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Kern River Valley
Adventure for the Environmentalist
Fueled by the sun’s steady rise toward solstice,
daylight in California’s Kern River Valley peaks during the next few
months. That means maximum time to enjoy the myriad outdoor activities for
which the region is famous – and more opportunities to teach, learn and
practice “leave no trace” wilderness skills.
No experience is necessary; outdoor outfitters in the area specialize in
teaching “city slicker” visitors how to ride, raft, fish, climb, bike and,
ultimately, celebrate and protect the local wilderness. Sharing the Kern
River Valley’s singular brand of environmental stewardship is a common
thread among these wilderness guides.
Kern Valley Trail Rides takes guests on horseback along secret Indian and
gold miner trails through some of the most beautiful country (and mountain
air) in California. Some of the trails are challenging, but even novice
riders need not worry, as the company’s horses are expert at navigating
them. Rider skill and temperament are matched with the outfit’s outstanding
horses to offer a scenic, pleasant experience as trail guides share the rich
history and folklore of the area. Guides are also trained to stop and pick
up the wayward soda can or sports bar wrapper, but guests don’t seem to mind
these brief interludes. See
www.kernvalleytrailride.com or call 760-379-4929 for more information.
The “Wild and Scenic” Kern River in Sequoia National Forest offers some of
the best whitewater river rafting in California. The Kern features miles
and miles of varying white water rafting runs with Class III to Class V
rapids. Kern River Outfitters have worked the river since 1982 and offer
exciting trips for every ability (and adrenaline level). See their trip
schedule and rates at
www.kernrafting.com or call 1-800-323-4234.
The majestic Kern is also one of California’s most revered fly-fishing
rivers. Guy Jeans' Kern River Fly Fishing Guide Service offers world-class
trout fishing on the federally designated "Wild and Scenic Kern River" for
the beginner, intermediate, and advanced fly fishing angler. Rainbows,
native Goldens and Browns can be found at various locations and elevations
on the Kern and Guy Jeans' Kern River Fly Fishing Guide Service is said to
know them all.
Guy Jeans, the owner and main guide/instructor, has more than 25 years of
angling experience including skills acquired and honed as a graduate of the
prestigious Montana Clark Fork River Fly Fishing Guide School. Before you
can say “Norman MacLean,” first-timers learn the necessary fly fishing
skills including: casting; fly fishing techniques; presentation; nymphing;
local entomology; reading water; fly patterns; wading and safety. See
http://www.kernriverflyfishing.com/ for all the details, call toll
free 1 (866) FISH 876.
Isabella Lake is a popular windsurfing destination that, in a "usual day,"
will find wind from 35 to 50 mph starting around 11:00 am and continuing
into the early evening. Auxiliary Dam, on the southwest side of the lake, is
the area preferred by most boarders. Ample lakeside parking is available,
although the general lack of trees means that some protection from the hot
summer sun and late afternoon wind should be part of your beach gear. While
local guides are available and eager to share sail boarding basics, Isabella
Lake is known as an intermediate-to-advanced windsurfing lake due to its
consistently mighty wind.
Sequoia National Forest takes its name from the giant sequoia, the world's
largest tree, which grows in more than 30 groves on the forest's lower
slopes. Sequoia's landscape complements these “big trees.” Soaring granite
monoliths, glacier-torn canyons, roaring whitewater, and more reward the
traveler to the Sierra Nevada's southern end. The Sequoia National Forest
offers a huge range of outdoor recreation activities, including hiking,
backpacking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. The rivers, lakes and
reservoirs offer boating, fishing, water-skiing, swimming, whitewater
rafting, and kayaking.
The Kern River Valley is gateway to Sequoia National Forest and Giant
Sequoia National Monument. Located at the southern edge of the Sierra
Nevada, the Kern River Valley is where five of California's six major
bioregions converge: the Great Basin Desert, the Mojave Desert, Chaparral,
Sierra Forest, and the Great Valley Grassland, including the largest
remaining contiguous riparian forest in the state. Visitors to the region’s
wilderness areas are encouraged to pack in and pack out all personal goods
and trash to lighten their impact on the vulnerable native animals, birds
and plants.
As Sequoia’s gateway, Kernville offers visitors a village square with
find-filled antique shops, Riverside Park and picnic area along the Kern
River, and the Kern Valley Museum, home to Native American artifacts,
pioneer memorabilia, and old Hollywood movies shot in the Kern River Valley.
Nearby local accommodations include AAA-rated motels, mountain cabins, bed
and breakfasts, recreational vehicle parks, and campgrounds.
Information and tips on how guests can practice environmental stewardship is
available at the U.S. Forest Service Information Centers at Lake Isabella
and Kernville. For more on wilderness areas in and around the Kern River
Valley, see
www.kernvillechamber.org,
www.kernrivervalley.com, and
www.fs.fed.us/r5/sequoia/.
Edited by Marilyn Miller
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