How far is it? Kernville is a small town that begins where the Sierra Nevada Mountains begin. The...
How far is it?
Kernville is a small town that begins where the Sierra Nevada Mountains begin.
The Kern River is in the heart of the city and its major attraction.
You will reach Kernville in about 3.5 hours from LA, depending on where you live. This makes it a perfect California getaway destination for the entire family, as the drive isn’t too long or too tiring and won’t require many breaks along the road.
Best activities around Kernville
The scenic Kern River is home to the best whitewater rafting in California and the closest we have from Los Angeles.
Just outside Kernville, you will find 2 very easily accessible hot springs, a cute ghost town, and if you drive north deeper in the mountains, some amazing hiking opportunities.
Tubing!
Depending on the water flows each season, tubing begins at the end of June or beginning of July and goes until September. This is when the water levels of the river are lower and safe for tubing. This is a really fun, different, refreshing activity for the family that I recommend, we had a great time.
Obviously wear your swim suits and life jackets for the little ones.
On the river, you float down for about three miles. There are four very small rapids on this class II-III section on the Upper Kern River. But nothing is scary at all and water levels are really low. There might even be sections where you will need to get out of your tube, walk a little bit in the water and move it back into the current. Water shoes are required by the tour company. On a hot day, this is a really perfect activity that will take you hour 1.5/2 hours if you take your time. After your float, you exit the river directly after the bridge in Kernville and head back up to the shop to return
all the gear, it is right on the river banks. More info about the company here:
Rafting!
While we had kids too young to try it, whitewater rafting is available for children 8 years old and up as a half-day or day trip with Kern River Outfitters. It looks like an awesome activity and will make for memorable pictures of your Kern county getaway. More info here:
https://kernrafting.com/
Hiking
If you pass Kernville and keep driving north on Mountain Highway 99, you will be following the Kern River while entering the Sequoia National Forest.
There are many beautiful hikes in that area to explore!
Johnsondale Bridge River Trail is one of the most popular in the region, and a 30 minute drive from Kernville.
With phenomenal scenery year round, world class fly fishing, and big whitewater rapids alternating with amazing swimming holes, it’s such a rewarding hike!
This 5.2 mile easy trail along the wild North Fork Kern River follows the canyons bluffs.
During summer when water levels are low, the river offers numerous small pristine beaches with refreshing swimming holes and large boulders to soak up the sun.
You can find all the details about that hike here:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/johnsondale-bridge-river-trail
Silver City Ghost Town
The cute historic Silver City Ghost Town located in Bodfish (18 minutes south of Kernville), is home to over 20 structures dating as early as 1858
There is a small general admission fee of $5.50 per person ages 13+, children 6 to 12 are $4.50 ea. and kids 5 and under are FREE (when accompanied by a paid adult).
Over twenty historic buildings are represented in this composite town and they all come from local frontier settlements from the past. It will give you a great idea of what local gold outposts may have looked after the gold ran out and the miners started moving on.
Natural (and free) Hot Springs
The Remington Hot Springs are accessible all year round but are more enjoyable when it is not too hot outside, so if visiting in the peak of summer, wait until the end of the day or go at the crack of dawn. In Spring, the hot pools are surrounded by colorful wildflower patches, so that’s a nice bonus if you happen to visit that time of year.
From Bodfish Town, head west on Columbus Avenue for 0.2 miles, and take a right turn onto Caliente Bodfish Road. Follow the road for 0.1 miles and turn left onto Kern Canyon Road. Head straight for 5.4 miles which will lead you to the Dirt Parking Lot where the Trailhead is located on the right side.
The Hot Springs that have been turned into little man-made pools can be accessed through that short 0.4 km long, rather steep and dusty little trail.
On the same Kern Canyon Road, you will also find Miracle Hot Springs, shortly before Remington Hot Springs. Miracle Hot Springs can be accessed by trekking through a short 0.2 km long from the popular Hobo Campground located along the California State Road 178.
Where to stay in Kernville?
If you are into camping, there are numerous (over a dozen) campsites north of Kernville, along the Kern River. You will find the majority of them on the following website: http://www.recreation.gov/
We did camp, but I have also heard great things about the Kern Riverfront Lodge, in Kernville. Each of their rooms comes with a full-size kitchen and a private bath, and can accommodate 4 guests. With their room rate starting at $89 per night, it is a great option for families that won’t break the bank.
https://kernriverfrontlodge.com/rooms-rates/
