The Kern River flows from the heights of the Sierras of Mount Whitney, due south through Sequoia National Forest. The north and south forks of the river come together at the reservoir, Lake Isabella. While the Kern does flow from there into Bakersfield, the water is all diverted to agriculture before it makes it to Buena Vista Lake.

Great trail info can be had from this  Kern River Sierra; they put out a great paper map.

The Kern is designated as "wild and scenic" and gets special protections Wild and Scenic Kern River.