Lower Kern Two Day Class II-IV

Secure parking in Frandy Park Campground is available for $8 dollars a day. There is also free street parking all along Kernville but we cannot assure the safety of your vehicle.

Sierra South has you covered in the food department! Expect abundant and delicious food throughout the two days. Any special diets should be shared prior to the trip to ensure those options. If you have specialty snacks you want in camp, bring them – in moderation of course. Sierra South will provide ample drinking water on the river and at camp. If you would like additional soda or alcohol in camp we can pack it in a cooler full of ice and have it ready for you when we hit the beach! As per regulations by Sequoia National Forest, glass containers are prohibited. Consumption of alcohol should be done in moderation after rafting is finished for the day, and only on the beach. Never before, or during rafting. 

Physical Ability Two full days of rafting on the Kern is an exceptional experience. One that is enhanced by participants who are in good health. Paddling, swimming, pulling people into the raft, and walking on uneven terrain are all part of the adventure. Please reach out to us if you have any medical conditions that might affect or prevent you from participating in these activities. We carry a full first aid kit with us on the raft and are happy to bring any medication! 

Responsibility/Liability All participants are required to sign a waiver of liability before joining the trip. You’ll find the waiver link in your confirmation email. This is standard for rafting trips across the world. The Kern River is a dynamic environment that has inherent risks, both known and unknown. Sierra South assumes no responsibility for injuries, death, or loss/damage of clients property while on the river. 

Sierra South employees are a professional guide team that is skilled on the water and eager to entertain our participants! We are knowledgeable about the sections of the river you will be running; ready to anticipate, mitigate, and respond to any challenges that arise along the way. This includes river rescues, First Aid, and CPR.

We have photographers positioned at exciting points along the river. Your guide will give you a heads up when a photo is coming so we can capture big smiles and strong paddling! Photos are available for purchase when you return to Sierra South.

Gratuities are appropriate when participants feel compelled to give them! If the trip and guides met or exceeded your expectations, a 15-20% tip is typical. 

Sierra South operates trips under a permit issued by the United States Forest Service, Sequoia National Forest. Only permitted companies are allowed to operate commercial trips on the Lower Kern. 

If you bring alcohol on your trip, we ask that you drink in moderation and only while in camp in the evening. Consumption of alcohol is prohibited while rafting or prior to rafting for your safety and for the safety of your fellow guests and our guides. Glass is prohibited in the Sequoia National Forest.

This trip requires a minimum of 6 guests. We will attempt to contact you if the minimums have not been met for the activity that you have chosen prior to the trip date. Minimum numbers can be met through one or multiple reservations and can be met up to the day before the trip.

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.