Kern
3.5) Powerhouse #3 to Riverside Park (Powerhouse Run)
| Difficulty | II-III |
| Length | 2 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Gauge | Kern R at Kernville |
| Flow Rate as of 14 hours | 1186 cfsmedium runnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | July 5, 2020 |
Projects
Table of Contents Kern River #3 Hydropower Project, P-2290 Borel Hydropower Project, P-382 Kern River #1 Hydropower Project, P-1930 Kern Canyon Hydropower Project, P-178 Wild and Scenic River Management American Whitewater’s work on the Kern River has included engagement in the management of the Kern Wild and Scenic River [...]Read More
River Description
Kernville park is the perfect place to meet other boaters, compare notes, paddle the play features, watch others paddle the play features and just enjoy a great place. Kernville itself is a nice town with lots of great restaurants, motels and campgrounds. Sierra South store has whitewater and outdoor equipment along with river news and good advice.
The river from Powerhouse #3 to Kernville is a popular section that is especially good for teaching and for anyone to practice their skills. Since it is below the powerhouse this section contains the full flow of the river. Overall, the run contains mostly riffles and waves, but there are two significant rapids, The Wall and Ewing's.
Local boaters are working to restore and improve Kernville Riverside Park.
Getting There: Kernville is at the upstream end of Lake Isabella google map. From Bakersfield, take Highway 178 up through the Kern Canyon, around Lake Isabella.
Guidebooks:
Cassady & Calhoun, Holbek & Stanley, Martin, Alan Baty
Other information sources:
CampingWild and Scenic Kern
...River Features
Put In
Kernville Park
Kernville Park is a good meeting place and is the site of the first whitewater course in the US. Slalom races and other events are held regularly.
Cemetary Take Out
This is a common take out for boaters who continue past Kernville park.