Biking
...
From flat trails to up and down roller-coaster
type rides or long plunging descents into lush meadows, a person can experience it all
from a bicycle. These types of rides and more are all enjoyed in the Kern River Valley.
Bike races and festivals are scheduled events and this type of sport is enjoyed all year
round although spring and summer are the ideal seasons because of the temperatures. Maps
for bike trails and topography of the area are available at both U.S. Forest Service
offices, Lake Isabella and Kernville.
Bingo ...
Bingo takes place during the day as well as night at
numerous times during the week and on weekends. If you’re a Bingo enthusiast see the
local newspapers or call the information telephone number listed here in the Explorer for
Bingo locations, times, and dates.
Bird Watching ...
From the yellow-billed cuckoo and the willow flycatcher
to white pelicans and the majestic bald eagle, bird watchers will find over 250 different
types of birds in the Kern River Valley at one time or another throughout the year.
Checklists are available from the Kern River Preserve, the U.S. Forest Service, or
Visitors Center.
Camping ...
Lake,
Upper
River, Lower
River
Sometimes changing our location
to places like Isabella Lake or the Kern River brings renewed life and vigor. Pace and quiet offered while camping
is such a change for many. Ah yes...to smell a flower, to hear a bird, to see a gentle
deer.
Events
...
For the latest information on activities around the
valley check the Calendar of Events in the front of the Explorer.
Fishing
...
Fishing is a great pastime for valley residents and
visitors. Whether you’re fly fishing on the river, trolling on the lake, or standing
on the shoreline, everyone seems to find the need to use their skill as a fisherman to
land one of the several species of fish living in the waters of Isabella Lake and the Kern
River. For limits and regulations check with bait and tackle stores or any one of the
marinas on the lake, or contact the U.S. Forest Service Visitors Center located in the
Government section.
Forest Service ...
The U.S. Forest Service provides valley residents and
visitors with information regarding camping, hiking, and a great many other activities.
Complete campground information is available along with maps from camping areas to
motorcycle trails. Sightseeing information is also available through the Forest Service.
The U.S. Forest Service has two locations serving the Kern River Valley. One is located in
Lake Isabella and the other is in Kernville. Either office can provide you with
information about the area during regular business hours. See their listings in the
Government section.
Go For a Drive ...
Much of the Kern River Valley can be seen without ever
leaving your vehicle. From the lower elevations of the desert right up to the majestic
sequoias in the high country of the Sierras, it’s all-breathtaking. A 100-mile round
trip journey will take you from Kernville up along the Great Western Divide and you can
easily be back to your point of origination in the same day. Picnic areas are available
allowing you time to stretch your legs and take in the beauty of the outdoors. Day trips
by car are surely a pleasure when visiting the Kern River Valley.
Gold Panning ...
Keyesville offers the excitement of panning for gold
just as it did in days of old. Pieces of this era can be seen in the old Walker log cabin,
water diversion canals, gold mine tunnels and a rusting ball mill site where ore was
processed for pieces of gold. So…grab your pan and while you’re visiting, maybe,
you’ll strike it rich.
Golf ...
This 9-hole course was originally established as a semi-private club but has remained open
to the public since it's creation.
Hiking ...
Hiking in the
Kern River Valley is an adventure in itself. Chaparral covered trails
in the foothills as well as the awesome sequoias known as the Trail of
a Hundred Giants are truly a sight to behold. Countless other trails
are available for the advid hiker and maps of designated trailheads
are available at the Visitor Centers in Lake Isabella and Kernville.
Horseback Riding ...
Explore the Sierras by horseback, either on your own or
by guided tours through Kennedy Meadows Pack station. Your own horses can be boarded at
several locations in Kernville and trails leading into the hills and along the river are
available. Kennedy Meadows Pack Station offers day trips as well as an old style horse
drive taking pack stations stock 50 miles from the station to their winter range in
Weldon. More information on pack station trips can be obtained by calling (209) 561-4142.
Hunting
...
From deer and bear to birds and rabbits, hunters find
the Kern River Valley the place on which to set their sights. Deer and bear are the most
popular big game with approximately 10,000 deer tags filed per year. The D-8 and D-9 zones
are popular with both local and out of town deer hunters. A multitude of birds are also
found here including such species as turkey, ring-necked pheasants, quail, dove, and
chukar. Four legged critters, such as rabbit, jack rabbit, and tree squirrels are also
hunted here.
Motorcycles ...
Over 20 trails are available ranging in terrain suited
for beginners, intermediate, and advanced motorcycle riders. Scenic vistas, steep rocky
grades, gradual hills, and trails paralleling creeks are only some of the things riders
will enjoy as they make their way through the Kern Plateau. From 0.7 miles to 19.5 miles
in distance, the length of the trail varies as much as the surrounding terrain. Many
trails are also used by 4-wheel drive vehicles as well as hikers, mountain bikers, and
stock users. For further information contact the U.S. Forest Service Visitors Center
listed in the Government section.
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