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Oak Flat Lookout - Site # 152


Background:	Here's a rare chance to spend the night in a retired fire lookout with an unbeatble 360 degree view of the surrounding oak woodlands, the scenic Kern River, and the rugged Greenhorn Mountains. Watch bald eagles, golden eagles, Swainson's hawks, prairie falcons, and red-tailed hawks soar on thermal updrafts. Use your spotting scope to scan the slopes for traveling mountain lions, bobcatx, black bears, and gray foxes. Search among the black and live oaks for California quail, band-tailed pigions, and chukar. The oak woodland is also a seasonal home to mountain chickadees, plain titmice, California thrashers, horned larks, and other migrant birds. If you plan a springtime visit, enjy the dramatic wildflower displays.

Viewing Tips:	Only fire lookout in California that can be rented overnight ($25/night); you must call USFS for reservations. Day viewing open to public; walk in 0.3 mile past locked gate. Viewing from trail or from vehicle on Greenhorn Summit. About 12.7 miles of graded dirt/gravel roads; last 0.7 mile may not be passable when wet.

How to Get There:	From Bakersfield, take Highway 178 east 8 miles to Rancheria Road. Turn left (north) and drive 15 miles to Forest Road 27S20 and turn right (south). Travel 0.7 mile to lookout tower.

Contact Information
Managing Agency:	USDA Forest Service
Agency Site URL:
Physical Address:	, CA	Agency 2:	, CA
Manager Phone:
Site Phone:	(805) 871-2223
County:
Addition Website: