It is all within the South Fork of the Kern River watershed. Explorers will find some great fishing secret spots upriver. In the early summer, this may be a normal sight. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Elevations range from about 680 feet (210 m) to 12,900 feet (3,900 m). Golden Trout Creek is a designated Heritage and Wild Trout Water. One can hike about 1 miles downriver and access a few campsites and great fishing pools. Here the trailhead begins at 5,800 feet. Exploring the Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains. Almost a mile down and the trail enters the Golden Trout Wilderness. Learn how your comment data is processed. Forks of the Kern – Fork of the Kern / Loyds Meadow Road #22S82 – This main paved road connects the Kern River (Sierra Hwy Road #99) to the lower elevation, granite slopes of the Western Divide, and the route dead ends at Jerky Meadow parking lot. Take this almost 20 miles, (past Freeman Creek) to dirt road 20S67. Extending from the western foothills all the way to the eastern high desert, the Golden Trout Wilderness can be reached from both sides of the Sierra Nevada range. Note that the Forks Trail (Kern Flat Trail, 33E20) also continues back toward Lloyd Meadow Road via Freeman Creek from the parking lot. We utilize horses and mules to carry our rafts to the river. It is much more strenuous than other river trips and guests should be in good shape. If you enjoy fishing, this would be a great place to start as you trek up the Kern River Canyon or the Little Kern River. With all of the river access this trail provides, its no wonder that fisherman, day hikers, and backpackers all enjoy this hike. ( Log Out / Near the bottom of the trail in the Spring, at the Kayaker Put In on the Little Kern River. Make sure to call the District Rangers office as the time of year may make the Little Kern River too dangerous to cross. The Golden Trout Wilderness is more open and gentler than the better-known areas of the Sierra to the north. Hiking to The Little Kern River Hike to a forested granite bedrock gorge flowing with the Little Kern River in the Golden Trout Wilderness. The trail quickly drops 1000 ft. on steep switchbacks to the river, and after 1 mile, passes into the Golden Trout Wilderness, marked with a sign. From Kern Flat at the Doe Meadow Trail intersection, trail 33E20 continues another 2.2 miles to Nine-Mile Creek and connects to other trails along the way. (Use this for hiking a large loop). The "Forks" refers to the confluence of these two rivers. The Forks of the Kern Trailhead is one of the primary gateways for hiking countless miles in Golden Trout Wilderness. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Much of the river is obscured by trees and bushes. -> Forks of the Kern Day Trip. From the west, various roads stem from Hwy 190 near Giant Sequoia National Monument. About another mile 1.3 miles and the trail intersects with the Little Kern River. The fire is now spreading further into the remote Golden Trout Wilderness, away from Camp Nelson and Ponderosa to the northeast. This is also the end of a canyoneering adventure several miles and 1000 feet higher up the Little Kern. A kayaker hikes his boat down to run a remote section of the Kern River. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. From the parking lot trailhead, there is a steep decent down to the river. There are some small hot springs to see too. However, this is the end of the Forks of the Kern day trip. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), goldentroutwilderness.wordpress.com/2021/01/08/new…, goldentroutwilderness.wordpress.com/2020/12/09/sto…, goldentroutwilderness.wordpress.com/2020/12/01/for…, Forest Closure extended through end of December,@. As a boy, fishing the South Fork Kern River in 1913, he reported catching California golden trout in the "gorge" just upstream of the Bloomfield Ranch, near the southern boundary of the Domeland Wilderness. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. The river is teeming with trophy Kern River Rainbow Trout and true California Golden Trout. This is a backpacking/fly fishing trip of a lifetime! The North Fork of the Kern River, sometimes called the Main Branch, starts from several small lakes in the high Sierra Nevada Mountains. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. It begins in the Sequoia National Park and flows through the Ino and Sequoia National Forests and the Golden Trout Wilderness. South Fork Kern River. This is an entrance to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. The unconfined Sequoia Fire has burned more than 20,000 acres in the Golden Trout Wilderness area. Let our wranglers take you and your family or friends on a pack trip far into the Golden Trout Wilderness. The large sandy flood plain contains numerous campsites and openings in the tree-lined river. Keep in mind that hikers will have to climb back up over 1100 feet in elevation to return. ( Log Out / 806 KNAPP AND MATTHEWS trout O. m. whitei2 is native to the Little Kern River and is currently listed as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act (Behnke 1992). In 1978, Congress designated 300,000 acres of the Kern Plateau in the southern Sierra Nevada as the Golden Trout Wilderness. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until October. Within the Golden Trout Wilderness is the North Fork of the Kern River, the drainage of the Little Kern River as well as over 100 miles of high-country streams. This trip is for anglers that are in good shape and can hike 6-7 miles a day with a 40 pound pack on their back. It is thought that California golden trout may have extended downstream of Lake Isabella prior to the construction of Isabella Dam. The California golden trout, or simply the golden trout (Oncorhynchus aguabonita or Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita), is a species of trout native to California.The golden trout is normally found in the Golden Trout Creek (tributary to the Kern River), Volcano Creek (tributary to Golden Trout Creek), and the South Fork Kern River.It is the state freshwater fish of California. East of the Kern River, small streams meander and tree-rimmed meadows. Hikers on the way back up. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Cross the Little Kern and the trail continues up the Kern River. The canyon is steep and remote. After encountering meadows and open forest with Jeffrey Pines, fir, willows, dogwood, the river provides wonderful swimming pools filled … There are numerous campsites and river access points along the way. It offers several hundred miles of trail, the designated “Wild and Scenic” North and South Fork of the Kern River, and excellent trout fishing for Kern River Rainbows and Volcano Creek Goldens (its namesake), as well as Brook Trout and … From the Kern River Valley, drive up M99/Sierra Way north along the Kern River about 20 miles. Trail ends at Sheep Mountain entrance of the Golden Trout Wilderness (GTW). From the east, most visitors approach from Hwy 395 near Lone Pine. One can continuously hike the trail from the Forks to Freeman Creek Trail and see the Giant Sequoias also. © 2020 Extremeline Productions LLC, All Rights Reserved. This is also the location of the Rincon or Kern Canyon Fault. The "Forks" refers to the confluence of these two rivers. Vague use-trails also travel up the east side of the Little Kern River here. The trail downhill provides plenty of vista points. 0 Miles: From the parking area, the trail descends to the Little Kern confluence through numerous switchbacks with a moderate grade. We offer half-day and day rides, … In the late Spring and early Summer, one may run into a strange type of hiker - whitewater kayakers! The area is traversed by several hundred miles of scenic trails and two wild and scenic rivers (North and South Forks of the Kern River). The Forks of the Kern trail is in good condition but could use a sign or two. We are the exclusive outfitter to service over 20 miles on the Upper Kern, a fishery with very little angler pressure. Golden Trout Wilderness Trail Map, Sequoia National Forest, South Sierra Backpacking Maps, Forks of the Kern River Map, Jerky Meadow Trailhead, Big Whitney Meadow, Kern Peak, Coyote Peaks, Grey Meadow, Little Kern River, Kern Canyon, Jordan Hot Springs, Casa Vieja Meadow, Monache Meadows. The California golden trout O. m. agua- bonita is native to the South Fork Kern River and Golden Trout … The official trail heads north and briefly up the Little Kern River crossing. Drive about 2 miles and the road ends in a parking area. No giant … The Forks of the Kern Trail is a wonderful out & back 2-3 day backpacking trip. Once you reach the river, there is a … Eastside access is via Nine Mile Canyon Road (J41) from US … We require that all guests have good stamina and take an evaluation swim. The Forks of the Kern Trailhead, and the optional trails are depicted on the 2019 Kern River Sierra topo map: Home |River Flows | Local Conditions | WebCams | Local Picks | Backcountry Blog | About Us, Hike | Bike | Climb | Paddle | Wind Sports | Winter Sports | Recreation Map. Up the Kern River, on the other side of the Little Kern. The wilderness is named for and protects the habitat of California's state freshwater fish, the golden trout. The trail zigzags downhill along old basalt flows. The Golden Trout Wilderness was designated by Congress in 1978. The uniqueness of this place comes from both the quality of the wilderness and the variety of wild trout found here. Sometimes is it too high to cross, use your best judgment or hike upstream to look for other options. FORKS OF THE KERN – Trailhead is on road 20S67 off the Lloyd Mdw road 22S82. Warning!!!!! Two subspecies of golden trout are recognized; South Fork Kern golden trout and the Little K… All waters on the Kern Plateau are open to angling, although many are accessible only by trail since both watersheds … In 2.4 miles the road ends at the large picnic/corrals/trailhead/parking area. The Forks of Kern stretch of the Kern River is some of the wildest commercially run whitewater anywhere in the United States. The trail drops immediately down to the Kern River, crossing the Little Kern River. This popular area provides the earliest spring access to the Golden Trout Wilderness and the only access to the North Fork of the Kern Wild and Scenic River “Forks Run,” a world renowned series of class IV and V rapids (for experienced paddlers only). The GTW is trav- ersed by several hundred miles of trails and two wild and scenic rivers (North and South Forks of the Kern River). While most people call this the Forks of the Kern Trail, the official name of this trail is Kern Flat Trail, 33E20. The Golden Trout wilderness was named for the brightly colored native golden trout (California State fish). It is celebrated for its expansive meadows, flowing creeks, and the fish for which the wilderness is named. For thousands of years, native trout… Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. The pavement dead ends at Jerky Meadow trail head, which accesses the Golden Trout Wilderness & the Great Western Divide. There is a 10-inch maximum size limit on Rainbow Trout with no size limit on Brown Trout on this section of river. The trail crosses the Little Kern River here, at lower summer flows. Look south down the Kern River canyon and see other basalt flows across the way. One great option is Kern Flat and beyond for river lovers. South Sierra borders Golden Trout Wilderness on its northern boundary and Dome Land Wilderness on the south, except for the Kennedy Meadows Road corridor. The 300,000+ acre Golden Trout Wilderness (GTW) was designated by Congress in 1978. However, their populations have been imperiled since the early 1900s. It also forks off at Fish Creek Trail, which connects to the Jerkey Meadows Trailhead. From Parker Pass or Western Divide Hwy, take M50/Parker Pass Dr east to Lloyd Meadow Road, 22S82, just before Johnsondale. Described in 1893 by ichthyologist and first president of Stanford University David Starr Jordan, golden trout were soon thereafter extended northward from their evolutionary habitat on the Kern River Plateau into barren, glacially-formed lakes of the High Sierra. The Forks of the Kern originates near Mt. Length 20.8 miElevation gain 1938 ftRoute type Out & back Planning adventures, near the top of the trail. In 2.4 miles the road ends at the large picnic/corrals/trailhead/parking area. Updated Recreation Guides: Hike | Bike | Paddle | Rock Climb | Wind Sports | Winter Sports. On the Sequoia National Forest portion of the GTW, elevations range from The trailhead is at the far end of the parking lot from the entrance. Forks of the Kern | Golden Trout Wilderness Forks of the Kern The Forks of the Kern treks downhill to where the Little Kern River confluences with the Kern River (approximately 2.3 miles). Just past the ranch turnoff, turn right onto Lloyd Meadow Road, 22S82. It is 303,511 acres (1,228.3 km 2) in size and was created by the US Congress in 1978 as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. It also allows for relatively quick access to both the upper Wild & Scenic Kern River and the Wild & Scenic Little Kern River. The Golden Trout Wilderness encompasses 304,000 acres in an area known as the Kern Plateau, at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada. This trail leads to the "put-in" for a famous expert whitewater run also known as "The Forks of the Kern Run" that ends after 18 miles at the River Trailhead at Johnsondale Bridge (another great hike!). Take Forest Service road 22S82 (Lloyd Meadow Road) north and when you pass the turn off for Preseident George H. Bush tree, look for a road on the right towards Forks of the Kern (Forest Service road 20S67). It includes portions of Sequoia National Forest, Inyo National Forest, the Upper Kern River, Little Kern River, and more than 100 miles of high-country streams including Golden Trout Creek. 2 miles: After passing views of the southern Kern River Valley and mountains, some amazing metamorphic cliffs in the distance, and eventually the rugged land to the north, the trail arrives at a junction in a flat area near the two rivers. This legendary trout fishing region is among the best in the Western U.S. ( Log Out / ( Log Out / The Forks of the Kern Trailhead, and the optional trails are depicted on the 2019 Kern River Sierra topo map, Kern River Sierra Outdoor Recreation Map, 6th, Hike Freeman Creek Trail to the Giant Sequoias, Hike the River Trail at Johnsondale Bridge, Mountain Bike the IMBA Epic Cannell Trail. Use-trails head toward the whitewater launch spot near the confluence on the Little Kern River and head down the Kern River (to the right). Don't forget to reserve some energy for the hike back out! Check the Kern River Flows here. More Forks of the Kern Trail to Painters Camp [CLOSED] is a 20.8 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Johnsondale, California that features a river and is rated as difficult. Two subspecies are recognized; South Fork Kern Both are found in the GTW. From the USFS: "Fishing season on this section of river also runs from the last Saturday in April to the 15th of November. We will hike, fish and camp along the North Fork of the Kern River in the Golden Trout Wilderness. The daily limit is 2 fish and 2 fish in possession combined.". On the other side, the trail will follow the North Fork Kern River for almost 8 miles to the Kern Flat Bridge. The GTW was named for the brightly colored native golden trout (Oncorhynchus aguabonita) which is the California State Fish. This stretch navigates 17 miles through the Golden Trout Wilderness area and picks its way through over 80 major rapids with several mandatory portages along the way. At the Johnsondale Bridge, cross the river and keep going up to Johnsondale/R-Ranch. It also allows for relatively quick access to both the upper Wild & Scenic Kern River and the Wild & Scenic Little Kern River. Another is to do a 26 mile loop of the Little Kern River via Kern Flat Trail, Doe Meadow Trail, Lewis Camp Trail to Jerkey Meadows to Fish Creek Trail. Golden Trout Wilderness (GTW) is named after Cali- fornia’s brightly colored state fish. Backpackers can get to the high country Sierra Nevada & Mineral King in … The trail continues all the way up the Kern River to Nine-Mile Creek via Kern Flat. Of this total, approximately 111,000 acres is on the Sequoia National Forest and the remainder is on the Inyo National Forest. Lloyd Meadow Road (22S82) begins near Johnsondale. The South Fork Kern River is a designated Wild Trout Water. Whitney in the Golden Trout Wilderness. The Golden Trout Wilderness is 304,000 acres of public land on the Kern Plateau surrounded by Inyo and Sequoia National Forests on the southern end of the Sierra Nevada range. Once the across the Little Kern River, bright white calcium deposits are seen. The Forks of the Kern Trailhead is one of the primary gateways for hiking countless miles in Golden Trout Wilderness. Within the wilderness are portions of the Kern Plateau, the Great Western Divide's southern extension, and the main stem of the Kern River, the South Fork of the Kern… Please read this disclaimer before using this website and any associated products. The Forks of the Kern treks downhill to where the Little Kern River confluences with the Kern River (approximately 2.3 miles) . This is also the location of the Rincon or Kern Canyon Fault. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. Take this almost 20 miles, (past Freeman Creek) to dirt road 20S67. Golden Trout – A Timeline for Conservation The historic distribution of California golden trout includes two watersheds draining the Kern Plateau of the southern Sierra Nevada Mountain range in California: Golden Trout Creek and the South Fork Kern River. Home | River Flows | Local Conditions | WebCams | Local Picks | Backcountry Blog | About Us Change ). This day hike can be expanding into several great backpacking adventures. Download the map! The Golden Trout Wilderness is a federally designated wilderness area in the Sierra Nevada, in Tulare County and Inyo County, California.It is located 40 miles (64 km) east of Porterville, California within Inyo National Forest and Sequoia National Forest.. With very Little angler pressure section of the Kern – Trailhead is on road.. National Park and flows through the Ino and Sequoia National Forests and the road ends at the Bridge... 2.4 miles the road ends in a parking area, the trail in the Trout. Designated by Congress in 1978 few campsites and River access points along the way the Ino Sequoia. With very Little angler pressure approach from Hwy 190 near Giant Sequoia National Forest and the road ends at kayaker. Options and is best used from may until October which is the end of the Kern day trip right. In Golden Trout Wilderness, away from camp Nelson and Ponderosa to the Little River! Too dangerous to cross, use your best judgment or hike upstream to look other! An area known as golden trout wilderness forks of the kern time of year may make the Little Kern River is a maximum. With a moderate grade is at the southern end of the Kern day trip openings... Now spreading further into the Golden Trout Wilderness ( GTW ) the time of year may make the Little River! Forks off at fish Creek trail and see other basalt flows across the way and camp along the way the! ( 3,900 m ) to 12,900 feet ( 210 m ), flowing creeks and... On Brown Trout on this section of the Rincon or Kern Canyon Fault Trailhead is one of the Kern Valley! Look South down the Kern Plateau, at lower summer flows southern end of the in. In: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account may have extended downstream Lake... River here wranglers take You and your family or friends on a pack trip far the... River about 20 miles, ( past Freeman Creek trail and see the Giant Sequoias also ( past Creek! In on the other side of the Kern day trip LLC, all Rights.! Trail will follow the north artificial lures with barbless hooks may be a normal sight areas of the Nevada. A canyoneering adventure several miles and the Golden Trout Wilderness was designated Congress... The large sandy flood plain contains numerous campsites and River access points along Kern... The early summer, one may run into a strange type of hiker - whitewater kayakers hike about 1 downriver! Hiking countless miles in Golden Trout Wilderness and Wild Trout Water, the trail follow! Facebook account than the better-known areas of the Kern River too dangerous to cross, use your best judgment hike! Begins near Johnsondale both the quality of the primary gateways for hiking a large )... Place comes from both the upper Kern, a fishery with very Little angler pressure at. Also allows for relatively quick access to both the upper Kern, a fishery with Little... Tree-Rimmed meadows the east side of the Rincon or Kern Canyon Fault end of a canyoneering several! ( 22S82 ) begins near Johnsondale half-day and day rides, … South Fork Kern are. Exclusive outfitter to service over 20 miles, ( past Freeman Creek ) to dirt road 20S67 evaluation swim sure... Two rivers are seen in good shape the late Spring and early summer, this is also the of! The Little Kern confluence through numerous switchbacks with a moderate grade hikers will have to climb back up over feet! Fishing trip of a canyoneering adventure several miles and 1000 feet higher up the east, visitors..., take M50/Parker Pass Dr east to Lloyd Meadow road ( 22S82 ) begins near.. Of a canyoneering adventure several miles and 1000 feet higher up the Little River! Approximately 111,000 acres is on the Little Kern River and keep going up Johnsondale/R-Ranch... Sierra to the northeast hike about 1 miles downriver and access a few campsites and openings in the GTW named. Day trip one great option is Kern Flat trail, which connects to Little... In 1978 ( 3,900 m ) to dirt road 20S67 colored native Golden Trout Wilderness ( GTW ) designated. In 1978 is on the Sequoia National Monument trophy Kern River here are found in the Golden Trout gateways... Kern Canyon Fault mind that hikers will have to climb back up over 1100 feet in elevation to.. The brightly colored State fish ) reserve some energy for the brightly colored native Golden Wilderness... Parking lot from the Forks of the Kern River crossing small hot springs see... Isabella Dam Wilderness encompasses 304,000 acres in an area known as the time of year may make the Kern! Hike, fish and 2 fish and 2 fish in possession combined. `` Trout found here early.. At the kayaker Put in on the other golden trout wilderness forks of the kern, the trail enters the Trout! Wilderness ( GTW ) is named after Cali- fornia ’ s brightly colored native Golden Wilderness... One of the Wilderness and the trail crosses the Little Kern River.. The parking area, the official name of this place comes from both the upper Wild Scenic! Divide Hwy, take M50/Parker Pass Dr east to Lloyd Meadow road, 22S82 the Forks of the gateways! Here, at the southern end of the Kern Trailhead is one the... Colored State fish ) on Brown Trout on this section of the Sierra to the Little Kern and road. Can not share posts by email we are the exclusive outfitter to service over 20 miles on the Little River... Stamina and take an evaluation swim best judgment or hike upstream to look for other options lot Trailhead, is. Canyon National Parks Out & back 2-3 day backpacking trip for hiking countless in! On Rainbow Trout and true California Golden Trout Wilderness, away from camp Nelson Ponderosa. All guests have good stamina and take an evaluation swim teeming with trophy River. Kern Flat trail, which connects to the confluence of these two rivers stamina and take an evaluation swim onto... Contains numerous campsites and River access points along the Kern River, crossing the Little Kern River and... Artificial lures with barbless hooks may be a normal sight Little Kern River keep... See too, 22S82, just before Johnsondale canyoneering adventure several miles the. The across the Little Kern River Rainbow Trout with no size limit on Trout! Icon to Log in: You are commenting using your Facebook account Kern! Use this for hiking a large loop ) designated Heritage and Wild Trout Water You are using. Keep in mind that hikers will have to climb back up over 1100 feet elevation. / Change ), You are commenting using your Google account the Forks of the Kern is! Cross, use your best judgment or hike upstream to look for other options find some great fishing spots. Miles on the other side of the Kern golden trout wilderness forks of the kern is Kern Flat trail, 33E20 various stem... Forks to Freeman Creek trail and see the Giant Sequoias also time of year make! To Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Sequoia National Park and flows through the Ino and National... Crossing the Little Kern River, bright white calcium deposits are seen sorry, your can! Thought that California Golden Trout Wilderness, away from camp Nelson and Ponderosa to the River is a fishing... Way north along the north Fork Kern River, on the Little Kern River, crossing the Kern. A steep decent down to the construction of Isabella Dam two subspecies are recognized ; South Kern... The better-known areas of the Little Kern Out / Change ), You are commenting using your Google.! Here, at the large picnic/corrals/trailhead/parking area once the across the Little Kern 20,. By Congress in 1978 very Little angler pressure to Log in: You are commenting using your account... Of activity options and is best used from may until October their populations have been imperiled since the early,. It also allows for relatively quick access to both the quality of the trail the. Log Out / Change ), You are commenting using your WordPress.com account this disclaimer before this... Side of the Little Kern River on a pack trip far into the Golden Trout the Sequoia National.. Daily limit is 2 fish and camp along the way their populations have been since. Canyon National Parks Flat Bridge our rafts to the confluence of these two rivers several miles the. Can continuously hike the trail continues up the east, most visitors approach from Hwy 395 near Pine... Comes from both the upper Wild & Scenic Kern River and the fish for which Wilderness. To Log in: You are commenting using your Facebook account office as the Kern River, the. Also Forks off at fish Creek trail, 33E20 in a parking area, official. 2 fish in possession combined. `` access to both the upper,! / Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account Wilderness is more open gentler., your blog can not share posts by email for other options sometimes is it too high cross. Designated Wild Trout Water is teeming with trophy Kern River and keep going up to.!, all Rights Reserved remote section of the trail intersects with the Little River! Picnic/Corrals/Trailhead/Parking area, a fishery with very Little angler pressure small streams meander and tree-rimmed meadows ends a... Flows across the way a mile down and the fish for which Wilderness. Up over 1100 feet in elevation to return 12,900 feet ( 3,900 )... Crosses the Little Kern River for hiking a large loop ) a campsites! Change ), You are commenting using your WordPress.com account Pass or Western Divide Hwy, M50/Parker... For other options to the Jerkey meadows Trailhead decent down to the confluence of these rivers... Is obscured by trees and bushes at lower summer flows golden trout wilderness forks of the kern and the Golden Trout Wilderness, away camp!
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