Kern River via Black Rock Ranger Station Trail Conditions

[hikerdude87]

With the Forks of the Kern trailhead closed due to last years Castle Fire, I was wondering if anyone has insight on getting to the Kern River via Black Rock Ranger Station. From looking at it on CalTopo it seems like it has similar mileage and you lose elevation getting down to the Kern. However, it seems like the trail from Black Rock Ranger Station has more elevation gain on the way out. And I read that the trail is less defined after Jordan Hot Springs. It definitely does not have the nice walk along the Kern like the Forks of the Kern trail has.

[Cory773]

Hi Hikerdude -- did you end up making your way down this trail? I'm looking to do so myself soon. If I do, I will post an update. Thanks!

[JayOtheMountains]

Jordan to the Kern was affected by the Castle Fire in 2020. If I recall correctly that area, just west of the Jordan burn scar burned in a medium to medium-high intensity. Shade is probably scattered on that segment. Tough, since Jordan HS is around 6,500' and Painter Camp is about 5,200'. Warm. May want to contact Kernville Ranger district : (760) 376-3781

I would love to hear/see how Painter Camp fared. It's been on a list of places to go check out.

There was a spike camp at the HS, and I'm assuming the tread from the workers probably re-established the trail from the HS to the river. If not by Pulaski, then by tread on the pathway.