Upper Kern Full Day Class IV Rafting

Guided

Bakersfield • Los Angeles • Kernville

Features

Kid Friendly

Locally Owned

Shuttle Included

Beginner Friendly

Instant Book

$235 Adult (Sat)

(Must be 12 years and older)

$199 Adult (Sun - Fri)

(Must be 12 years or older)

Description

Upper Kern Full-Day Class IV Rafting - Intermediate Kern River Rafting Trip

For those seeking a full day of high-adrenaline adventure, the Upper Kern Full-Day Class IV Rafting Trip delivers non-stop excitement with the best whitewater the Upper Kern has to offer. This trip provides the greatest variety of rapids, ensuring an action-packed day filled with big waves, technical drops, and continuous paddling fun.

Your rafting trip begins in the morning as you meet your guides and gear up for the day. You’ll start with a Class II-III warm-up section, allowing you to fine-tune your paddling skills and build confidence as a team. Once you’ve got your rhythm, it’s time to take on the steep, powerful, and fast-moving Class IV sections that make the Upper Kern one of California’s premier whitewater destinations. With easy roadside access to multiple put-ins, we’ll cherry-pick the best stretches of river based on water levels. Midway through the adventure, you'll take a break for a fully catered lunch to fuel up for an action-packed afternoon.

For those who want to experience the best whitewater rafting on the Kern River, this full-day adventure offers more rapids, more variety, and more excitement than any other trip. Get ready for an unforgettable day on the water!

Duration

Duration: 6-8 hours

Months of operation: March - September

Trip Times: 8:30 am

Location / Where to Meet

Sierra South Mountain Sports

1300 Kernville Rd
Kernville, CA 93238

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

Minimums: Age: 12 Weight: 90 lbs (we may weigh small children)
Maximum Weight: 275 lbs

What's Included

Personal Flotation Device
Helmet
Paddle
Water
Professional Guides
Shuttle to/from the river
Deli lunch

Not Included

Equipment add-ons

Wetsuit Rental (may be needed, depending on the season)
Splash Jacket Rental
Neoprene Booties Rental

Gratuity
6% USFS/Land Use Fee (paid at checkout)
Photos (available after the trip)

What to Bring / Wear

Appropriate footwear: Tennis shoes, water shoes, or sandals with heel strap. NO FLIP-FLOPS OR BARE FEET!
Wear fleece and/or quick-dry clothing (no cotton for the river)
Towels to dry off after rafting
Cash to tip your raft guide and/or to purchase retail gear, snacks or memorabilia at our retail shop
Waterproof Sunscreen
Sunglasses
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 considered a Class III-IV Intermediate to Advanced run, but no previous rafting experience is required - this trip is appropriate for adventurous beginners who are up for excitement and ready to paddle.

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.

Availability

May 2025

Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa

Reviews

Location

Address

11300 Kernville Rd

Kernville, CA, 93238

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