Lake Isabella/Kernville Guidebook
Food scene
This a great restaurant located in the heart of Kernville. After spending the day on the river or lake nothing will hit the spot quite like their lasagna.
29 現地メンバーのおすすめ
That's Italian
9 Big Blue RdThis a great restaurant located in the heart of Kernville. After spending the day on the river or lake nothing will hit the spot quite like their lasagna.
Award winning Kern River Brewing Co is located just off of the Kern River. Known for their IPA's, Kern River Brewing is a great place to relax with friends. With 2 sitting areas and great views of the river this brewery is not just a nice place to have a beer.
86 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Kern River Brewing Co
13415 Sierra WayAward winning Kern River Brewing Co is located just off of the Kern River. Known for their IPA's, Kern River Brewing is a great place to relax with friends. With 2 sitting areas and great views of the river this brewery is not just a nice place to have a beer.
Great place to grab a quick bite. The 178 Bar and Grill has sandwiches, burgers and salads. They also have live music every Friday night!
They do have specials on holidays so don't hesitate to look them up to see what their specials are.
10 現地メンバーのおすすめ
178 Bar & Grill
6107 Lake Isabella BoulevardGreat place to grab a quick bite. The 178 Bar and Grill has sandwiches, burgers and salads. They also have live music every Friday night!
They do have specials on holidays so don't hesitate to look them up to see what their specials are.
Located about 5-10 minutes from the house Nelda's Nelda's does not disappoint with their typical diner fair. A highlight of their menu is their extensive shake list. They have about 100 different types of shakes to choose from on those hot summer days.
16 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Nelda's Diner
5128 Lake Isabella BlvdLocated about 5-10 minutes from the house Nelda's Nelda's does not disappoint with their typical diner fair. A highlight of their menu is their extensive shake list. They have about 100 different types of shakes to choose from on those hot summer days.
The Old Isabella Coffee Company is a great place to get good coffee and espresso drinks. This small shop opened in 2020 and is quickly turning into a local favorite. Their coffees are fantastic and they also have pastries for sale, often selling out quickly.
Old Isabella Coffee Company
5104 Lake Isabella BlvdThe Old Isabella Coffee Company is a great place to get good coffee and espresso drinks. This small shop opened in 2020 and is quickly turning into a local favorite. Their coffees are fantastic and they also have pastries for sale, often selling out quickly.
An iconic restaurant that was recently renovated, the Dam Korner has been in Lake Isabella for decades. A great place to stop before hitting the lake or white water rafting. They serve typical diner food with a friendly and local feel.
12 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Dam Korner
6303 Lake Isabella BlvdAn iconic restaurant that was recently renovated, the Dam Korner has been in Lake Isabella for decades. A great place to stop before hitting the lake or white water rafting. They serve typical diner food with a friendly and local feel.
The quintessential local pizza place, Pizza Barn really delivers on their pizza. It is fresh with great ingredients and a fantastic family atmosphere. Not only do they offer pizza, but they also have salads, pasta and sandwiches. An overall great restaurant for families and friends alike.
43 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Pizza Barn
11401 Kernville RdThe quintessential local pizza place, Pizza Barn really delivers on their pizza. It is fresh with great ingredients and a fantastic family atmosphere. Not only do they offer pizza, but they also have salads, pasta and sandwiches. An overall great restaurant for families and friends alike.
Ewings is a local favorite for those in the Kern Valley. One of the few restaurants that has a direct view of the Kern River this is a great place to come and enjoy a meal. The food ranges from salads and steak to burgers and pot pies. There are also vegetarian options here.
71 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Ewings on the Kern
125 Buena Vista DrEwings is a local favorite for those in the Kern Valley. One of the few restaurants that has a direct view of the Kern River this is a great place to come and enjoy a meal. The food ranges from salads and steak to burgers and pot pies. There are also vegetarian options here.
Johnny McNally's is a local favorite. They are a steakhouse, but also offer chicken and seafood. Established in the 1940s this restaurant has been highly trafficked for many years. Their steaks are great and the view up the canyon is breathtaking.
13 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Johnny McNally's Lodge
7300 Kern River HwyJohnny McNally's is a local favorite. They are a steakhouse, but also offer chicken and seafood. Established in the 1940s this restaurant has been highly trafficked for many years. Their steaks are great and the view up the canyon is breathtaking.
Don Sombrero is a great place to get Mexican Food not far from our property. They are a family owned restaurant that has great food. It is standard Mexican Food fair and they have vegetarian options.
8 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Don Sombrero Mexican Restaurant
4107 Lake Isabella BlvdDon Sombrero is a great place to get Mexican Food not far from our property. They are a family owned restaurant that has great food. It is standard Mexican Food fair and they have vegetarian options.
A cute coffee and sandwich shop in Kernville, the Big Blue Bear evolved from a flower shop to a café with a great atmosphere. You can get coffee, pastries, salads and sandwiches here and just enjoy the small town vibe.
30 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Big Blue Bear
101 Piute DrA cute coffee and sandwich shop in Kernville, the Big Blue Bear evolved from a flower shop to a café with a great atmosphere. You can get coffee, pastries, salads and sandwiches here and just enjoy the small town vibe.
City/town information
This small town is the gateway to the Trail of Giants and home to the famous Kern River. Kernville has a lot of seasonal rafting outfitters, antique shops, restaurants and camp grounds all along the river.
50 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Kernville
This small town is the gateway to the Trail of Giants and home to the famous Kern River. Kernville has a lot of seasonal rafting outfitters, antique shops, restaurants and camp grounds all along the river.
Lake Isabella is the largest town up in the Kern Valley and where our home is located. Here you will find Vons, RiteAid and Chevron Gas Stations, in addition to other smaller stores.
The town of Lake Isabella is about 5-10 minutes away from lake access locations on the lake. There are many areas to set up on Lake Isabella, one being just off the main road, Highway 178, near the Auxiliary Dam Campground. Another access point is still of Highway 178, but by French Gulch.
Be aware that if you opt to take some of the well defined roads next to the lake, you may need 4x4 to get in or out.
39 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Lake Isabella
Lake Isabella is the largest town up in the Kern Valley and where our home is located. Here you will find Vons, RiteAid and Chevron Gas Stations, in addition to other smaller stores.
The town of Lake Isabella is about 5-10 minutes away from lake access locations on the lake. There are many areas to set up on Lake Isabella, one being just off the main road, Highway 178, near the Auxiliary Dam Campground. Another access point is still of Highway 178, but by French Gulch.
Be aware that if you opt to take some of the well defined roads next to the lake, you may need 4x4 to get in or out.
Sightseeing
About 2 hours away from Stoney Pines, this grove of Sequoias is a grove of about 125 trees all having a diameter of more than 10 ft. These trees are Giant Sequoias and are estimated to be about 1500 years old. There is an easy, paved 1.3 mile walk that goes through this grove.
110 現地メンバーのおすすめ
100ジャイアントトレイルヘッド
County Route 107About 2 hours away from Stoney Pines, this grove of Sequoias is a grove of about 125 trees all having a diameter of more than 10 ft. These trees are Giant Sequoias and are estimated to be about 1500 years old. There is an easy, paved 1.3 mile walk that goes through this grove.
Silver City Ghost Town is a town made by the Mills family. They decided in the late 1960s and early 1970s to save historic buildings around the valley and bring them to their current location. A large majority of these buildings were slated for destruction before being moved and date back to the 1800s.
Silver City Ghost Town is listed on dozens of film location scout websites as well as with the California Film Commission, and the Los Angeles and Kern County Film Commissions. It has been the site of numerous film and video shoots since 1990 including use by Warner Chappell Music, A & E, The History Channel's This Week in History and a Nissan commercial. It has also been utilized for dozens of other still photo projects, independent film shoots and student films. Silver City has captured the essence and serenity of the best of the historic mining camps in the Kern Valley in a non-commercial museum like setting.
There is a fee to enter, kids under 5 are free, kids 6-12 are $5.50 and everyone 13+ is $7.50.
23 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Silver City Ghost Town
3829 Lake Isabella BlvdSilver City Ghost Town is a town made by the Mills family. They decided in the late 1960s and early 1970s to save historic buildings around the valley and bring them to their current location. A large majority of these buildings were slated for destruction before being moved and date back to the 1800s.
Silver City Ghost Town is listed on dozens of film location scout websites as well as with the California Film Commission, and the Los Angeles and Kern County Film Commissions. It has been the site of numerous film and video shoots since 1990 including use by Warner Chappell Music, A & E, The History Channel's This Week in History and a Nissan commercial. It has also been utilized for dozens of other still photo projects, independent film shoots and student films. Silver City has captured the essence and serenity of the best of the historic mining camps in the Kern Valley in a non-commercial museum like setting.
There is a fee to enter, kids under 5 are free, kids 6-12 are $5.50 and everyone 13+ is $7.50.
Did you know that many spaghetti westerns were filmed in Kernville? In the Kern Valley Museum there is ample information on the town's history, including the numerous movies filmed here. They are open Thursday - Sunday and admission is free.
32 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Kern Valley Museum
49 Big Blue RdDid you know that many spaghetti westerns were filmed in Kernville? In the Kern Valley Museum there is ample information on the town's history, including the numerous movies filmed here. They are open Thursday - Sunday and admission is free.
Hiking Locations
Bull Run Creek Trail is a 1.7 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Kernville, California that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and horse back riding and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also allowed on this trail should you opt to bring your furry friend.
Find more information and reviews on:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/bull-run-creek-trail
Bull Run Creek
Bull Run Creek Trail is a 1.7 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Kernville, California that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and horse back riding and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also allowed on this trail should you opt to bring your furry friend.
Find more information and reviews on:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/bull-run-creek-trail
This is an easy hike that runs by the Kern River. It is a 11.8 mile moderately trafficked trail that allows dogs and horses.
21 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Whiskey Flat Trail
This is an easy hike that runs by the Kern River. It is a 11.8 mile moderately trafficked trail that allows dogs and horses.
Kern River Preserve Audubon Nature Trail and Saltbrush Trail Loop is a 1.6 mile loop trail located near Weldon, California The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching. Should you opt to do any hiking during summer remember to bring plenty of water. The Kern Valley is surprisingly dry, especially during summer, so plenty of water is a must!
For more information on the loop please see below:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/kern-river-preserve-audubon-nature-trail-and-saltbrush-trail-loop
17 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Kern River Preserve
18747 CA-178Kern River Preserve Audubon Nature Trail and Saltbrush Trail Loop is a 1.6 mile loop trail located near Weldon, California The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching. Should you opt to do any hiking during summer remember to bring plenty of water. The Kern Valley is surprisingly dry, especially during summer, so plenty of water is a must!
For more information on the loop please see below:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/kern-river-preserve-audubon-nature-trail-and-saltbrush-trail-loop
Colt Pasture Trail
This trail is a 1.1 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Weldon, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. Although only a mile long, do not forget your water!
For more information on this trail please see below:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/colt-trail
17 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Kern River Preserve
18747 CA-178Colt Pasture Trail
This trail is a 1.1 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Weldon, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. Although only a mile long, do not forget your water!
For more information on this trail please see below:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/colt-trail
Outside Spaces
This is a great little park for families that need an outing and a place for kids to just run around. This park's namesake Tank is easily visible from the street, which makes this park hard to miss on Lake Isabella Blvd.
There are restrooms, a child play area with swings and a basketball court. There are also tables and benches for your use.
Tank Park
4776 Lake Isabella BlvdThis is a great little park for families that need an outing and a place for kids to just run around. This park's namesake Tank is easily visible from the street, which makes this park hard to miss on Lake Isabella Blvd.
There are restrooms, a child play area with swings and a basketball court. There are also tables and benches for your use.
Riverside Park in Kernville is a great place to take the family. This park sits on the side of the Kern River and during summer you will see many rafters ending their rafting experience just across the way. Often families gather here to watch people run the river and also its a great place to relax. With a play area, basketball courts and swings this park has it all.
Also, close by is the local soft serve ice cream shop, convenience store, and Mexican food restaurant. Many people like to grab a cone, and possibly some food, and just relax in the park watching the world go by.
18 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Riverside Park
10 Kern River DrRiverside Park in Kernville is a great place to take the family. This park sits on the side of the Kern River and during summer you will see many rafters ending their rafting experience just across the way. Often families gather here to watch people run the river and also its a great place to relax. With a play area, basketball courts and swings this park has it all.
Also, close by is the local soft serve ice cream shop, convenience store, and Mexican food restaurant. Many people like to grab a cone, and possibly some food, and just relax in the park watching the world go by.
Located only a mile away from the house is Erskine Creek. Fed by snowmelt, Erskine Creek is a great exploring adventure for the family. The amount of water in the creek varies from year to year, but the surrounding area is gorgeous to see. There are many crossings as you travel up Erskine Creek Road. At the top of the road there is a cattle ranch that is still in operation. It is private land so you cannot enter, but the surrounding beauty of the trees is definitely worth the drive.
You may need a 4x4 for this drive. The road transitions from paved to dirt and depending on how much water is running or what the weather is like, 4x4 could be required.
Erskine Creek
Located only a mile away from the house is Erskine Creek. Fed by snowmelt, Erskine Creek is a great exploring adventure for the family. The amount of water in the creek varies from year to year, but the surrounding area is gorgeous to see. There are many crossings as you travel up Erskine Creek Road. At the top of the road there is a cattle ranch that is still in operation. It is private land so you cannot enter, but the surrounding beauty of the trees is definitely worth the drive.
You may need a 4x4 for this drive. The road transitions from paved to dirt and depending on how much water is running or what the weather is like, 4x4 could be required.
French Gulch is a great place to enjoy Lake Isabella. While currently a dry bed, normally French Gulch provides a protected area for families to enjoy the lake. There is a parking lot near French Gulch where you can park. From this parking lot there is a path down to the French Gulch area. The path is steep and has some stairs so you do need to be cautious.
19 現地メンバーのおすすめ
French Gulch Marina
California 155French Gulch is a great place to enjoy Lake Isabella. While currently a dry bed, normally French Gulch provides a protected area for families to enjoy the lake. There is a parking lot near French Gulch where you can park. From this parking lot there is a path down to the French Gulch area. The path is steep and has some stairs so you do need to be cautious.
Located about 15 minutes, or 8 miles, from the house is Miracle Hot Springs. There are a number of different tubs with varying temperatures so everyone will find something they like. Best time to go is in the morning for a calm experience and later afternoon if you are looking for a more party atmosphere.
Note: If you put in Miracle Hot Springs into Google it will direct you incorrectly. When searching, use Hobo Campground. The trail head to the hot springs starts next to the large parking lot. There are also port a potties.
20 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Miracle Hot Springs
Located about 15 minutes, or 8 miles, from the house is Miracle Hot Springs. There are a number of different tubs with varying temperatures so everyone will find something they like. Best time to go is in the morning for a calm experience and later afternoon if you are looking for a more party atmosphere.
Note: If you put in Miracle Hot Springs into Google it will direct you incorrectly. When searching, use Hobo Campground. The trail head to the hot springs starts next to the large parking lot. There are also port a potties.
Remington Hot Springs are a set of 3 man-made tubs open to the public. They are located about 20 minutes from the house, 10 miles, and a short .25 mile hike down towards the river.
Note: This is a very popular place for locals and tourist alike and may not be suitable for everyone. Some people believe it is customary to be nude at these hot springs even though it is on National Park land.
23 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Remington Hot Springs Trailhead
Remington Hot Springs are a set of 3 man-made tubs open to the public. They are located about 20 minutes from the house, 10 miles, and a short .25 mile hike down towards the river.
Note: This is a very popular place for locals and tourist alike and may not be suitable for everyone. Some people believe it is customary to be nude at these hot springs even though it is on National Park land.
Activities - Mountain
Alta Sierra is the local ski mountain during winter. Some winters they get more snow than others, but it is a great little mountain to have a great time on. From Green to Blacks, all skiers and boarders will be entertained. There is also tubbing and a terrain park.
30 現地メンバーのおすすめ
アルタ・シエラ・スキー場
56700 Rancheria RdAlta Sierra is the local ski mountain during winter. Some winters they get more snow than others, but it is a great little mountain to have a great time on. From Green to Blacks, all skiers and boarders will be entertained. There is also tubbing and a terrain park.
Located in Kernville, Mountain and River Adventures offers shuttles and tours of some of the best mountain biking trails in the Sequoia National Park. The shuttles allow you to explore on your own or with friends, but they drop you off at trail heads up in the Greenhorns or Alta Sierra. You can also book tours with this outfitter should you prefer.
The Trails they offer Shuttles to are:
Forest 90 Fireroad (Beginner)
Greenhorn Summit Loop (Beginner)
Alta Sierra "Just Outstanding" (Intermediate to Advanced)
Portugese Pass Trail (Intermediate)
Cannell Trail (Intermediate/Advanced)
Kern Canyon Trail (Advanced)
Check out their website for more information.
www.mtnriver.com
9 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Mountain & River Adventures Rafting & Camping
15775 Sierra WayLocated in Kernville, Mountain and River Adventures offers shuttles and tours of some of the best mountain biking trails in the Sequoia National Park. The shuttles allow you to explore on your own or with friends, but they drop you off at trail heads up in the Greenhorns or Alta Sierra. You can also book tours with this outfitter should you prefer.
The Trails they offer Shuttles to are:
Forest 90 Fireroad (Beginner)
Greenhorn Summit Loop (Beginner)
Alta Sierra "Just Outstanding" (Intermediate to Advanced)
Portugese Pass Trail (Intermediate)
Cannell Trail (Intermediate/Advanced)
Kern Canyon Trail (Advanced)
Check out their website for more information.
www.mtnriver.com