- One of the premiere outdoor recreation spots in the nation, the Kern River Valley has something for everyone. Birding, camping, fishing and water sports are popular pastimes here. The scenic beauty and rugged whitewater of the Kern River prompted Sports Afield magazine to name this the number one outdoor sports town in California (March 2000), and world-class kayakers regularly visit to train and compete.
The center of attention is majestic Isabella Lake, a man-made reservoir rimmed by a handful of communities that favor a more leisurely pace. Kernville on the north shore and Lake Isabella to the southwest are favored by visitors, but smaller communities such as Alta Sierra, Wofford Heights, Onyx, Mt. Mesa, South Lake and Weldon offer the best of the quiet life. Arts and history are an important part of the region. The Kern River Valley has a growing artist's population, and the proximity to scenic wonders provides an endless supply of subjects for the aspiring sketch artist, painter or photographer. The Kern Valley Museum keeps the history of the area alive, a history celebrated lustily with a number of events including Whiskey Flat Days and the annual Bioregions and Turkey Vulture festivals.
From here it's just a short drive to the Giant Sequoia National Monument and Trail of 100 Giants. Nature enthusiasts can take advantage of Audubon's Kern River Preserve near the east end of the lake. Active community and volunteer groups provide plenty of opportunities for involvement.
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