From Kern Flat at the Doe Meadow Trail intersection, trail 33E20 continues another 2.2 miles to Nine-Mile Creek and connects to other trails along the way. Lloyd Meadow Road (22S82) begins near Johnsondale. Here the trailhead begins at 5,800 feet. Change ). On the other side, the trail will follow the North Fork Kern River for almost 8 miles to the Kern Flat Bridge. This day hike can be expanding into several great backpacking adventures. 806 KNAPP AND MATTHEWS trout O. m. whitei2 is native to the Little Kern River and is currently listed as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act (Behnke 1992). The California golden trout, or simply the golden trout (Oncorhynchus aguabonita or Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita), is a species of trout native to California.The golden trout is normally found in the Golden Trout Creek (tributary to the Kern River), Volcano Creek (tributary to Golden Trout Creek), and the South Fork Kern River.It is the state freshwater fish of California. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. It also forks off at Fish Creek Trail, which connects to the Jerkey Meadows Trailhead. Whitney in the Golden Trout Wilderness. Golden Trout Wilderness Trail Map, Sequoia National Forest, South Sierra Backpacking Maps, Forks of the Kern River Map, Jerky Meadow Trailhead, Big Whitney Meadow, Kern Peak, Coyote Peaks, Grey Meadow, Little Kern River, Kern Canyon, Jordan Hot Springs, Casa Vieja Meadow, Monache Meadows. -> Forks of the Kern Day Trip. However, this is the end of the Forks of the Kern day trip. ( Log Out /  Once the across the Little Kern River, bright white calcium deposits are seen. This legendary trout fishing region is among the best in the Western U.S. Two subspecies are recognized; South Fork Kern Both are found in the GTW. This is also the location of the Rincon or Kern Canyon Fault. Look south down the Kern River canyon and see other basalt flows across the way. The Forks of the Kern Trail is a wonderful out & back 2-3 day backpacking trip. It also allows for relatively quick access to both the upper Wild & Scenic Kern River and the Wild & Scenic Little Kern River. ( Log Out /  The trail drops immediately down to the Kern River, crossing the Little Kern River. Take this almost 20 miles, (past Freeman Creek) to dirt road 20S67. Once you reach the river, there is a … Download the map! The pavement dead ends at Jerky Meadow trail head, which accesses the Golden Trout Wilderness & the Great Western Divide. East of the Kern River, small streams meander and tree-rimmed meadows. Check the Kern River Flows here. Almost a mile down and the trail enters the Golden Trout Wilderness. South Fork Kern River. Up the Kern River, on the other side of the Little Kern. Exploring the Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains. In the late Spring and early Summer, one may run into a strange type of hiker - whitewater kayakers! It is much more strenuous than other river trips and guests should be in good shape. This popular area provides the earliest spring access to the Golden Trout Wilderness and the only access to the North Fork of the Kern Wild and Scenic River “Forks Run,” a world renowned series of class IV and V rapids (for experienced paddlers only). 0 Miles: From the parking area, the trail descends to the Little Kern confluence through numerous switchbacks with a moderate grade. Keep in mind that hikers will have to climb back up over 1100 feet in elevation to return. It is celebrated for its expansive meadows, flowing creeks, and the fish for which the wilderness is named. The area is traversed by several hundred miles of scenic trails and two wild and scenic rivers (North and South Forks of the Kern River). It is all within the South Fork of the Kern River watershed. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. It begins in the Sequoia National Park and flows through the Ino and Sequoia National Forests and the Golden Trout Wilderness.