The Kern River House Guidebook

The Kern River House
The Kern River House
The Kern River House Guidebook

To Eat

Kernville is a small town, so most of your options will be close by! There are a handful of places, from good breakfast spots to diners, Mexican food, coffee spots and even a great steakhouse upriver. And Kernville has its own well-known brewery & pub right in town. In addition, Sierra Gateway market has your basics and a pretty decent selection for grilling on the BBQ. There's also a Vons in the town of Lake Isabella about 10 miles away - on the way into Kernville if you're coming in from the west on highway 178. A couple of things to note are that many places close by 8 or 9, and also that restaurants can get crowded on the weekends - so plan & check ahead. If you have a pet, you'll find that there are quite a few spots to take them along!
Ewing's is a historic place with outstanding views of the Kern River Valley. A great spot for evening cocktails on the covered patio, or brunch on the weekends. Lunch and dinner are generally pretty good and this place keeps improving under new ownership. During high season (summer) on weekends it's best to check to see how busy they are since it can get quite crowded. Weekdays are generally pretty mellow. This is one of the nicer places in town, and a little pricier as well.
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Ewings on the Kern
125 Buena Vista Dr
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Ewing's is a historic place with outstanding views of the Kern River Valley. A great spot for evening cocktails on the covered patio, or brunch on the weekends. Lunch and dinner are generally pretty good and this place keeps improving under new ownership. During high season (summer) on weekends it's best to check to see how busy they are since it can get quite crowded. Weekdays are generally pretty mellow. This is one of the nicer places in town, and a little pricier as well.
A very popular place among the locals and tourists, the Kern River Brewing Co. offers a wide selection of their beers on tap - if you're a beer drinker it's a must! There are two distinct eateries here. The front part has your general pub fare - burgers, brats, tacos & fried stuff. The back (open during high season only) has food that's a little more elevated and is also slightly more laid back. But be prepared for a very busy scene on the weekends! There's also live music on some nights. Generally a cheery, lively, local vibe here with lots of folks chilling after a day of rafting, hiking, fishing, kayaking, camping - or one of the many other outdoor activities that the area has to offer!
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Kern River Brewing Co
13415 Sierra Way
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A very popular place among the locals and tourists, the Kern River Brewing Co. offers a wide selection of their beers on tap - if you're a beer drinker it's a must! There are two distinct eateries here. The front part has your general pub fare - burgers, brats, tacos & fried stuff. The back (open during high season only) has food that's a little more elevated and is also slightly more laid back. But be prepared for a very busy scene on the weekends! There's also live music on some nights. Generally a cheery, lively, local vibe here with lots of folks chilling after a day of rafting, hiking, fishing, kayaking, camping - or one of the many other outdoor activities that the area has to offer!
Cheryl's Diner is a family run Kernville staple. Good for your basic diner food cravings (homemade meatloaf on Mondays) & the staff is super friendly. A good spot if you have a pup with you since there's a patio!
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Cheryl's Diner
11030 Kernville Rd
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Cheryl's Diner is a family run Kernville staple. Good for your basic diner food cravings (homemade meatloaf on Mondays) & the staff is super friendly. A good spot if you have a pup with you since there's a patio!
Kernville's Mexican Restaurant is a simple family place with pretty decent Mexican American food. Good chips & salsa, homemade tamales and tasty fajitas. Nothing fancy here and beer only - so if you're in the mood for a Margarita maybe grab one at Ewing's after!
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El Rio Mexican & American Food
13423 Kern River Dr
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Kernville's Mexican Restaurant is a simple family place with pretty decent Mexican American food. Good chips & salsa, homemade tamales and tasty fajitas. Nothing fancy here and beer only - so if you're in the mood for a Margarita maybe grab one at Ewing's after!
Kernville's Italian restaurant is a favorite spot. The owners and staff here are very nice and really strive to have happy customers. Open for dinner only, there's a small patio out front to take in the town square on a summer evening. The spaghetti & meatballs and lasagna are quite good. You get garlic bread with dinner - and if you like blue cheese you'll love their dressing!
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That's Italian
9 Big Blue Rd
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Kernville's Italian restaurant is a favorite spot. The owners and staff here are very nice and really strive to have happy customers. Open for dinner only, there's a small patio out front to take in the town square on a summer evening. The spaghetti & meatballs and lasagna are quite good. You get garlic bread with dinner - and if you like blue cheese you'll love their dressing!
Big Blue Bear is a good spot for morning coffee & pastries. They also have good sandwiches & some tables to sit outside if you have a pet with you. Beer too!
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Big Blue Bear
101 Piute Dr
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Big Blue Bear is a good spot for morning coffee & pastries. They also have good sandwiches & some tables to sit outside if you have a pet with you. Beer too!
Great diner breakfasts at this small spot in town. A few tables outside under some shade sails if you prefer.
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Cracked Egg Cafe
9 Big Blue Rd
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Great diner breakfasts at this small spot in town. A few tables outside under some shade sails if you prefer.
If you're in the mood for a steak, head upriver about 20 minutes to the historic Mcnally's. This is an old school steakhouse & lodge that has just come under new, improved ownership & renovations and is worth the trip. The drive from Kernville is along the Kern River and very scenic. Especially nice as the sun is going down. There's also a great burger stand that's a good spot for lunch on your way up or back from the Trail of 100 Giants. Lots of cool dioramas in the dining room too! Call ahead for a reservation on weekends.
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Johnny McNally's Lodge
7300 Kern River Hwy
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If you're in the mood for a steak, head upriver about 20 minutes to the historic Mcnally's. This is an old school steakhouse & lodge that has just come under new, improved ownership & renovations and is worth the trip. The drive from Kernville is along the Kern River and very scenic. Especially nice as the sun is going down. There's also a great burger stand that's a good spot for lunch on your way up or back from the Trail of 100 Giants. Lots of cool dioramas in the dining room too! Call ahead for a reservation on weekends.
This little general store & deli in Riverkern has smoked tri-tip and bbq beef sandwiches just about every day. It's definitely a local's spot. If you're heading upriver from Kernville or staying in Riverkern it's a convenient place. There is outside seating for you & your pet too. They also serve breakfast for your pre-outdoor excursion fuel!
Riverkern General Store and Deli
16130 Sierra Way
This little general store & deli in Riverkern has smoked tri-tip and bbq beef sandwiches just about every day. It's definitely a local's spot. If you're heading upriver from Kernville or staying in Riverkern it's a convenient place. There is outside seating for you & your pet too. They also serve breakfast for your pre-outdoor excursion fuel!
The Airport cafe is kind of a fun place to have lunch if you sit outside. You might catch a plane or two landing or taking off. Inside it can be very smoky. The food selection is ok and very basic diner-y, but it can be a less crowded option during peak tourist season when all the breakfast & lunch places in town are packed. During summer they offer a BBQ dinner outside on Saturday nights that's worth checking out. It's also a good place if you like to take your dog to lunch with you!
Airport Cafe
10649 Sierra Way
The Airport cafe is kind of a fun place to have lunch if you sit outside. You might catch a plane or two landing or taking off. Inside it can be very smoky. The food selection is ok and very basic diner-y, but it can be a less crowded option during peak tourist season when all the breakfast & lunch places in town are packed. During summer they offer a BBQ dinner outside on Saturday nights that's worth checking out. It's also a good place if you like to take your dog to lunch with you!
Kernville classic spot - more than a few guests have told us that they thought it was the best pizza they ever had! We like to order the pizzas well-done & the mixed salads are good. Sitting outside has been a nice option because you can bring your dog & enjoy a pitcher of draft beer in pure mountain luxury!
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Pizza Barn
11401 Kernville Rd
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Kernville classic spot - more than a few guests have told us that they thought it was the best pizza they ever had! We like to order the pizzas well-done & the mixed salads are good. Sitting outside has been a nice option because you can bring your dog & enjoy a pitcher of draft beer in pure mountain luxury!

To Do

There's so much to do close by! Since the Kern River Valley is situated in a unique setting of rugged mountains, a river, streams, forests and an interesting confluence of climate & microclimate zones, it lends itself to a variety of interests. Here is some general information... There are many hiking trails nearby to suit your desire for a challenging adventure or a whole family outing. We've left some hiking maps for you to peruse. Just make sure to leave them for the next guest when you depart! For the fisherman & fisherwoman the Kern is a wonderful place to try your skills (and luck helps!), and besides the main fork of the Kern, there are many streams that can be explored in the surrounding mountains. The best time for fishing is usually after peak runoff - mid summer through late fall. The amount of water volume in the river can change drastically from one season or year to another, but generally the best fishing conditions are when the water flows are a little lower on the main river. If you're into rafting & kayaking, you've come to a world-class destination! It's important to note that the conditions of the river can vary greatly from season to season and year to year, depending on Sierra snowpack. Peak runoff is typically from May to June and tapers off throughout the summer. By fall the flows are usually quite low. So your best bet for river rafting & kayaking would be during May & June. You can always check the flows & conditions with a local outfitter. If you're into mountain biking there's plenty of that too and chances are you already know about the area as a destination - from the challenging "Cannel Plunge" to more basic trails all around. For the rock climber & scrambler you'll find some great areas all over the local mountains. We've included some outfitters than can help tailor an experience for you. If you're into more relaxing sightseeing, you'll find plenty to do too. The Trail of 100 Giants (update: trail is CLOSED! currently in rehab from the 2021 wildfire) just about 40 minutes away, the Kern Audubon Preserve is 20 minutes away, and Isabella Lake is just down the road, where you can take in the scenery lakeside. There are many mountains, meadows and streams to discover & whether you're looking for a nice drive with the family or a 4 x 4 adventure, you'll find lots of options.
If you're experienced at fly fishing, looking to take a lesson or just check the conditions, Guy Jeans & Kern River Fly Fishing is (literally) the only place in town. Guy is a great, experienced, dedicated guide and teacher. We highly recommend him & his shop for all things fly fishing. If you're a fly fisher & have never been to the Kern, it's a good idea to consider a guided half or full day trip. If you're a novice and interested in learning, get in touch with the shop to see what they recommend as an introduction. It promises to be fun time - and make even turn into a life-long pursuit!
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Kern River Fly Fishing
11301 Kernville Rd
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If you're experienced at fly fishing, looking to take a lesson or just check the conditions, Guy Jeans & Kern River Fly Fishing is (literally) the only place in town. Guy is a great, experienced, dedicated guide and teacher. We highly recommend him & his shop for all things fly fishing. If you're a fly fisher & have never been to the Kern, it's a good idea to consider a guided half or full day trip. If you're a novice and interested in learning, get in touch with the shop to see what they recommend as an introduction. It promises to be fun time - and make even turn into a life-long pursuit!
The Kern River Audubon Preserve is a wonderful place for a stroll under the cottonwoods on a warm summer day. It's only about a 20 minute drive from Kernville and in addition to providing some excellent bird watching, is home to many different animal and plant species. At nearly 3000 acres, the preserve is a lowland riparian forest along the South Fork of the Kern. A good place for a picnic or outing for the family.
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Kern River Preserve
18747 CA-178
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The Kern River Audubon Preserve is a wonderful place for a stroll under the cottonwoods on a warm summer day. It's only about a 20 minute drive from Kernville and in addition to providing some excellent bird watching, is home to many different animal and plant species. At nearly 3000 acres, the preserve is a lowland riparian forest along the South Fork of the Kern. A good place for a picnic or outing for the family.
Sierra South is one of the great spots to choose your mountain & river adventures from. Not only do they offer raft & kayak trips, but also rock climbing & rentals for SUPs, kayaks & other gear.
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Sierra South Mountain Sports
11300 Kernville Rd
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Sierra South is one of the great spots to choose your mountain & river adventures from. Not only do they offer raft & kayak trips, but also rock climbing & rentals for SUPs, kayaks & other gear.
The Kern River Valley was originally inhabited by the indigenous Tubatulabal and Kawaiisu people. There are even some pictographs sites still in the area. This little museum and cultural center on the shore of Isabella Lake has some interesting artifacts and newer crafts/artwork. Check for some occasional events. They serve tasty Indian tacos on the weekend. Fun for kids too.
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Nuui Cunni Native American Intertribal Cultural Center and Museum
2600 CA-155
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The Kern River Valley was originally inhabited by the indigenous Tubatulabal and Kawaiisu people. There are even some pictographs sites still in the area. This little museum and cultural center on the shore of Isabella Lake has some interesting artifacts and newer crafts/artwork. Check for some occasional events. They serve tasty Indian tacos on the weekend. Fun for kids too.
This nice, newer museum is right in downtown Kernville and has a lot of information about the local area’s rich Western history. From gold mining days to moviemaking. Free admission and hosted by very knowledgeable local volunteers, they know it all!
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Kern Valley Museum
49 Big Blue Rd
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This nice, newer museum is right in downtown Kernville and has a lot of information about the local area’s rich Western history. From gold mining days to moviemaking. Free admission and hosted by very knowledgeable local volunteers, they know it all!
If you're looking for a rafting/kayaking adventure you've come to the right town! And Kernville has several outfitters to choose from. Whitewater Voyages has been around since 1975 and has a great selection of trips to choose from. Just remember that peak whitewater season is late spring through early summer, with some years better than others. Later in the season you can try SUP or a mellow kayak ride down the river, and sometimes the lower Kern (below Isabella Dam) can support some great rafting well into late summer.
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Whitewater Voyages - Kern Outdoor Center
11316 Kernville Rd
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If you're looking for a rafting/kayaking adventure you've come to the right town! And Kernville has several outfitters to choose from. Whitewater Voyages has been around since 1975 and has a great selection of trips to choose from. Just remember that peak whitewater season is late spring through early summer, with some years better than others. Later in the season you can try SUP or a mellow kayak ride down the river, and sometimes the lower Kern (below Isabella Dam) can support some great rafting well into late summer.
Antiquing around Kernville’s town square is fun, and this place has a great selection. Who knows - maybe you'll find a treasure! Knowledgeable & friendly staff run the store.
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The Mother Lode
121 Tobias St
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Antiquing around Kernville’s town square is fun, and this place has a great selection. Who knows - maybe you'll find a treasure! Knowledgeable & friendly staff run the store.
Geothermal hot spring, 20min. drive south from Kernville. A steep hike down and a little workout on the way back up to the parking lot. It has become a popular spot & though it is relatively well maintained and clean, it can be very busy on weekends. It can also flood when River is very high in spring/summer. About 25 -30 minutes from Kernville.
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Remington Hot Springs Trailhead
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Geothermal hot spring, 20min. drive south from Kernville. A steep hike down and a little workout on the way back up to the parking lot. It has become a popular spot & though it is relatively well maintained and clean, it can be very busy on weekends. It can also flood when River is very high in spring/summer. About 25 -30 minutes from Kernville.
Access a beautiful waterfall from a relatively short, shaded hike along a stream. Very cool geology and great views! Rock scrambling! About 45 min drive from Kernville.
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Peppermint Falls
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Access a beautiful waterfall from a relatively short, shaded hike along a stream. Very cool geology and great views! Rock scrambling! About 45 min drive from Kernville.
3-4 mile loop trail with relatively gentle slopes - with about half uphill and half downhill. A dense forest canopy cools this hike in the hottest months. Great for mountain biking too. Some nice views of Isabella Lake through the cedars on one side, and the Greenhorns on out to the San Joaquin Valley on the west side. The Greenhorn Grill is in nearby Alta Sierra & you can stop there for lunch or dinner on the weekends.
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Unal Trail
Forest Route 25S17
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3-4 mile loop trail with relatively gentle slopes - with about half uphill and half downhill. A dense forest canopy cools this hike in the hottest months. Great for mountain biking too. Some nice views of Isabella Lake through the cedars on one side, and the Greenhorns on out to the San Joaquin Valley on the west side. The Greenhorn Grill is in nearby Alta Sierra & you can stop there for lunch or dinner on the weekends.
This is the only ski lift & tube park between Big Bear & Mammoth! It's not a big resort, but it's only about a 10 miles, or a 25 minute drive from Kernville and is a great option for an activity in winter. At about 7000 feet, it can get some decent snows some years and can be open most weekends between January and February. But it's always best to check their website first. You can grab a bite at "The Warming Hut" right at the resort.
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Θέρετρο Σκι Alta Sierra
56700 Rancheria Rd
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This is the only ski lift & tube park between Big Bear & Mammoth! It's not a big resort, but it's only about a 10 miles, or a 25 minute drive from Kernville and is a great option for an activity in winter. At about 7000 feet, it can get some decent snows some years and can be open most weekends between January and February. But it's always best to check their website first. You can grab a bite at "The Warming Hut" right at the resort.
This is a local trail just minutes from Kernville. The trailhead begins off of Sierra Way near the Hatchery and goes up over 20 miles. It's a fairly good workout at spots, but also has some flat areas in the meadows. It's easy to do just the couple of miles and turn back if you're up for a shorter hike. During peak wildflower season (late March-April) in wet years the blooms can be spectacular. Either way you'll have some beautiful views. There is not much shade on this trail - so plan ahead. A good place to take the dog along. Cooler days during late fall through spring make it more tolerable, but if you plan on trying it in summer it's best to go very early.
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Cannell Meadow Trails
Cannell Meadow
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This is a local trail just minutes from Kernville. The trailhead begins off of Sierra Way near the Hatchery and goes up over 20 miles. It's a fairly good workout at spots, but also has some flat areas in the meadows. It's easy to do just the couple of miles and turn back if you're up for a shorter hike. During peak wildflower season (late March-April) in wet years the blooms can be spectacular. Either way you'll have some beautiful views. There is not much shade on this trail - so plan ahead. A good place to take the dog along. Cooler days during late fall through spring make it more tolerable, but if you plan on trying it in summer it's best to go very early.
A secluded and beautiful cascade just north of Kernville, the waterfall spills from the higher Kern plateau down a steep walled canyon. Accessed from th Rincon trail, it's not a particularly long hike, but it can be strenuous and rocky, so prepare ahead. If you cross wet creek beds watch out for poison oak!
Salmon Creek Falls
A secluded and beautiful cascade just north of Kernville, the waterfall spills from the higher Kern plateau down a steep walled canyon. Accessed from th Rincon trail, it's not a particularly long hike, but it can be strenuous and rocky, so prepare ahead. If you cross wet creek beds watch out for poison oak!
Both Big Meadow and Horse Meadow are on the Kern Plateau about an hour and a half from Kernville. The meadows are beautiful in summer and early fall, with fishable creeks holding some smaller wild trout running through them. A nice place for a picnic, with campgrounds also available. From near Johnsondale, north of Kernville the road is good but eventually does have uneven dirt portions, so it's best to have a 4 x 4. At over 7000 feet it can be much cooler so plan accordingly!
Big Meadow Campground
Both Big Meadow and Horse Meadow are on the Kern Plateau about an hour and a half from Kernville. The meadows are beautiful in summer and early fall, with fishable creeks holding some smaller wild trout running through them. A nice place for a picnic, with campgrounds also available. From near Johnsondale, north of Kernville the road is good but eventually does have uneven dirt portions, so it's best to have a 4 x 4. At over 7000 feet it can be much cooler so plan accordingly!
Isabella Lake is just minutes from Kernville, and unless you're coming from Sequoia to the north, you'll pass it on your way in to town. The lake is actually a reservoir fed by the Kern River and created by the dam on the south west end, but it has plenty of recreation opportunities. Swimming, Boating, SUP, kayaking, jet skiing and great windsurfing during certain parts of the year. If you have a Sunfish, canoe or sailboat you could bring that too! The lake surface area is quite substantial, so over-crowding is not too much of an issue. Keep in mind a permit is required for watercraft. Fishing can be great too, and you don't need a boat. Shore fishing for crappie & bass in spring, trout, catfish - or flyfishing for carp are all good. There is not a great deal of shade along the banks, so plan for some sunscreen and a hat when the sun is out!
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Isabella Lake
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Isabella Lake is just minutes from Kernville, and unless you're coming from Sequoia to the north, you'll pass it on your way in to town. The lake is actually a reservoir fed by the Kern River and created by the dam on the south west end, but it has plenty of recreation opportunities. Swimming, Boating, SUP, kayaking, jet skiing and great windsurfing during certain parts of the year. If you have a Sunfish, canoe or sailboat you could bring that too! The lake surface area is quite substantial, so over-crowding is not too much of an issue. Keep in mind a permit is required for watercraft. Fishing can be great too, and you don't need a boat. Shore fishing for crappie & bass in spring, trout, catfish - or flyfishing for carp are all good. There is not a great deal of shade along the banks, so plan for some sunscreen and a hat when the sun is out!

Sightseeing

If you’ve never seen the Giant Redwoods, this is a must! It is an easy, accessible walk through Long Meadow Grove with many trees over 1,000 years old. A short paved trail, dogs allowed.lGoos for strollers. About a 45 minute scenic drive from Kernville, parking is cash only, about $12. PLEASE NOTE: Only open late Spring thur late Fall. At over 6,000’ elevation, this area will be cooler that the valley - so bring a jacket just in case.
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Trail of 100 Giants Trailhead
County Route 107
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If you’ve never seen the Giant Redwoods, this is a must! It is an easy, accessible walk through Long Meadow Grove with many trees over 1,000 years old. A short paved trail, dogs allowed.lGoos for strollers. About a 45 minute scenic drive from Kernville, parking is cash only, about $12. PLEASE NOTE: Only open late Spring thur late Fall. At over 6,000’ elevation, this area will be cooler that the valley - so bring a jacket just in case.