Oak Flat Lookout
Closed — Closed until further notice due to storm damage sustained in 2021. The lookout has broken windows and damaged floorboards making the facility unsafe.
Western Divide and Kern River Ranger Districts Winter Road Closures
To provide for public safety and protect natural resources, using any type of motorized wheeled vehicle on the National Forest System roads the Exhibit and attached map, except persons using a tracked over-the-snow vehicle when there is a minimum of twelve inches of snow on the road.
Hume Lake Ranger District Road Closure Except ATV/OHV and Tracked Vehicles - 2025
To provide public safety and protect natural resources, using any type of motorized wheeled vehicle on the National Forest System roads listed below and shown on the attached map (Exhibit A) is prohibited.
Hume Lake Ranger District Road Closure Except Tracked Vehicles - 2025
To provide public safety and protect natural resources, the following act is prohibited within the Hume Lake
Hume Lake Ranger District Winter Roads Closure - No Exceptions - 2025
To provide public safety and protect natural resources, using any type of motorized wheeled vehicle on the National Forest System roads listed below and shown on the attached map (Exhibit A) is prohibited.
Wildlife Alert - BEARS
Be Bear Aware During Your Visit.Are you prepared to store your food properly on your next camping or backpacking trip?Much of the Sequoia National Forest is American black bear habitat. They belong here.
Sequoia National Forest Camping and Parking Restrictions
The following acts are prohibited within the Sequoia National Forest. 1. Camping for more than 14 consecutive days within any 30-day period anywhere on National Forest System lands within the Sequoia National Forest. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(a).
Day Use Only Prohibition FOREST ORDER NO. 0513-25-04
The following is prohibited within the Sequoia National ForestBeing in an area designated as Day Use Only after sunset or before sunrise.
Kings River Scenic Byway Dispersed Camping Prohibition 2025
To protect natural resources, camping within 250 feet of the Kings River Scenic Byway (State Highway 180) from its intersection with Tenmile Road (Forest Road No. 13S09) and continuing east approximately 21.1 miles to the Sequoia National Forest boundary. See map.
Kern River Ranger District Glass Container Prohibition
The following act is Prohibited within the Kern River Ranger District of the Sequoia National Forest: Possessing or storing food or beverages in glass containers in the Kern Canyon and Isabella Lake Glass Container Prohibition Areas, as described in Exhibit A, and shown on Exhibits B, C, and D.
North Fork Kern Wild and Scenic River Camping Prohibition
Camping is prohibited outside of the developed campgrounds and designated dispersed camping areas listed in the Exhibit and locations shown on the map.
Brush Creek Dispersed Camping Area Prohibition
Camping is prohibited within 50 feet of the Brush Creek water’s edge, between the intersection of Brush Creek with the Kern River and points 0.5 miles east of the Kern River along both branches of Brush Cree
Chico Flat Dispersed Camping Area Prohibition
Kern River Ranger DistrictChico Flat Dispersed Camping Area Prohibition
About
Oak Flat Lookout sits atop the Greenhorn Mountains in Sequoia National Forest, about an hour from Bakersfield, California. Built in 1934, this historic fire lookout tower provided crucial fire detection along the Kern River Canyon until the 1980s. Perched at 4,900 feet elevation, the 14x14 foot L-4 cab with catwalk offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Kern River Valley, canyon, and surrounding mountains. This rustic tower rental requires guests to carry all provisions, including food, water, and bedding, up 40 steep steps to reach the lookout space. Alternatively, a small basket pulley system allows supplies to be pulled hand-over-hand. The primitive experience includes no electricity or running water, making it ideal for those seeking solitude and spectacular stargazing opportunities. Access requires traveling 15 miles north on Rancheria Road, which transitions from paved to unimproved gravel, followed by a 0.7-mile climb on the Oak Flat spur road. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended. The tower offers excellent birdwatching and is located near other attractions in the Giant Sequoia National Monument.
Directions
From Bakersfield, take Highway 99 to Highway 178 and travel east towards the Kern River Canyon. After passing through the last traffic light at Miramonte Drive east of town, travel downhill and turn left onto Rancheria Road. Proceed 15 miles north; the road is initially paved then becomes unimproved gravel. Turn right onto the Oak Flat spur road and travel 0.7 miles uphill to the lookout tower. High-clearance vehicle recommended. Watch for livestock along the route.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $75 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (760) 376-3781 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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