Scenic 395 - The Official Guide 2026

2026 Scenic 395 23 Kern River A trip around Lake Isabella is like a piece of Heaven By Catherine Stachowiak Kern Valley Sun A trip around Isabella Lake, in the Kern Valley of the Se- quoia Forest, is a relaxing and exciting experience for visitors and locals alike. History, recre- ation, and ecology buffs would definitely want to experience this trip. People who couldn’t care less about history, ecology, or recreation would also think the trip is worthwhile because of the other valley activities tourists would enjoy doing and the sightseeing. Come take a trip around Isa- bella Lake and see what there is to experience. The brief car trip makes the drive easy to bear for the children in your back- seat. Romance seekers would also delight that the area is like a quiet and secluded piece of heaven. So whatever your reasons for venturing this area, whatever your age, you won’t be disappointed. Begin your trip with a tour of the Silver City Ghost Town in Bodfish, just adjacent to the town of Lake Isabella. The surrounding mountain views are inviting enough. History buffs would welcome a tour of the historical buildings col- lected frommining camps of Old Isabella, Keyesville, South Fork andWhiskey Flat, as well as other local frontier settle- ments. Travel further along Lake Is- abella Boulevard and then en- joy Uffert Park, also known to locals as Tank Park, a memo- rial to US Veterans. The park features military vehicles and artifacts, which include sal- vaged parts from the USS Ari- zona, honoring various service members and conflicts such asWorldWar II. According to the local American Legion Post 711, kids are welcome to climb on the military tanks, or play in the nearby playground. And just across the street you may decide to visit the Kathe Malouf Dog Park with your pet. There you’ll find the Linda E. Kissack Ball Field, and Randall Skate Park with its satisfying obstacles and 10,000 square feet of concrete facility to use for skateboarding, scooters, and BMX bikes. The skate park allows for tricks with rails, ramps, ledges, and a half-pipe area. Head down closer to the lake. Starting near the Erskine Creek Road intersection, and ex- tending south up Lake Isabella Boulevard, enjoy a walk along the walking path, which local native tribes and the Kern Riv- er Valley Heritage Foundation have surrounded with native plant landscaping and a border fence. Along the path you’ll find the sea containers, which local artists beautified with hand paintedmurals. The property is part of a Hot Springs ValleyWetlands Preserve project. And at this location, even those who are disabled can still have the plea- sure of exploring. Your pets are welcome to tag along. Joggers and bicyclists find the views to be stunning. Yet elderly or small children canmake use of the recently installed resting benches. The Urban Greening grant funds the path, and helped es- tablish andmaintain the green belt, protecting the adjacent wetlands. The location is easy to find between the Ark Church building and Erskine Creek Road intersection, and running all the way out to Highway 178. After these outings, consider taking the kids over to have a snack or meal at the Kern Valley Plaza where eateries are plentiful. Take your partner on a ro- mantic date. Enjoy fine dining and live music or comedy at the 178 Bar &Grill. Visit DamKorner, right up Lake Isabella Boulevard for DickWeed’s Brews & Grub. DickWeed’s has more large sports screens than any sports grill around. Its rich history, with a wall dedicated to its namesake, old time miner andmusician DickWeed, makes it a fun showcase expe- rience. Wind your way up Highway 178 to Red’s Marina for some fishing and a good lunch, right on the lake. Youmay find it interesting to know that dedicated volunteers from the Kern River Valley Chamber of Commerce feed the trout there in pens for many weeks before the Isabella Lake Fishing Derby the chamber organizes. This year’s Isabella Lake Fishing Derby is planned for March 28-30. You stand to win cash prizes by participating and when you catch the right fish. The same chamber holds an annual Christmas Parade on Lake Isabella Boulevard with Santa Claus. Along Isabella Lake you can also find an Independence Day celebration, with a fireworks display the Saturday closest to July 4. Join your date for an eve- ning of dinner and cocktails at Paradise Cove Lodge. The dining room is well positioned See Trip on Page 24 Red’s Marina is one place of many to visit when taking a trip around Lake Isabella,with fishing and a good lunch on offer. Photo by Catherine Stachowiak, Kern Valley Sun