Mile for mile, no stretch of whitewater in the U.S. compares to the Forks of the Kern. This 17.1 mile trip features huge Class V drops and continuous Class IV whitewater framed by some of the most spectacular canyon scenery in the west. Confusion, Vortex, Big Bean, and Carson Falls are the four biggest drops on the run.

Just getting to the put-in can be exciting, as it entails a two mile pack in. Most groups (particularly raft groups) elect to hire packers to bring in the heaviest of items. Once at the put-in, most groups spend the afternoon rigging and try to get a good night's sleep before putting on the next morning.

"The serious heart in throat moments come midrun at the back-to-back Class V Vortex/Gauntlet doubleheader: a ten-foot slide followed by unscoutable drops that roll on for a seeming eternity"

-Outside Magazine

Kayakers have been known to run the Forks of the Kern as low as 300 CFS but rafts are not recommended at flows below 1000 CFS. A good cut-off for the most seasoned rafter is 4000 CFS. The gradient of the run is 64 feet per mile for the first 14.5 miles, and then down to 40 feet per mile there after. The shuttle drive is no problem, only 25 miles one-way (roughly two hours round-trip). Permits are required and can be obtained from the USFS.

CaliRiver.com has additional information about rafting the Forks of the Kern. Click here to check it out.

Forks of the Kern, California:	Great scenery along the "Forks":	Needle Rocks, Forks of the Kern: