Oak Flat Lookout

Shared by @public_lands (Public Lands)

Sequoia National Forest

Cabin / lookout rental · USDA Forest Service · Sequoia National Forest Fees: $75/Night for single unit Season: April 15 Status: closed Reservations: This site can be reserved by calling Toll Free 1-877-444-6777 (International 518-885-3639 or TDD 877-833-6777) or on-line at http://www.recreation.gov Overview The Oak Flat Lookout sits the Greenhorn Mountains in the Sequoia National Forest and Sequoia National Monument, about an hour from Bakersfield, California. Perched at an elevation of 4,900 feet, the tower overlooks the scenic Kern River and Kern River Valley and has panoramic views of the mountains, river and valley. Oak Flat Lookout was constructed in 1934 to provide fire detection views along the Kern River Canyon. In the early years of the Forest Service, lookouts provided a crucial link in wild land management, often being the only source of communication and fire detection for many miles. The lookout was operational until the 1980s. There is no electricity or water in the lookout. All provisions, including food, water and bedding, must be carried up 40 steep steps to the tower space or pulled hand-over-hand in a small basket pulley system. Recreation Birdwatching and… Getting there: From Bakersfield, California, take Highway 99 to Highway 178 and travel east towards the Kern River Canyon. After passing through the last traffic light (Miramonte Drive) east of town, you will travel downhill. Rancheria Road will be the next left turn off the highway. Proceed 15 miles north along this road. The first part of Rancheria Road is paved and then it becomes an unimproved gravel road. It is approximately 45 minutes to reach the turnoff to Oak Flat. Watch for livestock and other… Rules: Minimum high clearance vehicle recommended for access to the tower. No trash service. Pack out what you pack in. Phone: 760-376-3781 Official page: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234601 Source: Recreation.gov, USDA Forest Service. Fees and seasons change; check the official page before you go. Photos: Recreation.gov