Refuge Closed Until Further Notice

Kern National Wildlife Refuge facilities are flooded and are closed until further notice. 

Kern National Wildlife Refuge is the centerpiece of the Kern National Wildlife Refuge Complex. It is located 19 miles west of the city of Delano at the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley of California.
Kern Waterfowl Hunting Information

Learn more about hunting opportunities, seasons, and regulations at Kern NWR for the 2022-23 hunting season. 

Hunting and Hunt Results

Latest News

a black and white photo from a trail camera of a san joaquin kit fox among low bushes looking the camera with glowing eyes
Wildlife Wonders
Conservation Corner
Kern National Wildlife Refuge (Kern NWR) is known for its incredible birding opportunities, but visitors may someday soon be able to get a glimpse of a San Joaquin kit fox. For the first time since 2007, a kit fox has been seen on the refuge, and what’s more, there are signs the fox may be denning...
A river coming from the left curves to meet the ocean with a sandy beach in the foreground
Recreation
The Wildlife Refuges of I-5
This story presents a dozen-and-a-half national wildlife refuges between Seattle and San Diego where weary Interstate 5 travelers or even cyclists taking a similar path could take a short nature break.
A large white bird soaring in blue sky with its long white-and-black wings spread the width of the photo
Wildlife Wonders
Refuge Animals From A to Z
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conserves land and water on national wildlife refuges for hundreds of species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish. Here’s a sampling of them, from A to Z.
Aerial view of water and land split up
Climate Change
A model for the future
A multitude of benefits and a model for the future. That’s the result of the recently completed White Slough Tidal Wetlands Restoration Project.
A small rodent with brown fur and a large, dark eye rests on all fours beneath a small bush on sandy soil.
Wildlife Management
Don't call it a comeback. We've been here for years.
In 2016, for the first time in over 20 years, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff saw a significant increase in the number the endangered Tipton kangaroo rats on the Kern National Wildlife Refuge. Now according to surveys, 2017 was another record year for the tiny endangered species. Follow the...
A woman aims her camera at birds through a photography blind at Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon.
Recreation
Photo Blinds on Wildlife Refuges
These national wildlife refuges are among those with photography blinds or wildlife observation blinds.
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Visit Us

Kern National Wildlife Refuge provides numerous recreation opportunities to thousands of visitors every year. People enjoy viewing the diverse wildlife and habitats whether hiking, driving or hunting. Regulation of recreation activities allow for public enjoyment of the refuge while still protecting the wildlife and habitats.

Six young people stand beside a refuge wetland pond. Two are looking out over the pond through binoculars and another is using a spotting scope.
Image Details

The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset. The entrance gates close automatically ½ hour after sunset. Visitors access the refuge via the Loop Road. Roads throughout the refuge are graveled and visitors must maintain the posted speed limit of 25 miles per hour. Parking is allowed in designated parking areas only. No overnight parking is allowed on the refuge.

If planning to visit the refuge during the winter months, please keep in mind the refuge is closed to visitors not participating in the waterfowl hunt on Wednesdays and Saturdays, October through January. Temperatures can be quite cold at this time due to the dense patches of tule fog so please dress accordingly. Summer and fall temperatures at the Refuge can be hot and require plenty of sunblock, hat, and water.

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      Through restoration and maintenance of native habitat diversity, the refuge provides suitable habitat for several endangered species as well as preserving a remnant example of the historic valley uplands in the San Joaquin Desert. Approximately 8,200 visitors annually participate in refuge programs ranging from wildlife viewing to waterfowl hunting.

      A year round 6-mile auto route leads through the some of the wetlands. Hunting opportunities for waterfowl are also available. 

      What We Do

      Services
      Two young participants engage with 'ducks on a stick' environmental education display
      Kern and Pixley Environmental Education Programs
      Our Environmental Education Program is free and includes staff led field trips which may last one to two hours.

      A primary objective of the National Wildlife Refuges like Kern and Pixley is to provide an optimal environmental educational experience to all interested audiences. Our...

      Service