Kern River

river, United States

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Last updated

June 30, 2026

Quick Summary

The Kern River is a river in south-central California, United States. It flows southwest for approximately 150 miles (241 kilometers) and empties into a reservoir. The Kern River is also notable for being the sole habitat of a specific variety of rainbow trout, known as the Kern River trout. Additionally, the term "Kern River Indian" refers to Indigenous peoples who historically lived along the Kern River. The Kern River is distinct from the San Joaquin and Sacramento rivers, which are located in the same general region of California.12345

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Bakersfield
…distribute the waters of the Kern River; the region subsequently became important in the production of grain, alfalfa, and livestock. The discovery of the Kern River oil fields in 1899 brought a large-scale petroleum industry, which was centred at Bakersfield.
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…distribute the waters of the Kern River; the region subsequently became important in the production of grain, alfalfa, and livestock. The discovery of the Kern River oil fields in 1899 brought a large-scale petroleum industry, which was centred at Bakersfield.
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Sierra Nevada
Drainage and glaciation
…the early 20th century, the Kern River drained into the Buena Vista Lake basin, south of the San Joaquin River.
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…the early 20th century, the Kern River drained into the Buena Vista Lake basin, south of the San Joaquin River.
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