Kern River Adventures

We offer a wide variety of adventures on the Kern River.
Browse below to find yours!

Book one of our many exciting adventures today, choosing among a wide array of kayaking, rafting, rock climbing, tubing, and standup paddleboarding adventures! Activities take place on the wild and scenic Kern River, Isabella Lake, or the Sequoia National Forest, which is home to some of the finest climbing areas in the Southern Sierra. We also have several beginner, intermediate and advanced level skill options to choose from.

 

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Lickety Split Class II-III

Class II-III | Ages 6 & up

The world-famous Lickety Split is our most affordable, and quickest Class II-III whitewater rafting trip on the Kern River.
1-1.5 Hour
Beginner

Lickety Split Class II-III

The world-famous Lickety Split is our most affordable, and quickest Class II-III whitewater rafting trip on the Kern River.

From $38 Learn More »
1-1.5 Hour
Beginner
Book Now
  • Popular Trip!

Lickety Blaster Class II-III

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, 2-3 hour Lickety Blaster.
2-3 Hours
Beginner

Lickety Blaster Class II-III

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

From $58 Learn More »
2-3 Hours
Beginner
Book Now

Combo Full Day Class II-III

Class II-III | Ages 11 & up

Want a full day of whitewater fun? Come rafting and inflatable kayaking all in one day. Whitewater Merit Badges available for scouts who qualify.
6-8 Hours
Beginner

Combo Full Day Class II-III

Want a full day of whitewater fun? Come rafting and inflatable kayaking all in one day. Whitewater Merit Badges available for scouts who qualify.

From $125 Learn More »
6-8 Hours
Beginner
Book Now

Lower Kern Half Day Class II-III

Class II-III. Ages 8 & up

The Lower Kern Half Day Class II-III includes fun, splashy rapids, beautiful scenery, wildlife, jump rocks and plenty of opportunities to cool off with a dip in the water. No experience necessary!
3-4 Hours
Beginner

Lower Kern Half Day Class II-III

The Lower Kern Half Day Class II-III includes fun, splashy rapids, beautiful scenery, wildlife, jump rocks and plenty of opportunities to cool off with a dip in the water. No experience necessary!

From $120 Learn More »
3-4 Hours
Beginner
Book Now

Lower Kern Full Day Class II-III

Class II-III. Ages 8 & up

The Lower Kern Full Day Class II-III river trip is a mellow, easy going trip, through a variety of terrain. The perfect choice for those seeking a lot of fun with a reduced “fear” factor. 
6-8 Hours
Beginner

Lower Kern Full Day Class II-III

The Lower Kern Full Day Class II-III river trip is a mellow, easy going trip, through a variety of terrain. The perfect choice for those seeking a lot of fun with a reduced “fear” factor. 

From $159 Learn More »
6-8 Hours
Beginner
Book Now

Upper Kern Half Day Class IV

Class III-IV | Ages 12 & up

The Upper Kern Half Day Class IV offers thrill-seekers a taste of Class III-IV whitewater rafting, hitting the best sections of the river.
3-4 Hours
Intermediate

Upper Kern Half Day Class IV

The Upper Kern Half Day Class IV offers thrill-seekers a taste of Class III-IV whitewater rafting, hitting the best sections of the river.

From $120 Learn More »
3-4 Hours
Intermediate
Book Now
  • Popular Trip!

Upper Kern Full Day Class IV

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.
6-8 Hours
Intermediate

Upper Kern Full Day Class IV

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 »
6-8 Hours
Intermediate
Book Now
  • Popular Trip!

Lower Kern Big Five Class IV

Class III-IV Ages 12 and up

The Big Five is an exciting afternoon run with five great Class IV rapids, an exciting Jump Rock below Horseshoe Falls.
2-3 Hours
Intermediate

Lower Kern Big Five Class IV

The Big Five is an exciting afternoon run with five great Class IV rapids, an exciting Jump Rock below Horseshoe Falls.

From $120 Learn More »
2-3 Hours
Intermediate
Book Now

Lower Kern Full Day Class IV

Class III-IV. Ages 12 & up

The Lower Kern Full Day Class IV river trip is an exhilarating white water adventure which winds down narrow, rocky canyons, twists around giant boulders and charges through tight gorges. 
6-8 Hours
Intermediate

Lower Kern Full Day Class IV

The Lower Kern Full Day Class IV river trip is an exhilarating white water adventure which winds down narrow, rocky canyons, twists around giant boulders and charges through tight gorges. 

From $159 Learn More »
6-8 Hours
Intermediate
Book Now

Upper Kern Full Day Class V

Class IV-V | Ages 16 & up

The Upper Kern Full Day Class V offers intrepid river runners a full day of Class IV-V whitewater rafting, our most challenging trip.
6-8 Hours
Advanced

Upper Kern Full Day Class V

The Upper Kern Full Day Class V offers intrepid river runners a full day of Class IV-V whitewater rafting, our most challenging trip.

From $250 Learn More »
6-8 Hours
Advanced
Book Now
  • 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
Beginner, Intermediate

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
Beginner, Intermediate
Book Now

Forks of the Kern Class IV-V

Class IV-V | Ages 16 & up

The 2 day Forks of the Kern is the most difficult and remote run we offer, and one of the premier wilderness whitewater rafting trips in the USA.
2 Days
Advanced

Forks of the Kern Class IV-V

The 2 day Forks of the Kern is the most difficult and remote run we offer, and one of the premier wilderness whitewater rafting trips in the USA.

From $799 Learn More »
2 Days
Advanced
Sign up now for Forks of the Kern Updates! Forks of the Kern available dates and information here.

Camp Whitsett Lickety Split

Class II-III | Ages 6 & up

This trip can only be booked by Camp Whitsett participants. The world-famous Lickety Split is our most popular and most affordable Class II-III whitewater rafting trip on the Kern River.
1-1.5 Hour
Beginner

Camp Whitsett Lickety Split

This trip can only be booked by Camp Whitsett participants. The world-famous Lickety Split is our most popular and most affordable Class II-III whitewater rafting trip on the Kern River.

From $37 Learn More »
1-1.5 Hour
Beginner
Book Now

Camp Whitsett Lickety Blaster

Class II-III | Ages 6 & up

This trip can only be booked by Camp Whitsett participants. Looking for a longer Kern River whitewater rafting trip that won't swamp your wallet? Try our super-popular, 2-3 hour Camp Whitsett Lickety Blaster.
2-3 Hours
Beginner

Camp Whitsett Lickety Blaster

This trip can only be booked by Camp Whitsett participants. Looking for a longer Kern River whitewater rafting trip that won't swamp your wallet? Try our super-popular, 2-3 hour Camp Whitsett Lickety Blaster.

From $56 Learn More »
2-3 Hours
Beginner
Book Now

Camp Whitsett Merit Badge Combo

Class II-III | Ages 11 & up

This trip can only be booked by Camp Whitsett participants. Wanting a whole day of whitewater fun? Come rafting and inflatable kayaking all in one day. Whitewater Merit Badges are available for scouts who qualify.
6-8 Hours
Beginner

Camp Whitsett Merit Badge Combo

This trip can only be booked by Camp Whitsett participants. Wanting a whole day of whitewater fun? Come rafting and inflatable kayaking all in one day. Whitewater Merit Badges are available for scouts who qualify.

From $120 Learn More »
6-8 Hours
Beginner
Book Now

Mini-Me Rowing Class Full Day

Class II-III | Ages 16 & up

Rowing a Mini-Me is a blast! They are lightweight, nimble, fast, and fun. Perfect for enjoying the Lickety Split run.
6-8 Hours
Intermediate

Mini-Me Rowing Class Full Day

Rowing a Mini-Me is a blast! They are lightweight, nimble, fast, and fun. Perfect for enjoying the Lickety Split run.

From $180 Learn More »
6-8 Hours
Intermediate
Book Now

SUP 101 Half Day

Beginner | Ages 8 & up

Stand-up Paddleboard 101 teaches you the basics of paddleboarding, first on land and then in the lake.
3-4 Hours
Beginner

SUP 101 Half Day

Stand-up Paddleboard 101 teaches you the basics of paddleboarding, first on land and then in the lake.

From $80 Learn More »
3-4 Hours
Beginner
Phone Call to Book

Rock Climbing Half Day

Beginner | Ages 14 & up

A half-day rock climbing experience. Spend a morning sending as many routes as you can climb at the Kern Slabs.
3-4 Hours
Beginner

Rock Climbing Half Day

A half-day rock climbing experience. Spend a morning sending as many routes as you can climb at the Kern Slabs.

From $89 Learn More »
3-4 Hours
Beginner
Phone Call to Book

Rock Climbing Full Day

Beginner | Ages 14 & up

Join us for an all-day rock climbing experience at climbing areas such as Dome Rock, the Kern Slabs, or other local boulders.
6-8 Hours
Beginner

Rock Climbing Full Day

Join us for an all-day rock climbing experience at climbing areas such as Dome Rock, the Kern Slabs, or other local boulders.

From $145 Learn More »
6-8 Hours
Beginner
Phone Call to Book

Whitewater Kayaking 101

Beginner | Ages 14 & up

Exciting, dynamic, and rewarding, whitewater kayaking is the most challenging of all the various styles of kayaking available.
2-3 Days
Beginner

Whitewater Kayaking 101

Exciting, dynamic, and rewarding, whitewater kayaking is the most challenging of all the various styles of kayaking available.

From $155 Learn More »
2-3 Days
Beginner
Book Now

Whitewater Kayaking 201

Advanced Beginner | Ages 14 & up

201 is for those who completed 101, or who can boat comfortably in Class II water & self-rescue, with working knowledge of the Eskimo roll.
2-3 Days
Intermediate

Whitewater Kayaking 201

201 is for those who completed 101, or who can boat comfortably in Class II water & self-rescue, with working knowledge of the Eskimo roll.

From $310 Learn More »
2-3 Days
Intermediate
Book Now

Total Kayaking Immersion 5-Day

Beginner | Ages 14 & up

There is no better place to spend a week than on the river, enrolled in our comprehensive whitewater program.
5 Days
Beginner

Total Kayaking Immersion 5-Day

There is no better place to spend a week than on the river, enrolled in our comprehensive whitewater program.

From $699 Learn More »
5 Days
Beginner
Book Now

Half Day Private Kayak Instruction

Beginner - Advanced | Ages 14 & up

Great class for anyone who wants a customized session of instruction. One-on-one time with our skilled instructors improves your skills faster.
3-4 Hours
Beginner, Intermediate

Half Day Private Kayak Instruction

Great class for anyone who wants a customized session of instruction. One-on-one time with our skilled instructors improves your skills faster.

From $190 Learn More »
3-4 Hours
Beginner, Intermediate
Phone Call to Book

Full Day Private Kayak Instruction

Beginner - Advanced | Ages 14 & up

Great class for anyone who wants a customized session of instruction. One-on-one time with our skilled instructors improves your skills faster.
6-8 Hours
Advanced, Beginner, Intermediate

Full Day Private Kayak Instruction

Great class for anyone who wants a customized session of instruction. One-on-one time with our skilled instructors improves your skills faster.

From $290 Learn More »
6-8 Hours
Advanced, Beginner, Intermediate
Phone Call to Book

Youth Kayaking 101/201

Beginner/Intermediate | Ages 11-16

This is a special kayaking 101/201 two-day class structured to appeal to the different learning styles of younger paddlers.
2 Days
Beginner

Youth Kayaking 101/201

This is a special kayaking 101/201 two-day class structured to appeal to the different learning styles of younger paddlers.

From $290 Learn More »
2 Days
Beginner
Phone Call to Book

Dynamic Duo Tandem Whitewater Kayaking

Beginner | Ages 14 & up

Take the express track to Whitewater Kayaking thrills. This is like first-time tandem skydiving with an instructor, on water.
1-1.5 Hour
Beginner

Dynamic Duo Tandem Whitewater Kayaking

Take the express track to Whitewater Kayaking thrills. This is like first-time tandem skydiving with an instructor, on water.

From $70 Learn More »
1-1.5 Hour
Beginner
Phone Call to Book

Intro to Lake Kayaking Half Day

Beginner. Ages 10 & up

A half day experience on Isabella Lake designed to help you learn basic skills and exciting aspects of lake kayaking.
3-4 Hours
Beginner

Intro to Lake Kayaking Half Day

A half day experience on Isabella Lake designed to help you learn basic skills and exciting aspects of lake kayaking.

From $70 Learn More »
3-4 Hours
Beginner
Phone Call to Book

Kayaking Lake/River Roll

Beginner | Ages 11 & up

We designed this course to help you develop the basic mechanical and mental skills to execute a bomb-proof roll every time!
3-4 Hours
Beginner

Kayaking Lake/River Roll

We designed this course to help you develop the basic mechanical and mental skills to execute a bomb-proof roll every time!

From $95 Learn More »
3-4 Hours
Beginner
Phone Call to Book

Forks of the Kern Kayaking Trip

Expert | Ages 16 & up

Sierra South offers elite kayakers the chance to join our Forks of the Kern rafting trips on a limited space available status.
2 Days
Advanced

Forks of the Kern Kayaking Trip

Sierra South offers elite kayakers the chance to join our Forks of the Kern rafting trips on a limited space available status.

From $799 Learn More »
2 Days
Advanced
Sign up now for Forks of the Kern updates! Forks of the Kern available dates and information here.

Raft Guide School Class II-III

Beginner | Ages 16 & up

This is a class for those interested in becoming a Sierra South guide for the Class II - III section of the Upper Kern. Fill out an application on our employment page.
5 Days
Intermediate

Raft Guide School Class II-III

This is a class for those interested in becoming a Sierra South guide for the Class II - III section of the Upper Kern. Fill out an application on our employment page.

From $150 Learn More »
5 Days
Intermediate
Phone Call to Book

Raft Guide School Class IV May 4th - May 8th

Beginner | Ages 18 & up

This is a class for those interested in becoming Sierra South guides for the Class IV section of the Upper Kern. Fill out an application on our employment page. Guide School will be held May 4th - May 8th.
5 Days
Intermediate

Raft Guide School Class IV May 4th - May 8th

This is a class for those interested in becoming Sierra South guides for the Class IV section of the Upper Kern. Fill out an application on our employment page. Guide School will be held May 4th - May 8th.

From $150 Learn More »
5 Days
Intermediate
Phone Call to Book

Tube Rentals – 3 hour

Tube down the Kern River on a 2-3 hr., adventure you will never forget!

Tubing is now available! Call 760-376-3745 to confirm availability. Tubing is dependent on water levels. Tube rental includes a premium-grade tube, life jacket, a single shuttle, and optional helmet, for a day of fun. This is a self-guided rental.
3-4 Hours
Beginner

Tube Rentals – 3 hour

Tubing is now available! Call 760-376-3745 to confirm availability. Tubing is dependent on water levels. Tube rental includes a premium-grade tube, life jacket, a single shuttle, and optional helmet, for a day of fun. This is a self-guided rental.

From $35 Learn More »
3-4 Hours
Beginner
Book Now
  • Popular Trip!

Low-Water Lickety Split

Class II-III | Ages 8 & up

The world-famous Lickety Split is our most popular and most affordable Class II-III whitewater trip on the Kern River and during low-water, we run this trip in inflatable kayaks (smaller two-person inflatable raft/canoe).
1.5-2 Hours
Beginner

Low-Water Lickety Split

The world-famous Lickety Split is our most popular and most affordable Class II-III whitewater trip on the Kern River and during low-water, we run this trip in inflatable kayaks (smaller two-person inflatable raft/canoe).

From $38 Learn More »
1.5-2 Hours
Beginner
Book Now
  • Special Event

Paddle with Pros Fundamentals

Beginner. Ages 14 & up

Paddle with Pros Fundamentals course is tailored to beginner kayakers who are looking to improve their skills with the best pro kayakers in the world.
6-8 Hours
Beginner

Paddle with Pros Fundamentals

Paddle with Pros Fundamentals course is tailored to beginner kayakers who are looking to improve their skills with the best pro kayakers in the world.

From $200 Learn More »
6-8 Hours
Beginner
Book Now
  • Special Event

Paddle with Pros River Running/Downriver Freestyle

Advanced. Ages 14 & up

Come and paddle with some of the best kayakers in the world! Learn new tricks while also improving your overall river running techniques. Practice and pick up great tips on how to paddle some of the new river runners such as the Zen-3, Waka OG, as well as the slicey-stern river running kayaks Jackson Antix, Waka Steeze, Pyranha Ripper, Liquidlogic Braap, etc. Paddlers should be comfortable in class III-IV whitewater.
6-8 Hours
Intermediate

Paddle with Pros River Running/Downriver Freestyle

Come and paddle with some of the best kayakers in the world! Learn new tricks while also improving your overall river running techniques. Practice and pick up great tips on how to paddle some of the new river runners such as the Zen-3, Waka OG, as well as the slicey-stern river running kayaks Jackson Antix, Waka Steeze, Pyranha Ripper, Liquidlogic Braap, etc. Paddlers should be comfortable in class III-IV whitewater.

From $200 Learn More »
6-8 Hours
Intermediate
Book Now
  • Special Event

Paddle with Pros Creeking Clinic on Brush Creek

Advanced. Ages 14 & up

The Creeking Clinic is offered for those kayakers looking to improve their creeking skills and techniques on waterfalls, slides, and boulder gardens while paddling with some of the best waterfall runners in the world. Brush Creek is a perfect world-renown creek-run to hone your skills on.
6-8 Hours
Advanced

Paddle with Pros Creeking Clinic on Brush Creek

The Creeking Clinic is offered for those kayakers looking to improve their creeking skills and techniques on waterfalls, slides, and boulder gardens while paddling with some of the best waterfall runners in the world. Brush Creek is a perfect world-renown creek-run to hone your skills on.

From $200 Learn More »
6-8 Hours
Advanced
Book Now
Sierra South
Mountain Sports
760-376-3745

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:

Monday-Friday  10 am-5 pm

Saturday-Sunday 10 am- 4 pm

Reservations:

Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm

U.S. Forest Service Logos

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