Lake Isabella Kern River Valley

Lake Isabella , California is Nestled in what is known as the Kern River Valley between two sections of the Sequoia National Forest, is the town of Lake Isabella, Kernville, Bodfish, Caliente, and Wooford Heights. Summer temperatures can be well into the 100s with winters averaging around the mid to upper 50s and 60s during the day.

Of course the main attraction is the lake itself -- one of the largest reservoirs in Southern California with over 11,000 surface acres. From fishing to boating, camping to picnicking, the lake offers some of the best fresh-water recreation experiences around. But there are plenty of other interesting things to see and experience in the area.

The Kern Valley Museum in the historic town of Kernville is a great place to start your visit. The museum houses several unique periods of artifacts from prehistoric times to present day and has a collection of both indoor and outdoor exhibits, including some the valley’s original buildings. It is open year round, and best of all it’s free.

One of the many things you will learn at the museum is that the Kern Valley was originally inhabited by Native American’s called the Tubatulabal as early as 100 A.D. Evidence of the Tubatulabal living in the area is all around the Kern Valley, from rocks with grinding holes to petroglyphs. Many descendants of the Tubatulabal tribe live in the Kern River Valley today. Some of these decendants voluteer at the “Nuui Cunni” Native American Intertribal Culture Center.

The culture center is a wonderful place to explore the local Native American culture, traditions, and history of the Kern River Valley. The special designed center houses a museum, library, gift shop, and displys a hundreds of Native American artifacts. There is a Farmers' Market that is held every Saturday from six to noon at the center.

Nuui Cunni Native American Intertribal Culture Center is a wonderful place to explore the local Native American culture, traditions, and history of the Kern River Valley. The special designed center houses a museum, library, gift shop, and displys a hundreds of Native American artifacts. There is a Farmers' Market that is held every Saturday from six to noon at the center. 2600 Hwy 155 Lake Isabella, Ca 93240

Silver City Ghost Town a short drive on Highway 155 from the “Nuui Cunni” Culture Center is the Silver City Ghost Town. This is a must see for history buffs and ghost hunters alike. Located in Bodfish, guests take a self-guided tour of over twenty historic buildings and thousands of artifacts moved to the site from mining camps and other local frontier settlements around the area.

Many believe that spirits haunt Silver City from that past and possibly the present, earning the location a spot on the “National Directory of Haunted Places”. Antique collectors will want to browse the unique collections of antiques for sale in the main building. 3829 Lake Isabella Bl. Bodfish, CA. 93205 and is now open daily 7 days per week 10 AM to 4 PM

Kern River Fish Hatchery is another little known area attraction is the Kern River Fish Hatchery, located just a few miles north of Kernville and is owned and maintained by the California Department of Fish & Game. Visitors start their self-guided tour at the Fish Culture Center building with its interesting displays including various aquariums of 27 different species of local fish.

There is also a Fishing Museum, a Natural History Museum, and an area where visitors can view the holding tanks where the hatcheries five different strains of Little Kern Goldens have been raised for decades. The Kern River Fish Hatchery is located on the Kern River, one mile north of Kernville. 14400 Sierra Way (Mountain Hwy. 99) Open 10 AM to 4 PM daily.

Silver City Ghost Town

Wildlife enthusiast will also enjoy spending some time at the 1127-acre Kern River Preserve, located along the South Fork of the river, east of Isabella Reservoir. The preserve is operated by National Audubon Society and is open 365 days a year.

The experience will expose visitors to tens of thousands of birds calling out in a collective symphony. But birds are not the only inhabitants of the preserve. The area has a multitude of critters including turtles and the occasional black bear.

Cowboy Memorial and Library is 20 miles to the south is another hidden gem tucked away in the rolling hills of Walker Basin. The Cowboy Memorial and Library located in Caliente, Ca. It is owned and was created by Paul de Fonville. Fonville is a former cowboy and champion rodeo performer. His dream is to educate and share what life was like as a cowboy and rancher.

The site houses books and cowboy and western memorabilia. There's even an authentic Cowboy Bunkhouse and a Chuck Wagon more than 120 years old. The scenery is majestic but beware. The area is around the memorial is open range and cattle are able to roam at will. So use caution when driving to and from the location. 40371 Cowboy Lane, Walker Basin Road Caliente, California 93518

After exploring the Kern River Valley, you will want end your day at the Kern River Brewing Company, a place where you can enjoy a Beer Belly Bratwurst topped with stout mustard, and one of four locally brewed beers. There is a menu just for the kids too.

Lake Isabella is located three hours north of Los Angeles and one hour northeast of Bakersfield, where Highway 178 meets Highway 155.

Silver City Ghost Town a collection of historic western buildings and mining artifacts.

Kern County referred to as the “Golden Empire” attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Bodie Ghost Town an original ghost town from the late 1800's located near Mono Lakem California.

Randsburg Ghost Town located just off Highway 395 in of eastern Kern County.

Visalia is a great place to stay while exploring beautiful Sequoia National Park.