Oak Flat Lookout
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.
The lookout has no electricity or water. A thermostat-controlled propane heater provides heat. The one-room cabin contains two twin beds. The tower can hold up to four adults.
The kitchen area includes a propane range, a counter and a sink with a drain. A propane light, fire extinguisher, a bucket and cleaning gear are all provided.
There is a single vault toilet 100 yards northwest of the lookout, and an outdoor barbecue fire ring and picnic table near the tower.
For more details, see the the Sequoia National Forest summary page.
Need to Know
- Due to steep terrain, 4 wheel drive vehicles required
- There is no electricity or running water at the tower
- All provisions, including food, water and bedding, must be hauled up hand-over-hand in a basket pulley system or carried up 40 steep stairs
- The vault toilet is 100 yards away from the tower
- Children under 18 are not allowed in the lookout except under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian
- Pets allowed but large dogs are not recommended due to the steep staircase
- For additional information you may contact the Kern River Ranger District, Kernville Ranger Station Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 760-376-3781.
- The weather can change suddenly and there is usually a strong wind blowing at Oak Flat, so bring adequate warm clothes
- Guests should pack a flashlight
- Guests might want to bring firewood for a campfire
- Guests should contact the Ranger District before arrival to confirm that there are no conditions, such as road closures, that might affect their visit
- Be sure to lock all gates and doors prior to your departure
- Guests must clean out the cabin and pack out all trash
- Learn more about the the Sequoia National Forest and Sequoia National Monument
Natural Features
The lookout tower has panoramic views of the mountains, the canyon and the river.
Recreation
Birdwatching and stargazing from the tower or the mountaintop are popular pastimes.
For guests who wish to visit an operating lookout, Breckenridge Lookout located southeast of Oak Flat is open during the summer months.
Contact Information
Default
11380 KERNVILLE ROAD KERNVILLE CA 93238
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 760-376-3781
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
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 traffic along this route. Turn right onto the Oak Flat spur road and travel up .7 miles to the Lookout tower.
