Inyokern (formerly, Siding 16 and Magnolia) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Kern County, California, United States. Inyokern is located 8 miles (13 km) west of Ridgecrest, at an elevation of 2434 feet (742 m). It is on the western side of the Indian Wells Valley. The population was 1,099 at the 2010 census, up from 984 at the 2000 census. It was a railroad town established along the Southern Pacific railroad Lone Pine Branch (now removed).