2020 Rafting Trips

Half, Full, and 2 Day Trips!

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Kayak Classes

Learn to whitewater kayak in 2020!

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Shop Sierra South's Online Store!

Or visit our store in Kernville Hours, 10 am-5 pm Daily

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Boat Barn

Check out new and used boats on SALE now!

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Rock Climbing

Learn to climb...feel the adrenaline!

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For info on Kern River Flows: Upper Kern & Lower Kern

 

Sierra South will celebrate its 36th year in 2020, as the premier outdoor adventure outfitter in Southern and Central California. Join us for world-class whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Wild & Scenic Kern River; lake kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding on Isabella Lake, and rock climbing in Sequoia National Forest. We also operate the oldest, largest, and most experienced whitewater kayaking school in Southern California.

 Our brick-and-mortar outfitter’s store is centrally located, 3 hours from LA, in the river town of Kernville. With a view of the Kern River from our deck, you can shop for boats, apparel, gear, gifts and more. You can also shop online in our new River Store & Boat Barn. Our customer service line is well-manned by paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts, who are there to answer any questions you may have.

We live and love what we do.  We would love to share it with you. It’s good for your soul!

We are proud supporters of the Kern Valley River Council, the annual Kern River Festival, Keepers of the Kern, and Kern River Streambed and Park Restoration Project.

Choose Your Adventure

Rafting

Kayaking

Rock Climbing

Stand-Up Paddleboard

Tube the Kern

Featured Adventures

  • Popular Trip!

Lickety Blaster Rafting

Class II-III | Ages 6 & up

Looking for a longer Kern River whitewater rafting trip that won't swamp your wallet? Try our super-popular, 2.5-hour Lickety Blaster.
2-3 Hours
Beginner

Lickety Blaster Rafting

Looking for a longer Kern River whitewater rafting trip that won't swamp your wallet? Try our super-popular, 2.5-hour Lickety Blaster.

From $58 Learn More »
2-3 Hours
Beginner
Learn More
  • Popular Trip!

Upper Kern Full Day Class IV Rafting

Class III-IV | Ages 12 & up

The Upper Kern Full Day Class IV offers thrill-seekers a full day of Class III-IV whitewater rafting, hitting the best sections of the river above Isabella Lake.
6-7 Hours
Advanced

Upper Kern Full Day Class IV Rafting

The Upper Kern Full Day Class IV offers thrill-seekers a full day of Class III-IV whitewater rafting, hitting the best sections of the river above Isabella Lake.

From $159 Learn More »
6-7 Hours
Advanced
Learn More
  • Popular Trip!

Lower Kern Two Day Class II-IV

Class II-IV. Ages 12 & up

The Lower Kern Two Day Class II-IV is the ultimate in overnight white water adventure! The two days you spend with us on the Lower Kern will be an unforgettable experience.
2 Days, 6-8 Hours
Beginner

Lower Kern Two Day Class II-IV

The Lower Kern Two Day Class II-IV is the ultimate in overnight white water adventure! The two days you spend with us on the Lower Kern will be an unforgettable experience.

From $350 Learn More »
2 Days, 6-8 Hours
Beginner
Learn More

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Featured on & Guest Reviews

"My All-Time Favorite Rafting Co."

“This company is my all-time favorite rafting Co.  From the office management/reservations (thanks Marti), to the store workers/drivers, and to the guides (Lonnie, Alex, Tanner, & Taylor………), Sierra South is  the best for rafting‼ I should know, I have gone 10 times on Class 4’s with them and 2 -Class 2/3’s. If you want a fantastic rafting trip, where you have skilled guides and no worries- call Sierra South. ”

-Nanci B. on Yelp

"Great Kayak Lesson"

“We’ve done several rafting and IK trips with Sierra South and always had a good time and been pleased with everything about Sierra South. I wanted my son to continue to work on his Whitewater Kayaking skills so I signed him up for a 1/2 day private lesson. As always everyone was helpful and informative. What really stood out was the quality of my son’s teacher Matt. He did a great job of explaining things (my son was working on his roll) and giving him helpful information to continue tuning his skills. My son had a great time and left with a reliable flat water roll.”

-Evan D. on TripAdvisor

"Highly Recommend"
Hey there adventurers: I highly recommend Sierra South Mountain Sports for the 2 day Lower Kern river raft trip including THE BIG FIVE class IV rapids on the last day.  They have been around since 1985 and their number one focus is SAFETY!  So if you want to laugh and scream and bond with other funsters, this is the trip for you.  Our guides: Brandon, Johnny, and Sam made sure that each individual need was met with a smile. The equipment and facilities are top-notch and the guides have years of experience. The campsite was one of the best I’ve ever encountered: Food was excellent, they provide thick sleeping pads, shady flat areas and the bathroom facilities get an “11” out of “10”.  They also provide ice cream and showers when you return in case you are driving home after the trip in the afternoon. It’s a 5-hour drive from San Diego east of Bakersfield in Kernville, CA. The water is high this year so they will have a long season.  Go face your fears and do it while laughing blissfully. Thank you for a top-notch trip!

-Lynn H. on Google

Sierra South
Mountain Sports
Phone (800) 457-2082
Map Marker

11300 Kernville Road
Kernville, California 93238

Sierra South operates under permits issued by: Sequoia National Forest, Klamath National Forest, and the National Park Service/Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Sierra South is an equal opportunity recreation service provider.

Hours of Operation

Store: Daily  10 am-5 pm

Reservations: Monday- Friday 9 am-5 pm

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