top of page
The Full Story
Take a look through time, from the first settlers to today, at how the Kern River - our county's namesake - has provided Bakersfield and the neighboring areas with life, recreation, and prosperity.
Sadly, instead of a river, today a dry river bed scars the center of our town. To help us envision a day when a flowing River will again be the centerpiece of our community, we solicited the memories that live with in our community and asked YOU to turn in pictures and stories of a time when the Kern River flowed through lower Bakersfield.
We hope that these photos and stories serve as a reminder of how a flowing Kern River through Bakersfield could transform our city and quality of life.
Marie D. Kern River Wind Surfing
Marie D. Kern River Wind Surfing
Marie D. Kern River Wind Surfing
Marie D. Kern River Wind Surfing
1/3
"Went out in a kayak to enjoy the few short weeks of flowing river in 2020. My coworker even went kite surfing on the river."
- Marie D.
Kayaking and Kite Surfing, Truxton Bridge to River Walk Park
"It was a wonderful and fun day with my children and nephews. I love this memory of being able to spend time by the water at Beach Park."
- Alta C.
Skating the Kern River Parkway trail 1990s
Alta C. Skating KRPW 1990s
Alta C. Skating KRPW 1990s
Alta C. Skating KRPW 1990s
Alta C. Skating KRPW 1990s
1/4
Patricia T. Beach Park 1950s
Patricia T. Beach Park 1950s
Patricia T. Beach Park 1950s
1/2
"Cooling off in the Kern River at Beach Park..."
- Patricia T.
Beach Park, Bakersfield late 1950s.
"My husband posing with a crawdad he found in the river just west of Allen Road. It's incredible how much more life there is along the river with just a few inches of water!"
- Lia M.
Dogs and Crawdad on Allen Rd. Bridge, Kern River 2017
Lia M_Dogs_KR Bridge 2017
Lia M_Dogs_KR Bridge 2017
Lia M_Dogs_KR Bridge 2017
Lia M_Dogs_KR Bridge 2017
1/5
Matthew S. Kayaking On Kern River
Matthew S. Kayaking On Kern River
Matthew S. Kayaking On Kern River
Matthew S. Kayaking On Kern River
1/10
"...The last year we saw the Kern flow so nicely through town...We floated under the 99, Mohawk, Coffee, and Callaway. It was great fun and cool to see familiar landmarks from this perspective. We drifted into the sunset and took-out at Riverwalk Park."
- Matthew S.
Kayaking through Bakersfield on Kern River, 2019
Please support our sponsors!
bottom of page