California's Kern River Valley, three hours north of Los Angeles, offers many opportunities for recreational activities, including fishing, swimming, rafting and hiking as well as sightseeing in the Sequoia National Forest. While the Kern River area offers no traditional hotels, vacationers can find comfortable rooms at nearby resorts and lodges. Rate information is accurate as of February 2010.
Located on the banks of the scenic Kern River, just a few miles north of historic Kernville, this rustic river resort offers easy access to Lake Isabella, Democrat Hot Springs and Trail of 100 Giants in the Sequoia National Forest. Guests can choose from cozy single-room studios, pool and courtyard cottages and river view suites. All accommodations are tastefully appointed in comfortable country furnishings, and suites and cottages come with fireplaces, kitchenettes and barbecue grills. All rooms are nonsmoking, and pets are accepted with a $10 surcharge. Rates range from $79 to $132 per night.
Falling Waters River Resort
15729 Sierra Way
Kernville, CA 93238
(888) 376-2242
(760) 376-2242
chuckrichards.com/kern
Just steps from the Kern River, Sequoia Lodge offers large, comfortable rooms, each equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, wireless Internet access and expanded cable with HBO. Barbecue grills are available on the lodge's riverfront patios, and select rooms have woodburning stoves. The lodge is next door to the Riverkern General Store, which sells groceries, beverages, fishing equipment and more. All rooms are nonsmoking, and the lodge does not accept pets. Rates range from $99 to $169 per night. Guest paying with cash receive a 5 percent discount.
Sequoia Lodge
16123 Sierra Way
Kernville, CA 93238
(760) 376-2535
sequoialodge.net
Built in 1955, Kern Lodge offers intimate rooms for couples plus larger rooms with kitchenettes and two-bedroom, two-bath suites with fireplaces. All rooms come with free wireless Internet access, refrigerators, microwaves, cable TV and coffee makers. The lodge is a nonsmoking facility, and pets are not allowed. Rooms range in price from $90 to $150; two-bedroom suites run $400 per night. Discounted winter rates are sometimes available.
Kern Lodge
67 Valley View Dr.
Kernville, CA 93238
(760) 376-2223
thekernlodge.com
Located in Fairview, 15 miles north of Kernville on the Kern River, this rustic lodge offers comfortable rooms and cabins to fit almost any vacation budget. Diners can enjoy a quick bite at the lodge's hamburger stand or a sit-down meal at McNally's Restaurant, home of the 40-ounce porterhouse. Pets are welcome with a one-time fee of $25. An on-site store offers snacks, groceries, outdoor gear and more. Rooms run approximately $80, while cabins cost $120 per night.
McNally's Fairview Lodge
HC 1 Box 95
Kernville, CA 93238
(760) 376-2430
mcnallysfairviewlodge.com
