Oak Flat Lookout

I've always wanted to go inside of a Forest Service Fire Lookout, just to check out the view. A few years ago I learned that you could actually rent them out and spend the night, like a hotel room but they always seem to be booked way in advance so I've never had the opportunity. Last week I found myself browsing the Recreation.Gov webpage, and came across the Oak Flat Lookout, which is less than an hour northeast of downtown Bakersfield. I happened to come across a vacancy mid last week and immediately booked it for $75. I spent the next several days excitedly reading about the place online, and looking at pictures others have taken up there. My fiancée and I set out for the site last Tuesday afternoon in my '87 4Runner loaded with supplies, beer and food. Rancheria Road north of SR178 turns to gravel about 5 miles in, and there was another 10 miles or so until we found the trail to go up to the lookout, which was secured with a locked gate. I had received the combination via email when I paid for my reservation and got right in, securing the gate behind me. There was another mile or so up a fairly steep and unimproved trail before we rounded a bend and bam! There it was. The Call Fire burning about 25 miles southeast of the lookout made for a hazy sky, but the view was nevertheless outstanding from 4,920 feet. We climbed the 40 stairs thirty feet above ground level, opened the trap door and emerged onto the catwalk to find an impeccable 360 degree view of the entire mountain range and east Bakersfield. We were pleasantly surprised to find the tower and surrounding campsite (and outhouse) in good condition. It was mostly clean, save for a bit of a stench coming from inside the tower. This was especially surprising considering there's really no one that goes up to the tower regularly to maintain it. You are basically relying on the last guest to have cleaned up after themselves. While there is no water or electricity as the site, there is a propane powered stove, heater, and lantern as well as several flashlights and LED lanterns in the tower, as well as two fairly comfortable and clean twin sized beds. There's also a firepit, bench, and picnic table on site. There's also phone service (T-Mobile) on the south side of the tower. We spent the evening preparing dinner, drinking wine and beer, and listening to music before we headed down to make S'mores before bed. All in all this was an awesome, and unique experience. I recommend it to anyone in the mood for something different on their next camping trip.

Pros - Views are awesome. Nice getaway. There's a fire pit, a picnic table and a bathroom. The actual lookout also has 2 beds, a sink and a stove. The stove is really easy to use. Packing tips: sheets for the beds, covers for the pillow cases, sandals to walk around in, water for drinking, water for washing dishes/hands/etc, food (can of soup, snacks, etc), toiletries, warm clothing (gets cold at night), bug spray for spiders and earwigs, paper toilet, paper towelsPrice: $75/nightNote: No electricity and no running waterCons - Spiders and earwigs! In our first 6 hours we had already killed over 10 earwigs and 2 spiders. It also wasn't very clean - dusty and dirty. For $75/night they could do a better job at cleaning up.

Our stay here was spectacular. 360 degree views and an amazing sunset.A high clearance, two wheel drive vehicle can make it to the gate, but not past there. The terrain gets rough, steep, and your tires will spin. There's an open space to park by the gate. It's a .8 mile walk to the tower. Doable, but be prepared to carry/haul your things (I brought a dolly and hauled a plastic bin filled with firewood, it got the job done). Make sure to lock the gate after you head up. We had two vehicles drive up to check out the place, as well as a hiker. It's popular (for good reason). But you're safe in your tower, just close the hatch! There's a few earwigs roaming around. But they won't hurt ya. Its a historic structure after all. Think of them as roommates!Was an awesome experience.Check it out, but don't tell your friends. I want to go back and I don't want it to be booked up! Hahaha.