KERN RIVER VALLEY: CALIFORNIA'S ULTIMATE SUMMER CAMP

KERNVILLE, Calif., - Fueled by the sun's steady rise toward solstice, daylight in California's Kern River Valley peaks during the next few months. That means maximum time to enjoy the myriad outdoor activities for which the region is famous - and more opportunities to teach, learn and practice "leave no trace" wilderness skills.

No experience is necessary; outdoor outfitters in the area specialize in teaching "city slicker" visitors how to ride, raft, fish, climb, bike and, ultimately, celebrate and protect the local wilderness. Sharing the Kern River Valley's singular brand of environmental stewardship is a common thread among these wilderness guides.

Kern Valley Trail Ride takes guests on horseback along secret Indian and gold miner trails through some of the most beautiful country (and mountain air) in California. Some of the trails are challenging, but even novice riders need not worry, as the company's horses are expert at navigating them. Rider skill and temperament are matched with the outfit's outstanding horses to offer a scenic, pleasant experience as trail guides share the rich history and folklore of the area. Guides are also trained to stop and pick up the wayward soda can or sports bar wrapper, but guests don't seem to mind these brief interludes. See www.kernvalleytrailride.com for more information.

The "Wild and Scenic" Kern River in Sequoia National Forest offers some of the best whitewater river rafting in California. The Kern features miles and miles of varying white water rafting runs with Class III to Class V rapids. Kern River Outfitters have worked the river since 1982 and offer exciting trips for every ability (and adrenaline level). See their trip schedule and rates at www.kernrafting.com.

The majestic Kern is also one of California's most revered fly fishing rivers. Guy Jeans' Kern River Fly Fishing Guide Service offers world-class trout fishing on the federally designated "Wild and Scenic Kern River" for the beginner, intermediate, and advanced fly fishing angler. Rainbows, native Goldens and Browns can be found at various locations and elevations on the Kern and Guy Jeans' Kern River Fly Fishing Guide Service is said to know them all.

Guy Jeans, the owner and main guide/instructor, has more than 25 years of angling experience including skills acquired and honed as a graduate of the prestigious Montana Clark Fork River Fly Fishing Guide School. Before you can say "Norman Maclean," first-timers learn the necessary fly fishing skills including: casting; fly fishing techniques; presentation; nymphing; local entomology; reading water; fly patterns; wading and safety. See http://www.kernriverflyfishing.com for all the details.

Isabella Lake is a popular windsurfing destination that, in a "usual day," will find wind from 35 to 50 mph starting around 11:00 am and continuing into the early evening. Auxiliary Dam, on the southwest side of the lake, is the area preferred by most boarders. Ample lakeside parking is available, although the general lack of trees means that some protection from the hot summer sun and late afternoon wind should be part of your beach gear. While local guides are available and eager to share sailboarding basics, Isabella Lake is known as an intermediate-to-advanced windsurfing lake due to its consistently mighty wind.

Sequoia National Forest takes its name from the giant sequoia, the world's largest tree, which grows in more than 30 groves on the forest's lower slopes. Sequoia's landscape complements these "big trees." Soaring granite monoliths, glacier-torn canyons, roaring whitewater, and more reward the traveler to the Sierra Nevada's southern end. The Sequoia National Forest offers a huge range of outdoor recreation activities, including hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. The rivers, lakes and reservoirs offer boating, fishing, water-skiing, swimming, whitewater rafting, and kayaking.

The Kern River Valley is gateway to Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument. Located at the southern edge of the Sierra Nevada, the Kern River Valley is where five of California's six major bioregions converge: the Great Basin Desert, the Mojave Desert, Chaparral, Sierra Forest, and the Great Valley Grassland, including the largest remaining contiguous riparian forest in the state. Visitors to the region's wilderness areas are encouraged to pack in and pack out all personal goods and trash to lighten their impact on the vulnerable native animals, birds and plants.

As Sequoia's gateway, Kernville offers visitors a village square with find-filled antique shops, Riverside Park and picnic area along the Kern River, and the Kern Valley Museum, home to Native American artifacts, pioneer memorabilia, and old Hollywood movies shot in the Kern River Valley. Nearby local accommodations include AAA-rated motels, mountain cabins, bed and breakfasts, recreational vehicle parks, and campgrounds.

Information and tips on how guests can practice environmental stewardship is available at the U.S. Forest Service Information Centers at Lake Isabella and Kernville. For more on wilderness areas in and around the Kern River Valley, see www.kernvillechamber.org, www.kernrivervalley.com, and www.fs.fed.us/r5/sequoia/.

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