Sorry for the delay, I am packing for a week long car camping trip to the Portal....I do this every year and do a lot of day hiking.
When I crossed the Kern Bridge, I thought the Kern River looked pretty good, water flow wise. But as I hiked the 17.5 miles up the Kern, It was amazing how many streams flow into the Kern, and by the time I reached Junction Meadow, the Kern River was mellow....(a technical term).
Right now, as the Kern flows you are correct. The Kern is on it's way down. Fishing should be excellent when you go. There are many meadows that border the Kern where the Kern flows slowly, or log jams that contain really nice pools behind them.
I was rethinking my opinion of the trail down into the Kern, I think after reading your comments, you'll do really well. Hey, I am 65 and bad knees......
I wouldn't be surprised that with an early start out of Horseshoe Meadows, you should make, barring a problem the Kern River the same day (about 20 miles, give or take).
As for fires, when I picked up my permit at the Inyo Visitor's Center, there were fire restrictions for this year and there was a lot of emphasis on no fires.
Consider an Esbit Stove and metal cup for coffee to save weight...
As always, watch the weather reports..... When I went May 4th, the weather report was for a dry cold front......it snowed at the bottom of the Kern. For the next several days, the temperature in the morning was below freezing and days were cold enough for a light jacket and long top underwear.... at 65 warmth is necessary.
paul
