Planning your trip to the Kern River, California
THE BEST WAY
From Los Angeles, take California 14 north for about 104 miles to California 178. Head west for about 44 miles to the town of Lake Isabella. To reach Kernville, drive about six miles along California 155 until it becomes Burando Road. Continue another four miles to downtown Kernville.
WHERE TO STAY
Whispering Pines Lodge, 13745 Sierra Way, Kernville; (760) 376-3733, www.kernvalley.com/whispering pines. Doubles from $149 a night, a hearty breakfast included.
Golden Trout Resort, nine miles north of Kernville on Sierra Way; (760) 376-6033, www.goldentroutresort.com. Doubles start at $100. It’s the sound of the nearby river that will lull you to sleep here.
WHERE TO EAT
McNally’s Fairview Lodge, HC 1, Box 95, Kernville; 15 miles north of Kernville on Sierra Way (Mountain 99); (760) 376-2430, www.mcnallysfairviewlodge.com. A dark, warm restaurant, serving 40-ounce Porterhouse steaks. Entrees $20 to $50.
El Jacalito Mexican Grill, 11301 Kernville Road, Kernville; (760) 376-3834. If you like spicy Mexican food, you’ll like El Jacalito. Antacids sold separately. Entrees $7 to $24.
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