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Lake Isabella in Eastern California
Susan Helene Kramer
Lake Isabella is an
unexpected treat to experience in Kern County, California. It was formed when
the Kern River was damned. The nearest big city is Bakersfield, located 35
miles to the southwest. Lake Isabella is a recreational lake and area, with
tourism the main economic support.
Driving from the southern
California coast city of Ventura along Route 101, take scenic route 33 through
the eclectic town of Ojai, before heading east, over the mountain on route 150
toward Santa Paula. At the route 126 junction, drive east
through Fillmore, until reaching the major north, south artery of route 5.
This is a good time to fill your gas tank as the drive
from here to Lake Isabella will be more scenery than civilization.
Be sure you have enough
water, both to drink, and for your car in case it overheats heading north into
higher elevations. Buy food now, or pack a picnic for at least half a day so
you don’t arrive at the lake too hungry.
A hint:
While driving in California you may cover vast distances between pit stops, so
I bring along an ice chest of drinks and real food, like cartons of yogurt,
plastic utensils, and fresh fruit, besides the bags of chips and trail mix.
Don’t forget tissues or wet wipes for comfort stops in an emergency. Wear
sunglasses for the glare and bring a sun hat and sweater, both. Differences in
elevation raise or lower the outdoor temperature.
Continuing the journey: When you
reach route 5, turn north to Bakersfield, which upon reaching, you will have
come about 125 miles from Ventura on the coast. In Bakersfield be on alert for
the junction of route 178 heading east and slightly north-east about 35 miles
to Lake Isabella.
On the map this may look like
a short section of road compared to reaching Bakersfield, but it is the
opposite of a freeway. It is narrow winding road in rising elevation through
mountain passes lined with huge bare boulders.
When you wonder if it will ever
end, there in front of you suddenly appears the gorgeous site of Lake Isabella.
You made it! Driving this route I’ve just described I left Ojai at noon and
arrived at Lake Isabella in early evening. There are motels around the lake and
opportunities for sports on the lake such as kayaking, fishing, water skiing,
and assorted camping opportunities. If you are there in summer and have come
from the Los Angeles area or one of the deserts, enjoy the greenery and cooler
temperatures here at 2,513 feet elevation.
It is a peaceful and serene
location that I’ve enjoyed visiting twice.
Sources:
Rand
McNally Road Atlas for driving route
Statistics:
Southern and Central California
Atlas and Gazetteer: Detailed Topographic Maps by DeLorme
Camping Information:
http://www.kernvalley.com/news/lakecamp.htm
Article
and photo by Susan Helene Kramer
Copyright 2012-2015 Susan Helene Kramer
Santa Barbara, California USA
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Published by Creations in Consciousness
email susan@susankramer.com
web site http://www.susankramer.com