for this river. Best Western Hill House, Bakersfield 14 miles away The Best Western Hill House is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Bakersfield, California - a hotel at the gateway to Yosemite National Park. Guests at the Best Western Hill House will fi... Holiday Inn Select Bakersfield-Convention Center,, Bakersfield 14 miles away The Holiday Inn Select is located in the heart of downtown Bakersfield. The newest luxury hotel in Bakersfield we are connected to the Bakersfield Convention Center, adjacent to the Rabobank Arena and... GuestHouse Inn Bakersfield, Bakersfield 15 miles away This newly renovated boutique GuestHouse Inn and Suites is quietly positioned on the main street of Downtown Bakersfield. This GuestHouse Inn and Suites is for travelers who require service and econom...   All California Whitewater Complete list of all the whitewater paddling spots in California. Books about whitewater paddling on Kern River, California List of books from Amazon.com that cover whitewater paddling on Kern River, California. Find a whitewater outfitter in California Whitewater Basics If you're new to whitewater paddling please take a look at this basic whitewater info. Outdoors Recreation Near Bakersfield, California Very comprehensive list of a variety of outdoors recreation in the vicinity of Bakersfield, California, the metro area neareast to Kern River. Find info on campgrounds, hiking trails, ski resorts, lakes, beaches, parks, whitewater and more.       These outdoors activities are available near Kern River.   Whitewater Near Kern River: Kern River, Kern County , 7 miles away, Class V+ - 12 miles long (Democrat Hot Springs to mouth of canyon) Kern River, Kern County , 16 miles away, Class III-V - 11.5 miles long (Sandy Flat to Democrat Hot Springs) Kern River, Kern County , 23 miles away, Class II-III - 7 miles long (Lake Isabella to Sandy Flat)   Ski Areas Near Kern River: Shirley Meadow, California , 23 miles away, 600 vertical feet Mt Waterman, California , 94 miles away, 1300 vertical feet Mountain High, California , 98 miles away, 1600 vertical feet Ski Sunrise, California , 98 miles away, 816 vertical feet Sierra Summit, California , 103 miles away, 1600 vertical feet Mt. Baldy, California , 106 miles away, 2100 vertical feet Mammoth Mountain, California , 124 miles away, 3100 vertical feet June Mountain, California , 132 miles away, 2590 vertical feet Badger Pass, California , 138 miles away, 800 vertical feet Snow Valley, California , 141 miles away, 1041 vertical feet   Hotels Near Kern River: Best Western Hill House, Bakersfield , 14 miles away Holiday Inn Select Bakersfield-Convention Center,, Bakersfield , 14 miles away GuestHouse Inn Bakersfield, Bakersfield , 15 miles away Quality Inn and Suites, Bakersfield , 16 miles away Travelodge Bakersfield, Bakersfield , 16 miles away   Camp Grounds Near Kern River: Lower Richbar Campground, Kern County, 5 miles away Orange Grove RV Park, Bakersfield, 7 miles away Bakersfield Trav-l-park, Bakersfield, 8 miles away   National Parks 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   Golf Courses Near Kern River: Rio Bravo Country Club, Bakersfield , 3 miles away   Lakes Near Kern River