OutReserve

Oak Flat Lookout

OAK FLAT LOOKOUT
OAK FLAT LOOKOUT
OAK FLAT LOOKOUT
OAK FLAT LOOKOUT
OAK FLAT LOOKOUT

About 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.

Number of accommodations: 1

Nearby Activities & Attractions

Fishing

Hiking

Photography

Campground Amenities

On Site Services

On Site Services

  • Propane
Missing information?

01, Loop: AREA OAK FLAT LOOKOUT

Price not available
🏠 Cabin Unavailable

Site Details

Up to 4 guests
View Site Details

Reviews (4)

Review Summary

2.0
4 reviews
5
25.0%
1
4
0.0%
0
3
0.0%
0
2
0.0%
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1
75.0%
3

Jade T

Verified

May 5, 2021 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA OAK FLAT LOOKOUT

1

Sadly this lookout has been vandalised. I called recreation.gov to check before and they said all was open and working, it wasn't. Window's have been smashed, old gloves, socks, plastic bags and sheets have been pinned up in their place. There's definitely no cleaning in between bookings. Hope they fix it up soon.

May H

Verified

April 23, 2021 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA OAK FLAT LOOKOUT

1

THIS LOOKOUT IS NOT OPEN (as of writing this review). Went to look up the directions for my reservation and found the review that it was destroyed and vandalized. Called the ranger - she said it was closed and should not be listed and that it had been vandalized. I’ve been here before and it was amazing - super beautiful. Bummer it’s not really open. Hoping they fix it up and restore it

Laura A

Verified

April 21, 2021 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA OAK FLAT LOOKOUT

1

The lookout was vandalized and destroyed. I am requesting a refund and also I am concerned about this historical lookout’s future due to the vandalism and destruction that I witnessed.

Ken W

Verified

January 11, 2020 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA OAK FLAT LOOKOUT

5

Spending a couple nights in the Lookout Tower was a fantastic and truly unique experience. Beautiful views. Peaceful solitude, yet still had cell phone coverage. Awesome fire pit & campground area below. You'll need a vehicle with good ground clearance and while 4 wheel drive wasn't necessary, I would recommend it to be sure you can make it to the tower. The stairs are not for the faint of heart, so if you're afraid of heights, you might want to rethink it. My only real complaint was the mattresses....they could use an upgrade. Other than that, it was soooo cool being up in the tower!....wish I could have snagged a couple more days there. Went in August 2019...it was warm, but not as hot as I thought it was going to be. Saw a lot of birds. Read of tales of mountain lions in the guest book, but didn't see anything (although I thought I heard something early on morning). The vault toilet was fine....it is what it is. I did not see any bugs/earwigs in the tower, as some had complained about before. Took my little 13lb Chihuahua...he had a great time chasing lizards....although I kept him close, in case there were any predators lurking. Put a harness on the dog and carried him up into the tower....he liked the views. The deck was nice, seemed sturdy.....the railing was sturdy, although I wouldn't lean too hard against it...ha! And there was wire mesh attached so the dog didn't jump/fall out. Overall, it was just a really great experience and I wouldn't hesitate to go back.

Location Oak Flat Lookout

Address:
11380 Kernville Road
Kernville, CA, 93238
United States

Highway access

Oak Flat Lookout is accessible via State Route 155, which connects to the nearby town of Kernville. The area is approximately 20 miles from U.S. Route 395, providing additional major road access.

Latitude & Longitude: 35.5353 / -118.707

Elevation: 1499 feet

Policies & Rules

General

  • 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

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 4, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service