logo
  • Activity preview

Lower Kern Full Day Class II-III

Guided

Duration: 8 hours

Los Angeles

Oops!

There is no instant booking availability for this adventure. Drop us a line using the contact form below and we'll do our best to help you book this adventure or suggest some alternative options

Features

Beginner Friendly
Kid Friendly
Wildlife
Instant Book
Shuttle Included
Locally Owned
$235 Adult (Sat)
(Open to groups of 20 or more • 8 years and up)
$199 Adult (Sun - Fri)
(Open to groups of 20 or more • 8 years and up)

Description

Lower Kern Full-Day Rafting Trip - Class II-III Beginner Trip

The Lower Kern Full-Day Class II-III river trip is a mellow, easy-going trip, through a variety of terrain ranging from granite boulder slabs to sections thick with trees overhanging the river. This is the perfect choice for those seeking a lot of fun with a reduced "fear" factor. This trip includes one of our great lunches partway through the day. The trip is approximately 8 river miles.

Your day begins at Sierra South. After checking in, you’ll have a few minutes to explore our grounds and retail store, see some photos of the trip you’re headed out on, and get excited. Don’t wander too far though. Your Trip Leader or “TL” will be gathering everyone on your trip as soon as everyone has checked-in for a pre-trip orientation and gear fitting.
After you’ve changed into the gear for your trip, you'll hop in our Sierra South vehicle and head out to the river! You are now on the banks of the beautiful Kern River and you can feel the excitement in the air! Our guides will unload all of the boats and gear while you gather in the shade awaiting your Trip Leader’s River Talk. During the talk, you will receive all the information needed to have a fun, adventurous day on the water. Learn how to paddle, swim in the river, pull each other in, and the proper river etiquette to ensure you have all the knowledge to have the trip of a lifetime. 
Time to push off into the rapids. Your guide is now in charge and is there to show you the time of your life! You'll enjoy class II-III whitewater, fun, splashy rapids, and a great river adventure. This rafting trip includes splashy rapids with beautiful scenery, wildlife, jump rocks and hot springs.  Cool off in the many pools in between rapids and challenge yourself to an exciting cliff jump! This trip is the perfect introduction to rafting for both adults and children. Midway through, we'll stop for a catered lunch. 
This trip is perfect for families, kids, and anyone looking for a little excitement and a lot of fun! Don't miss the boat - join us on the Lower Kern!

Duration

Duration: 6-8 hours

Months of operation: May - September
Trip Times: 9:00 AM

Location / Where to Meet

Sierra South Mountain Sports
We suggest you arrive at the store 30 minutes prior to the trip. Unless you have a group over 20 or are getting wetsuits, then please arrive 45 minutes to 1 hour prior.

Ages & Requirements

  1. Minimums: Age: 8 Weight: 50 lbs (We may weigh small children)
  2. Maximum Weight: 300 lbs

What's Included

  1. Personal Flotation Device
  2. Helmet
  3. Paddle
  4. Water
  5. Professional Guides
  6. Shuttle to/from the river
  7. Lunch

Not Included

  1. Equipment add-ons
    1. Wetsuit Rental
    2. Splash Jacket Rental
    3. Neoprene Booties Rental
  2. Gratuity
  3. 6% USFS/Land Use Fee (paid at checkout)
  4. Photos (available after the trip)

What to Bring / Wear

  1. Appropriate footwear: Tennis shoes, water shoes, or sandals with heel strap. NO FLIP-FLOPS OR BARE FEET!
  2. Wear fleece and/or quick-dry clothing (no cotton for the river)
  3. Towels to dry off after rafting
  4. Cash to tip your raft guide and/or to purchase retail gear, snacks or memorabilia at our retail shop
  5. Waterproof Sunscreen
  6. Sunglasses
  7. Quick dry clothing, fleece, footwear, sunglasses, sunscreen, and towels can be purchased at our Retail Store (subject to availability).  

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Sierra South Mountain Sports

FAQs

Is there a minimum number of guests?

All trips require a minimum number of 4 guests. If participant numbers are not met we will notify you and provide various options for your trip to go.

Are wetsuits required or recommended?

During early-season trips (March-May) wetsuits are required on most trips. Wetsuits are not mandatory after June 15th, but are recommended for trips between March and early June.

What if the water levels are too high?

Trips may be substituted or changed due to water levels. Potential changes include, but are not limited to the following list: At higher water levels Inflatable Kayaking trips will be converted to regular rafting trips. Some Class IV trips may be converted to Class III trips and Class V trips may be converted to Class IV trips. During lower water levels, some Class IV trips will be rescheduled to our Class II & III sections. End of season trips can also be converted from rafting to inflatable kayaking or tubing.

Is previous experienced required?

This is a beginner-friendly trip - no experience necessary! It's a perfect first-time trip for families with young kids.

Do you take photos of us on the river?

Professional photographers capture the fun on 99% of our trips! You can buy your photos and show them off online right away. Don’t forget to pick up some great Sierra South Mountain Sports clothing as well.

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel 30 or more days before your Sierra South trip date and receive a full refund less a $25 processing fee per person. Cancellations made 29 days or fewer before the trip date are non-refundable.
You may reschedule your trip 30 days or more prior with no change fee. 29 to 21 days prior you may change your trip date for a charge of $15 per person. 20 days or fewer a trip date change will not be available. All trip date changes must be within the same rafting season.
If you must cancel, please try to find a friend to take your space. All trips go rain or shine. However, we reserve the right to alter or cancel a trip/class due to high or low-water conditions, other such uncontrollable situations, or insufficient reservations. Only in the case of canceled trips are trip fees fully refundable. Upon approval by our company officers, refunds will be sent via credit card. Refunds cannot be granted by guides, nor can refunds be given if you leave a trip or class early for any reason. Sierra South is not liable for other costs incurred in association with a canceled trip. We strongly recommend trip insurance such as Insure My Trip to cover any unexpected situations.
Read more
Read more

Availability

April 2025
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa

There is no instant booking availability for this adventure. Drop us a line using the contact form below and we'll do our best to help you book this adventure or suggest some alternative options

Reviews

Location

Address

11300 Kernville Rd

Kernville, CA, 93238

US

ASK THE LOCAL EXPERT

adventure

Adventure

Discover 5,000+ handpicked human powered adventures.

connect

Connect

Book directly with vetted local experts.

Average 4.8 ⭐️ across 185,000 reviews.

protect

Protect

Every booking contributes to conservation.

Proud member of The Conservation Alliance and Leave No Trace.