*Nomination, pending review

HISTORY:

Back in the days when transportation was in old covered wagons, James Station was built by Billie James about 3 miles down from Walker Pass Summit.  The time was 1910. 

Today all that remains of this historic site is the rock fireplace, as a fire destroyed the rest.  Billie James was known as a worker, kind of a jack-of-all-trades.  He helped build primitive roads throughout the Kern River Valley, worked as a miner and for a time, worked for Southern California Edison.  Yet he is remembered mostly for establishing James Station to provide food for the tired travelers and fresh fruit and vegetables for the miners that had neither time nor inclination to grow their own.

Billie traveled from his location to the desert of Randsburg, and within the valley, and to Kernville delivering his wares of apples and assorted vegetables.  While Billie was off on deliveries, his wife Ava, prepared wonderful home-cooked meals for travelers that ambled to their Station.  Of their five children, Bert James went into ranching until he purchased a grocery store from Jim Bechtel in Kernville. For years it was known as “Bert’s Store”.  This became the Sierra Gateway Markets that we know today.

TODAY:

101 years, five generations, and two locations later. In 1988, the Sierra Gateway Markets expanded to South Lake, and in 2008 added a full Sporting Goods and fuel. The beauty in the Kern River Valley is the variety of things to do, like the assorted water sports, snow sports, mountain activities, forest trails, rocks, and the lake. We are located 45 minutes to an hour from Bakersfield or Ridgecrest, and 2 ½ to 3 hours from Los Angeles or Riverside.

The Sierra Gateway Market in Kernville is the main grocery store on the northern side of the Kern River Valley.  Kernville is a quiet little community with the Kern River running right through it. 

Our boast is something that is unique. An old-fashioned meat counter and full service hot and cold deli.  Imagine having the ability to talk to your local butcher, placing your order for special fresh cuts of meats or sandwiches, or a selection of one of our daily lunch specials.

Our Sporting Goods centers cater to the fishermen, offering baits, poles, reels, information of the best fishing spots, and much more.  Our store also carries assorted products for the RV’er, camper, river enthusiast, hiker, biker, archerer, paint ball enthusiast, and gun buff. We also carry clothing and a tremendous selection of wines and liquor, gift items, and farm fresh produce.  Both locations carry fishing & hunting licenses, and boat permits.

Directions:

From Hwy 5:  If traveling from north or south on Hwy 5, take Hwy. 178 east for the Kern River Canyon route.  The road is curvy once you approach the canyon, but opens up approximately 15 miles into a four-lane highway.   At the Wofford Heights/Kernville off ramp, turn left and follow the road for about 13 miles to Kernville.  Make a left on Sierra Way and just under ½ mile, Sierra Gateway Market will be on your right. 

From Hwy 14: If traveling from north or south on Hwy 14, take CA-178 W.  Stay on CA-178 W for about 32 miles.  Turn right on Sierra Way and continue for about 12 miles.  You will come across a school on your right hand side, continue for about a block.  The store will be on your right hand side.

Seasons Open: Open year round