Women & Whitewater on the Kern River
Ladies' 4-Day Adventure • Class IV Whitewater • Luxury Backcountry Glamping
Length of trip: 4 days | Group Size: 12-24 | Activity Level: 3
Dates: June 25th-28th, 2027 | Price: from $1,895
Featured in Travel + Leisure, this trip pairs adventure with exceptional hospitality: an elevated wilderness journey designed for both seasoned paddlers and first-time rafters in good health.
Trip Highlights
- 4-day Kern River adventure through stunning high desert canyon
- Big, clean Class III–IV summer whitewater
- 1 night in a Safari-style riverside camp with walk-in tents & private decks
- 2 nights at a charming roadside lodge just steps from the river, boutique shops, and local eateries of Kernville.
- Gourmet meals, sunset appetizers & relaxing riverside evenings
- Hammocks, shaded lounge, games & hiking options
- Expert, friendly guides with decades of combined experience
- Ideal for adventurous beginners & seasoned paddlers
- Easy access: short drive from LA & Palm Springs; direct flights from SFO, PHX & DEN
- Perfect pairing with Sequoia National Park, Kernville exploration & world-class fly fishing.
- IWLS Certification & CME for Medical Professionals
Who is this trip for?
This trip is designed for women who want an active few days outside without giving up comfort. At the same time, it offers the support and structure to help you feel confident on the river.
It’s a good fit if you:
• Enjoy outdoor adventure but also appreciate comfortable lodging and good meals
• Are curious about Class III–IV whitewater in a well-supported environment
• Want active days on the river, followed by relaxed evenings connecting with other women
• Are new to rafting and eager to learn
• Or, on the other hand, have rafting experience and are ready for a classic California river
Participants should be in reasonable physical condition for rafting. However, if you’re unsure whether this trip is right for you, just reach out. We’re always happy to talk it through.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1, June 25: Welcome to historic Kernville! Arrive anytime and settle into the Kernville Inn. Then, join us for a casual Meet & Greet Happy Hour (5:30–7:30 pm). Afterward, the evening is yours to explore town or unwind by the river.
Day 2, June 26: After breakfast, dive into hands-on Wilderness Medicine training (WLS:MP). This is followed by a riverside picnic lunch, fun small-group scenarios, and a relaxed float on the Kern. Later, enjoy dinner out together in town.
Day 3, June 27: Whitewater day! After breakfast and a safety briefing, paddle the Lower Kern with a Class III warm-up and an unforgettable Class IV finish. Then, arrive at the safari-style Kern River Camp for hammocks, riverside lounging, appetizers, and a chef-prepared dinner under the stars.
Day 4, June 28: Wake up to coffee by the river, and then head back out for the grand finale—Royal Flush (scenic portage) and the legendary Big 5 rapids. Finally, return to Kernville mid-afternoon for onward travel home or more Sierra adventures.
This is not typical camping.
After a day on the river, float into our hidden safari-style base camp—tucked deep inside the canyon and set against massive granite boulders with stunning desert views.
Your riverside home includes:
- Spacious walk-in safari tents
- Private decks with river or desert canyon views
- Shaded lounge + hammocks for afternoon relaxation
- Appetizers, dinner, and dessert served outdoor-style
- Star-filled evenings & cozy sleeping accommodations
Spend the afternoon hiking, sunning on the riverbank, playing games, sipping a drink, or napping in a hammock. Later, gather for a chef-prepared dinner under the high-desert sky and fall asleep to the sound of the river.
Our comfortable camp is ideal even for those who normally don’t love camping—an effortless wilderness retreat where every detail is handled for you.
Beginning on Mt. Whitney—California’s highest peak—the Kern rushes south through wilderness and into the Greenhorn Mountains, carving the dramatic “Lower Kern” canyon.
What to Expect
- Day 1: Fun, friendly Class III warm-up
- Days 1–2: Continuous, exciting Class IV whitewater
- A chance to learn river skills and master paddling technique
- Also, spectacular canyon scenery—wide skies, granite walls, desert color
- Then, ample time to connect, relax & soak it all in
The Lower Kern combines accessibility with seclusion—offering world-class summer whitewater without complicated travel or extreme remoteness.
Itinerary - Kern
Course Information
International Wilderness Life Support (IWLS Certification)
This is a hands-on skills course designed to equip medical professionals with practical skills and a solid knowledge base in the core concepts of Wilderness Medicine and taking care of patients in a remote setting.
- Earn your certificate in International Wilderness Life Support (IWLS)
- Learn the latest practical hands-on wilderness medicine skills for patient assessment, treatment & evacuation protocols
- Practice your skills in live scenarios with our expert instructors
- Obtain up to 28 hrs of category 1 CME for MDs/DOs, NPs/PAs, and CEs for RNs
- Receive Wilderness Medical Society Fellowship (FAWM) credits
Price & Dates
Trip Cost: from $1895
Dates: June 25th-28th, 2027
***Optional pre-trip CME/WLS:MP Certification: $795
Includes:
- 1 night in a Safari-style riverside camp with walk-in tents & private decks
- 2 nights at a charming roadside lodge
- Gourmet meals
- Hammocks, shaded lounge, games & hiking options
- Big, clean Class III–IV summer whitewater
- Dry bags and personal floatation devices (PFDs) are also included for our guests
Excluded:
- Transportation/flights to Kernville, California
- Extra hotels (before and after trip)
- Travel Insurance
- Guide Gratuities
*“The Kern is quintessential California whitewater—one of the rivers I dreamed of running when I first started guiding. After years developing our award-winning Upper Klamath Safari Camp trip, we are beyond excited to bring the same concept to the Kern.
I love wild places—but I also love active days followed by good food, drink, and unique accommodations shared with friends new and old. That is why we designed the Upper Klamath Safari and why I’m so excited about this adventure.
I hope we’ll have the chance to show it to you.”*
— Pete, Guide/Owner
MedTreks partners with Momentum River Expeditions for this Kern River Whitewater Adventure for Women, bringing a signature standard of handcrafted quality, personal attention, and deep guiding expertise.
- Highly trained professional guides with global experience
- Thoughtful trip design blending adventure, wellness & connection
- Plus, creative, gourmet menus and personalized service
- A balance of adrenaline and restoration
- Unique wilderness access without excessive travel time
- Seamless planning, logistics & guest care
In addition, this partnership reflects decades of river experience and a shared commitment to safety and guest care, built around community, exploration, and comfort.
