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18 miles of Class IV+ granite whitewater below Yosemite on the Main Tuolumne, pl...
Forks of the Kern Permit
Sierra Nevada Rivers · California
You book a launch date, not campsites
17 miles of Class V on the Wild and Recreational Kern, starting in the Golden Trout Wilderness with a two-mile carry to the water.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Forks of the Kern were gone within 5 minutes.
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Forks of the Kern Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelModerate6/10
SeasonMay 15 - September 15
Cost$6 reservation fee, plus a $10 recreation fee per permit
Daily Quota15 people
Max Group Size15 people
Forks of the Kern Permit Facts
- As of September 2026, Forks of the Kern in Sierra Nevada Rivers, California requires a permit issued via reservation.
- The permit season for Forks of the Kern runs May 15 through September 15.
- The Forks of the Kern route covers 17 miles, rated expert.
- Cancelled Forks of the Kern permits are re-released on the booking system; PermitSnag monitors availability and alerts watchers when dates open.
Key Information
Key Dates
SeasonMay 15 - September 15
Permit Details
TypeRiver Access
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level6/10
LocationSequoia National Forest, CA
What to Expect
Route Details
Distance
17 miles
Route Type
Point to Point
Duration
1-2 days
Difficulty
ExpertHighlights
- •17 miles of Class V water with Class IV and V rapids
- •A two-mile carry from the trailhead to the river, with no wheeled conveyance past the wilderness boundary
- •A trailhead with a vault toilet, bear boxes and a couple of picnic tables
- •Waterfalls, unusual rock formations and side trails through rugged terrain
- •No cell service, gas, food or emergency services nearby
Best Time to Visit
The permit season is May 15 to September 15. Outside it no permit is required, but the Forest Service warns that off-season water levels and seasonal road closures affect whether the run is possible at all.
Hazards & Considerations
- !Class IV and V rapids that the Forest Service says only experienced whitewater boaters should attempt
- !Remote canyon with no immediate emergency services
- !A rugged two-mile approach carrying boats and gear
- !Seasonal road closures in winter and spring
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
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Backcountry Tips
- Day 3: Extreme heat (99°F). Carry extra water, start at dawn.
Today
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85°
59°
Wed
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93°
67°
Thu
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99°
73°
Fri
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92°
72°
Sat
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92°
71°
Sun
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89°
62°
Mon
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79°
56°
View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.
How to Get This Permit
1
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at Recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
2
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
3
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
4
Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand4/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill3/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Navigation3/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment4/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Experienced hikers with excellent fitness and relevant technical skills.
Recommended Experience
Multi-day backpacking or river experience recommended.
About This Permit
The Forest Service sets the Forks quota at 15 people total per day, and that is the whole story of this permit. If one group of 15 is floating, only one permit issues. If 15 people launch independently, 15 permits issue.
The run is 17 miles of Class V with named rapids including Vortex, Gauntlet, Confusion and Carson Falls. The Forest Service is direct that it is not for the faint of heart and recommends it only for boaters with ample Class IV and V experience if they are going unguided. Most people do it in a day, though there is camping in the canyon.
Getting to the water is part of the trip. The Forks of the Kern Trailhead is at the end of road 20S67 off Lloyd Meadow Road, and the wilderness boundary sits about three quarters of a mile in, so no wheels past that point. It is about two miles to the river and you carry gear on your back or by pack animal.
Rules & Regulations
- •Quota is 15 people total launching per day
- •Maximum group size is 15 including the permit holder
- •Permits go on sale March 15 at 7:00 a.m. Pacific with all season dates released at once
- •Season runs May 15 to September 15, and no permit or registration is required outside it
- •No more than one permit on the same day and no overlapping permits
- •No more than 3 permits per season per customer
- •The permit prints 7 days before the entry date, and once printed it cannot be modified or cancelled
- •Vehicle information for up to 3 vehicles is required at booking
Plan Your Trip
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Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for Forks of the Kern
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Shuttle Services
Trailhead transportation options
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Guide Services
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Forks of the Kern FAQ
How many Forks of the Kern permits are issued per day?
The quota is 15 people per day, not 15 permits. One group of 15 uses the entire day's quota, while 15 independent boaters would draw 15 separate permits.
When do Forks of the Kern permits go on sale?
March 15 at 7:00 a.m. Pacific, with every date of the season released at once. The last bookable day is September 15.
How do you get to the Forks of the Kern put-in?
From the Forks of the Kern Trailhead at the end of road 20S67 off Lloyd Meadow Road. The wilderness boundary is about three quarters of a mile in, so gear goes the last stretch on your back or by pack animal. It is roughly two miles to the river.
Do I need a Forks of the Kern permit in the off season?
No. Outside the May 15 to September 15 season the Forest Service requires no permit or registration, though roads and flows may make the run impractical.
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Where to Stay
Nearby campgrounds to complete your Forks of the Kern trip
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