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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.
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.
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.
The lookout tower has panoramic views of the mountains, the canyon and the river.
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.
This place is amazing to go and explore. Lots of hiking trails near by. Not to many people in the area and definitely watch for wildlife
Great place to get a great view. Recent vandalism has made it inaccessible at some times and has left the tower open to the elements. It needs a new glass pane installed before winter.
Beautiful drive in the jeep. The road was not exactly car friendly. Super nice out and was green cause of recent snow fall. I filled up a bag of trash down by the lower gate so please be respectful if you go. I did not have enough bag to get it all. Gate was locked so I just hung out for a bit and left.
Absolutely amazing spot to just hang out, enjoy the view, and watch the sunset. The road up is a dirt road but doable even in a sedan. Be respectful and leave the place in good condition.
This is a nice place to come and see some very nice views on clear days. Unfortunately, not all people respect this place. The first time I went up 3 weeks ago, some windows were broke out. I took my son up there a couple of days ago, and now windows were broke, and the place was vandalized even more. It would be nice if people would leave places better than they were found so all can have the experience.
