GREAT HIKING TRAILS IN THE SOUTHERN SIERRAS. To reach the Kern River, anglers can hike overland 10 miles from the Big Meadow trailhead, following Manter Creek before descending through a steep valley that drops nearly 2,000 feet toward the river. Our first backpacking adventure took up to the the Golden Trout Wilderness in the Southern Sierra Nevada. You have to be able hike 6 miles starting at about 10,500’ and finishing well over 11,000. The trail stays on the northern side of the river providing views and some access points to fish. Looking down the Little Kern River over a few nice little swimming holes. Lewis Camp Trail to the Little Kern River is a 8.8 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Kernville, California that features a river and is rated as difficult. This trail provides a lovely out-and-back day hike to the confluence of the Kern River and the Little Kern or to venture deeper up the west bank of the Kern. Water recreation is one of the most frequently cited reasons for visiting the Kern River Valley. It is … Little kern Lake trips. About another mile 1.3 miles and the trail intersects with the Little Kern River. This a great trip for families. Dogs are … ... the Kern River rainbow trout, and the Little Kern … They should plan their trip out in advance on one or more of the hiking trails that are available to them. Kern River Trail is a 6.2 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Bodfish, California that features a river and is rated as moderate. It is a large flat area about half a mile below the confluence of Mountaineer and Alpine Creeks, and where the resulting creek flows into the Little Kern River. Approximately another 6 miles along the trail will follow the Kern River. In the Little Kern River Drainage there is a five-trout limit. Dogs and horses are also able to use this trail. We hiked in from Jerkey Trailhead to the bridge at the Little Kern River. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Including many things on their trip is a good idea. The river has a couple camping spots and the next camping with water is another four miles along. Since I had the poor sense to run out of gas for the first time on the way in, it is a bit later than planned. Cross the Little Kern and the trail continues up the Kern River. Lewis Camp Trail to the Little Kern River. Warmer water on the lake side and jumping rocks on the river side make it a favorite for children. This wilderness contains all of the Little Kern River’s drainage as well as the North and South Fork of the Kern River plus 117 miles of streams; the Golden Trout Wilderness is a true trout haven. Hike over to nearby attractions, lay on the sandy beach, float in the lake, or fish for Kern River Rainbows and Browns. On the main stem of the Kern River, from the point where trail 33E30 turns east, to Tyndell Creek, there is a two-trout limit and no rainbow trout over ten inches in total length can be taken. (I don't know whether it is officially called Mountaineer Creek or Alpine Creek after the confluence, but according to people I have met there over the years, it … You also have to sleep at very high altitude, which can be hard on the brain blood vessels. But many of the "locals" - and an increasing number of visitors - will tell you to go take a hike if you think water is the only attraction. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until August. When backpacking along the Kern River, people will want to first and foremost always be safe. Two weeks ago I headed out of Mineral King in southern Sequoia National park to the head waters of the Little Kern River to try and catch a Little Kern Golden trout. 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