California whitewater, Kern River Kern county, Sandy Flat to Democrat Hot Springs section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS III-V     11.5 miles   The beautiful scenery of Kern County and the sparkling of the sunlight on the water have people coming here. Whitewater rafting and kayaking in this state is often more difficult than elsewhere, so if you're not from around here don't forget that lots of rivers here are not for beginners. A good workout and just being out on the river for a while are sure to keep you coming back for more. The river winds through the Southern Sierra Nevada and     you get great scenery. This section of Kern River is 11.5 miles long and has been determined by American Whitewater to be a class III-V section. Some people prefer whitewater rafting and some kayaking, either way this area has a large number of paddling rivers. There aren’t any hotels right nearby but if you're willing to drive a short distance then no problem but do book a room before you come because it is a very popular destination. This river system is full of great paddling stretches, the Sandy Flat to Democrat Hot Springs stretch is just one of them. If you have the time you can make this a two day trip, so pack your sleeping bag. The put-in is not too   far from Bakersfield, as you can see on the road map further down. For all you camping people there are campgrounds nearby. Briefly about the general area: Why not take a refreshing hike along the Virginia Trail, and Beaver Canyon is absolutely a great place to have a look at. That right there is heaps of exciting things already but it goes on, the Southern Sierra Nevada has it all. Kern River is right by the Bull Run Cattle Drive; you'll in all probability meet some people from Bodfish here. This river is always fun. A day on the slopes of Shirley Meadow is just what you need, and a spree to Kern River wouldn't be complete without taking a look at Delonegha Hot Springs. Kern River, Sandy Flat to Democrat Hot Springs 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, 5 miles away       Class III-V - 11.5 miles long (Sandy Flat to Democrat Hot Springs) Kern River, Kern County, 5 miles away       Class V+ - 12 miles long (Democrat Hot Springs to mouth of canyon) Whitewater Outfitter - Chuck Richard's White Water, Kern County, 9 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Kern River, Kern County, 10 miles away       Class II-III - 7 miles long (Lake Isabella to Sandy Flat) Whitewater Outfitter - Kern River Outfitters, Kern County, 13 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Kern River, Kern County, 13 miles away       Class II-IV - 4.8 miles long (Mouth of canyon to Lake Ming) Whitewater Outfitter - Hyside Inflatables River Trips, Kern County, 17 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Whitewater Outfitter - Sierra South MT Sports, Kern County, 17 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Whitewater Outfitter - Eagle Rafting, Kern County, 17 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Kern River, Tulare/ Kern County, 25 miles away       Class III-V - 17 miles long (Johnsondale Bridge to Powerhouse #3)   Ski Areas Near Kern River: Shirley Meadow, California , 9 miles away, 600 foot drop, 3 lifts, 7 runs Mt Waterman, California , 88 miles away, 1300 foot drop, 3 lifts, 10 runs Mountain High, California , 91 miles away, 1600 foot drop, 16 lifts, 62 runs Ski Sunrise, California , 91 miles away, 816 foot drop, 4 lifts, 24 runs Mt. Baldy, California , 99 miles away, 2100 foot drop, 4 lifts, 28 runs   Marinas Near Kern River: French Gulch Marina, Lake Isabella , 9 miles away Reds Kern Valley Marina, Lake Isabella , 12 miles away   Hotels Near Kern River: WoodSpring Suites Bakersfield, Bakersfield , 24 miles away Americas Best Value Inn, Bakersfield , 24 miles away Hampton Inn And Suites-Bakersfield-Hwy 58 CA, Bakersfield , 25 miles away Fairfield Inn & Suites Tehachapi, Tehachapi , 25 miles away Holiday Inn Express & Suites TEHACHAPI HWY 58/MILL ST., Tehachapi , 25 miles away   Campgrounds Near Kern River: Davis Campground, Kern County, 4 miles away Hobo, Bodfish, 5 miles away Breckenridge Campground, Kern County, 5 miles away   Trails Near Kern River: Virginia Trail, Kern , 12 miles away, 4.1 hiking miles, 2879 feet elevation difference Bull Run Cattle Drive, Tulare , 16 miles away, 3.6 hiking miles, 1739 feet elevation difference Old Sled Trail, Tulare , 16 miles away, 2.1 hiking miles, 1313 feet elevation difference Tobias Creek Trail, Tulare , 20 miles away, 6.5 hiking miles, 4434 feet elevation difference   Public Lands Near Kern River: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park, Three Rivers - CA , 54 miles away Sequoia National Forest, California , 32 miles away   Golf Courses Near Kern River: Rio Bravo Country Club, Bakersfield , 18 miles away Kern Valley Golf Course, Kernville , 19 miles away   Lakes Near Kern River Isabella Lake, Kern , 10 miles away Julia Lake, Kern , 10 miles away