Kern River

so sad — what was once an amazing, rushing river is now, a river that is green and stagnant: maybe, due to the California drought. A few years ago, the Kern was rushing and powerful. Highway ¹⁷⁸⁄₁₅₅ /​Sierra Way was a joy to ride to see the mighty river but alas, no more — just mediocre now. Only thing good now was that you can go boulder hopping since the water level is so low.
The Brush Creek and South Creek falls along the Kern was great to see. Still missed twice the Salmon Oak falls.

Water was low but it was my first time rafting so my expectations were not too high. We enjoyed ourself. May not come back but still had a good time.

Fun to go for the day or camp with the family/​friends. River isn’t the cleanest where we stayed. There was a lot of trash in the area where I went and only a (full) dumpster in the parking lot.
The port-​a-​potties were disgusting.
I just wish people would clean up after themselves. They’re there to enjoy nature, please appreciate it.
Next time I’d stay at a campsite where the ranger checks you in. It seems like where we stayed there were a lot of campers there without reservations.

Prior to camping at Kern River, the most camping I have done is renting a parking spot at Lake Piru with showers and electric provided. It was more like tailgating than camping. When I was younger, I appreciated the running water and the electricity. However, now being older, I can do without my phone or eyeliner… actually I want to have a handful of days where I wouldn’t have to worry about my phone or anything outside of just enjoying the refreshing river and seeing the stars at night!
I have gone camping at Kern River a couple times and I absolutely love it! The weather is warm, the river is cooling and at night, the moon shines so bright that it cases a shadow! Every inch of the sky is covered with stars and it is just amazing! Kern River is one of the places I can actually relax and not worry what is come when I get home.
The river stretches pretty far and there are natural made slides which are super fun to ride, especially if you have a life jacket on! Over the years, the spot that I camp out on has gotten dirtier, which is a bummer but the river is so nice and when the weather is right… everything is good.
Also, there is the River Kern General Store about a mile or less away. It is great for grabbing ice and other items that might be needed that was forgotten at home!
Until next time Kern! I can’t wait! :]

The canyon is awesome except that some inconsiderate people leave trash and graffiti on the rocks. It’s fun to go boulder hopping but don’t fall into the river. The canyon is not a safe place for swimming people die every year.

Camping, tubing, fishing, beautiful scenery, family memories. My family loves the Kern River. What better place to cool off in hot summer days.