Forks of the Kern River Permits
Beginning in the beautiful Golden Trout Wilderness, the Forks of the Kern is a 17-mile run on the designated Wild and Recreational Kern River. The Forks is a class V run with class IV and V rapids that offers technical and challenging rapids including Vortex, Gauntlet, Confusion and Carson Falls. To be sure this run is not for the faint of heart! We strongly recommend only seasoned rafters with ample class IV and V rapid experience to attempt this run without the use of a guide. While typically completed in one day, there are camping opportunities along the river that allow visitors to overnight in the canyon. This trip offers stunning views of unique rock formations, waterfalls and wildlife. Some hiking trails are accessible from within the canyon but can be challenging due to the rugged terrain. Most of the Forks run is in a remote area where cell service, gas, food and emergency services will not be immediately available. Make sure you have all the necessary supplies and emergency communication devices for the duration of your float.
The main access point utilized by permit holders is the Forks of the Kern Trailhead located on the Western Divide Ranger District of Sequoia National Forest. The trailhead is located at the end of the 20S67 road off the end of the Llyod Meadow Road (22S82). The trailhead is accessible by low clearance vehicles and has a vault toilet on site, bear boxes and a couple picnic tables. The trail itself is not ADA accessible. The trail immediately begins going downhill towards the Kern River, with the Wilderness boundary approximately .75 miles from the trailhead which means no wheeled means of conveyance are allowed. You must carry your gear on your own or by the use of pack animals. It is approximately 2 miles to the Kern River.
Permit & Season Information
This permit allows the permit holder and their group to launch non-motorized floating watercraft on the Wilderness and Forks Runs of the Kern River.
The maximum group size is 15 people (this number includes the permit holder).
Only up to 15 people will be allowed to launch on a given day.
Permits will be available for booking on March 18th at 7:00 am PDT. All dates will be made available for reserving on this date. The last day to book will be September 15th (the last day of the season).
The permit holder will have the ability to print their permit through their Recreation.gov account starting 7 days prior to the permit entry date. Once printed, the permit is considered issued, and modifications or cancellations will no longer be allowed.
Outside of the permitted season of 5/15 to 9/15, no permit or registration is required. Be aware, water levels in the off season will impact rafting conditions and these roads are subject to seasonal closures in the winter and spring.
Need to Know
- Customers will be required to provide, at minimum, the following information in order to submit their reservation: First Name, Last Name, Address, Phone Number, Email Address (Recreation.gov account), Entry Date, Exit Date, Entry Point, Exit Point, Group Size, Watercraft, and Vehicle Information (Make/Model, License Plate, State) – up to 3 vehicles .
- Optionally, visitor shall have the ability to list up to 3 Alternate Permit Holders (directly listed on the reservation & not modifiable by customer once permit is created).
- Other optional fields include: Emergency Contact
- The maximum group size for an individual permit is 15 people.
- Customers may not book more than one permit on the same day.
- No overlapping permits.
- Customers may not book more than 3 permits per season.
- Kern River permit quota is based on a maximum number of people entering per day, which is always 15.
- Services including cell reception, gas, food and emergency are not available in the immediate area of the trailhead or along the river. Be prepared with all supplies and an emergency contact device.
- This run includes class IV and V rapids, only individuals with ample white water experience should attempt.
Fee Policy
- Non-refundable Reservation Fee: $6.00
- Recreation Fee: $10.00 per permit
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy:
- If canceled 7 days or more before permit start date, a refund of the recreation fee is provided to the permit holder.
- If cancelled 6 days or less, no refund is provided.
- Reservation fee is non-refundable.
- Once printed, the permit is considered issued, and modifications or cancellations will no longer be allowed.
Change Policy:
- Once created, the permit holder MAY modify their group size, watercraft, entry and exit point, exit date, emergency contact, or vehicle information prior to permit issuance/printing.
- The permit holder MAY NOT have the ability to modify their permit start date; if the permit holder would like to change their start date, they will be required to cancel their existing reservation and book a new reservation.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
32588 HWY 190 Springfield CA 93265
Phone Number
(559) 539-2607
