Kern River Trail

Miracle Spring was about a mile north of the boondocking site on Kern Canyon Road. And Kern River Trail was supposed to be a few miles south of the site. But there was no Kern River Trail off Kern Canyon Road. I guessed that the trail was off the Highway 178, not Kern Canyon Road. They run in parallel, and I might have mistaken Highway 178 for Kern Canyon Road. But there was Mill Creek Trail just about where I thought Kern River Trail ought to be. I figured I'd do it just since I didn't find Kern River Trail. Then, about half way to Mill Creek, I found cell signal. I pulled over and searched for Kern River Trail. It was off Highway 178 indeed.

Mill Creek was a pleasant trail complete with sun exposure, shade and creek. But it wasn't anything exciting and I still have Kern River Trail to do. I walked for an hour, crossed the creek with trickle of water half a dozen times and then turned back.

To get to Kern River Trail, you have to park your car on the other side and then across the highway. You may be able to park at Delongha day use area across the river and then walk over the bridge, but I did not explore that option. Another possibility could be to park at Democrats Hot Spring and then hike in the other direction, I imagine. But the trail description did not mention that, so I assume nobody is doing it in that direction. 

The trail was completely empty. It was one of the top rated trail near Kernville, but apparently not too many people know about it. There was no sign marking the trailhead anywhere; you have to walk into the trail from the road to see the sign. I had the trail all to myself all day long. I intended to go all the way to Democrats Hot Spring, take a dip and then come back. I turned around two thirds of the way. I already did 4 miles on Mill Creek and I wasn't too excited at the prospect of the trail turning inland away from the river. It already did that about at half way mark and it was too hot. And I wasn't looking forward to dipping in the hot spring at that point. I figured I'd turn around and dip in the cold river at a low point of the trail. 

I didn't dip in the water. I got down to the river when I got close to the bridge, but the water wasn't too inviting; it was murky. I got straight back to the car, drove to Hannings Flat and took a cold bath. The temperature dropped quite a bit by then and I was shivering.

Good day overall. I don't know what it is about rivers and streams, but they just get my juice flow. And Kern River Trail was an excellent trail. I only wish the water was clear. It flows off Lake Isabella, a rather murky and toxic one. Kern River that flows into it should be much better. I'll find out in two days.