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Upper Kern Half Day Class IV Rafting

Guided

Duration: 4 hours

Kernville • Los Angeles • Bakersfield

Features

Beginner Friendly
Kid Friendly
Instant Book
Shuttle Included
$165 Adult (Sat)
(Must be 12 years or older)
$150 Adult (Sun - Fri)
(Must be 12 years or older)

Description

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

Looking for big waves, steep drops, and non-stop action? The Upper Kern Class IV Half-Day offers thrill-seekers a taste of Class III-IV whitewater rafting, hitting the best sections of the river above Isabella Lake.

If you're looking for a whitewater rafting trip that's a bit more challenging, try this Upper Kern Half Day rafting trip and see what class IV whitewater is all about! With easy road access and multiple put-in options, we pick and choose the best sections of river to run. The trip begins on a Class II-III stretch, allowing paddlers to warm up and refine their skills before tackling the bigger, more technical Class IV rapids. Expect steep drops, tight turns, and powerful waves that will challenge even the most adventurous paddlers.

If you’re craving fast-paced whitewater, the Upper Kern Class IV Half-Day is the trip for you.

Duration

Duration: 3-4 hours 

Months of operation: March - September
Trip Times: 9:30 am, 2:30 pm.

Location / Where to Meet

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

Ages & Requirements

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

What's Included

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

Not Included

  1. Equipment add-ons:
    1. Wetsuit Rental (may need depending on the season)
    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)
  5. Lunch

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 level, 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.
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Availability

May 2025
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa

Reviews

Location

Address

11300 Kernville Rd

Kernville, CA, 93238

US

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