Kernville has a large tourist industry centered on white water rafting down the rapids of the mighty Kern River. One can also enjoy mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. Fishing is extremely popular and the golden trout is highly sought after for catch and release fishing by fly fishermen. Downtown Kernville has an Old West look with restaurants, antique and specialty shops, motels, and several parks. The Kern Valley Museum houses collections of historical items, artifacts, and memorabilia including a library of many early western movies filmed in the Kern River Valley. The nearby Kern Valley Airport is a popular general aviation destination for pilots, with on-site services including a restaurant and riverside camping. Kernville is also the Gateway to the Sequoias where, further north, one can stroll through the giant Sequoia trees in the Trail of 100 Giants, and hike to where the historic fire lookout tower once stood atop the majestic Needles granite formations. Sadly, the tower was destroyed by fire on July 28, 2011. Click on the video below to "see" Kernville!
History
The Kern River, Kernville, and the Kern Valley were named after artist and topographer Edward M. Kern, who was part of a group of settlers led by Captain Joseph Reddeford Walker in 1845-46. They camped at a fork of two rivers which is now in the middle of Lake Isabella. These two rivers are now the South Fork and North Fork of the Kern. The 1848 gold rush led to the formation of a town called Rogersville, later renamed Whiskey Flat after the introduction of saloons and renamed Kernville in 1861.
Demographics
The latest census of Kernville shows that 3 out of 4 people make up 75% of the population.
What's Happening
MAY 18 **LOTS TO DO!**
WALK FOR WATER – RUN FOR POLIO; journey from Wofford Heights to Kernville and back to make a difference and change lives in the community of Ilkpem, Nigeria. Contact Jim Davis at 760-223-3468 for more info
17th Annual Kern River Valley HISTORY DAYS at the Kern Valley Museum
Gold panning demonstrations, music, costumes and more!
