#1 OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA IN THE UNITED STATES. 

The Kern River Valley, located in the southern Sierra Nevada at the confluence of the north and south forks of the Kern River.  It is host to the greatest biological diversity in the entire state of California !  Five of the six major bioregions (distinct major regions of life) in the state merge here. The region's myriad of natures recreation lends a uniquely dramatic backdrop for valley residents and tourists to explore . Perhaps the most impressive element of the Kern River watershed is the past dedication and planning efforts to preserve the region's most valuable asset: it's natural environment.

The watershed currently contains eight federally listed wilderness areas, and consequently, much of the region is still pristine. The combination of the striking, unmarred beauty of the natural landscapes, the spectacular visual quality and the friendliness of the residents, affords the Kern River Valley an ideal place to both visit and live.

Within this intimate wild mix of habitat types and bioregions may be found plants and animals of the Central Valley, Chaparral, Great Basin, Mojave Desert and Sierra Nevada. This grand mix of bioregions is unparalleled anywhere else in the United States and Canada! 

The Kern River Valley is one of nature's most diverse habitats: 330+ bird species (c. 200 species per Biofest and an incredible 200 nesting species!), 135 butterfly species (over 50% of California's lepidoptera), 2,000+ species of plants (a third of California's flora) and the highest mammal diversity in the United States (115+ species!).

This stunningly beautiful valley is a highlight in itself: 6000' to 8000' southern Sierra Nevada peaks; the National Wild & Scenic North Fork Kern River; California's "Most Beautiful" Miracle Hot Springs Sanctuary; Audubon California's Globally Important 1100-acre Kern River Preserve; Sequoia National Forest's 1200-acre South Fork Wildlife Area; California's Department of Fish & Game's 1300-acre Canebrake Ecological Reserve; and the newly designated Giant Sequoia National Monument.

Lastly, the Kern River Valley has been recognized as the #1 OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA IN THE UNITED STATES.  Bicycling, camping, catch-and-release fishing, cross country skiing, downhill skiing, golfing, horseback riding, kayaking, lake fishing, mountain biking, rock climbing, river and stream fishing, sailing, snow boarding, snow shoeing, spelunking, water skiing, white water rafting, wild trout fishing and wind surfing are among the myriad of outdoor recreational opportunities found here,  many of them known as world class.