The Kern River Valley
 The Kern River Valley is certain to be a highlight of your journey
through the 178 CORRIDOR. This picturesque valley, nestled in the Southern Sierra
Nevada, offers unrivaled beauty and recreational diversity.
You name it, it’s in the Kern River Valley: fantastic Isabella Lake, the Kern River,
a true gem of the West with an astounding variety of activities including wet and wild white water rafting and fishing; downhill
and cross country skiing; camping and hiking; giant Sequoias; tall pine forests;
icy brooks in verdant Sierra meadows.
Known as the Southern Gateway to the Giant Sequoia National Monument, the world’s
biggest trees are only thirty-three road miles from the Kern River Valley. There
are more Giant Sequoia groves than Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks combined.
The majestic Trail of 100 Giants has great locations for picnicking and family fun,
and it is handicapped accessible.
The Kern high country is a place of shade and cool, a virtual sanctuary from the
warmth of the valley floor, where dappled light through Ponderosa Pines creates
a fleeting shadow on fields of fern.
Within the confines of the valley and nearby mountain slopes, visitors can experience
five different bioregions. This habitat variety is reflected in the bird species
that migrate through and nest in the valley. About 300 species of birds have been
documented in this small area of the state. It’s been called a year-round playground.
And the Kern River Valley does indeed seem to have something to please everyone
— even those whose idea of play is lying in a hammock admiring the scenery.
The biggest problem for visitors to the Kern Valley is not finding something to
do, but finding the time to do it all. Coming to the Kern Valley looking for adventure
is kind of like going to Disneyland looking for fun. It’s everywhere. All this variety
and convenient location combine to create a mecca for the do-it-yourselfer sports
and recreation enthusiast. From white-knuckle white water to laid back, scenic car
tours. Whatever you’re looking for in an independent, doit- yourself adventure,
you won’t have to look far before you find it in the Kern River Valley or surrounding
mountains. |
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