The 10 Best Things to do in Kernville, California (CA)

Come and raft the Kern River! Kern River rafting combines the adventure of white water rafting with the natural beauty of the Sequoia National Forest. The Kern River cuts through more than 150 miles of the Sierra Nevada Mountains on its journey to feed the fertile fields of the San Joaquin Valley. Over time it has become a prime destination for whitewater enthusiasts and recreational adventurers alike. Located about 3 hours from Los Angeles, the Kern Valley offers hiking, fishing, equestrian trails, camping and some of the best whitewater in the country.

Revisit the Old West: Native American art, local brands, movies filmed in the Valley, art gallery, pioneer photos, mining equipment, mountain cabin, Graham Truck, stagecoach and lots more. Friendly docents will give you a guided tour and it's all free!

Sierra South has been in business 30+ years and offers: The oldest, largest, and most experienced whitewater kayaking school in Southern California. As well as, guided whitewater raft trips on the Upper and Lower Kern River. We offer recreational kayak trips on Lake Isabella, rock climbing courses at local climbing areas, standup paddleboard (SUP) rentals & classes, and river tube rentals and shuttles at the end of the whitewater season. We also have a brick-and-mortar outfitters store stocked with gear, clothing, and gifts for paddling and mountain sports adventures. We are centrally located in the river town of Kernville, with a view of the Kern from our deck. Since 1995 an online River Store, where an actual person who knows paddling will handle your order and/or answer the customer service line. This is an award-winning location for those scouting for film, television, and print media.

Visiting the Kern Valley? Call us for recommendations for amazing attractions here. We grew up here & learned to raft & kayak on every section of the Kern River. With 70+ collective years of river experience on the Kern & on rivers around the world, we are whitewater experts. Book your Kern River trips with us. We will ensure you have super-fun & memorable rafting & kayaking trips - Every time.

Challenging white water run with a Class IV rating.

Waterfalls and steep climbs make this a river run for the experienced paddler.

We know how to create valuable memories for you on Kern River white water! Mountain & River Adventures (MRA) offers guided rafting tours of the Kern River that provide awesome vacation experiences for the whole family. We offer rafting tours that challenge, excite, and bond family members, while maintaining the highest standards of safety. Explore your passion for pure fun and commitment to environmental stewardship with us on an unforgettable Kern River rafting vacation. Just give us a call to chat!

Our main focus while Kern River rafting is to ensure that your class II/III whitewater experience is both fun and memorable. All of our guided river trips are available for families with kids from age 6 and up. Our rafting equipment is new and state of the art. Our raft guides are the best in the industry. ​ There are many different sections that are available for Kern River rafting. SoCal’s slew of waterborne activities take place just north of historic Kernville, Ca. Kernville is Southern California’s perfect town for safe and fun Kern River rafting! Activities on the Kern River include whitewater rafting, kayaking, paddle tubing, camping and fishing. When it comes to Kern River rafting, SoCal Rafting is one of the best river outfitters in California! Check out our whitewater raft trips to see which one is the best fit for your family vacation.