The Sequoia National Forest covers over 1.1 million acres in three counties of Southern California and offers an abundance of recreation opportunities for people to enjoy. The Forest offers 52 developed campgrounds, hiking on more than 1,147 miles of trails including 47 miles of the PCT, over 314,448 acres of wilderness, 222 miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers, 2,617 rivers and streams, world-class whitewater rapids, 158 ponds and lakes, boating, fishing, biking, horseback riding and more.
Sequoia National Forest day use opportunities available, overnight camping prohibited
For the health and welfare of our Forest visitors and staff, Sequoia National Forest Supervisor Teresa Benson announces Forest Orders No. 0513-21-01, 0513-21-02, and 0513-21-03 prohibiting overnight camping on public lands managed by the Forest. These Forest Orders will be in effect from January 6, 2021 to January 31, 2021.
Forest Order 21-05: (Kern River Ranger District) Update - January 12, 2021
USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region has decided to extend the developed campground closure on 12 National Forests in California to provide consistent COVID-19 mitigation response in accordance with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Stay-at-Home Orders. These Regional Orders will be in effect through January 29, 2021.
Day use of National Forests will remain open for the health and welfare of Californians. We urge all visitors to follow CDC guidelines to recreate responsibly and check with your local National Forests before visiting.
The follow regional orders have been issued to provide for public safety and protect natural resources:
Winter is approaching: A reminder to recreate responsibly on National Forests
With winter just around the corner, all visitors to California’s National Forests should continue to plan ahead before visiting and recreate responsibly once there. Early snowfall has already begun on some forests and road conditions will begin to impact access so please ensure that your vehicle is snow ready before you go. Click here to read more!
Sequoia (SQF) Complex Area Closure Extended
Forest officials have extended the closure of Sequoia National Forest managed land near the Castle Fire through January 31, 2021.
Containment of the SQF Complex reached 100% for the portion of the fire managed by the Sequoia National Forest. An Interagency Emergency Task Force continues to prepare for flash floods and debris flow, busily cleaning debris from culverts and drains to minimize impacts. Once work is complete, additional areas will reopen to the public.
The Forest has closed offices and implemented virtual services to protect the health and safety of employees and members of the public during the COVID-19 outbreak in accordance with guidance from federal and state authorities.
These actions have been taken based on the best available medical advice to limit gatherings of large numbers of people and to promote social distancing.
If you need immediate assistance or have questions, please email SM.FS.SequoiaNF@usda.gov or call the Supervisor's Office, a District Ranger Station listed below Monday- Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm:
Supervisor’s Office in Porterville: (559) 920-1588
Hume Lake Ranger District in Dunlap: (559) 791-5758
Western Divide District in Springville: (559) 920-0460
Kern River Ranger District in Kernville: (760) 549-9533
Many services traditionally offered in our public offices are available online
The Sequoia National Forest has a very active Fire and Aviation division. Find out more about Fire and Aviation Management (FAM) on the Sequoia.
A video podcast series on Ecological Restoration, called "Restore," provides video podcasts highlighting successes we are making in our restoration activities.
Tree mortality in California crosses all land ownerships; government, citizens and private industry are working together to mitigate hazards and create more resilient forests. More information is available at: www.fs.usda.gov/CATreeMortality.
The Sequoia National Forest has closed the Historic Big Blue Mill Site due to elevated levels of metals that were determined to be a potential risk to public health. The Forest Service will be conducting additional investigations summer of 2020 to determine the full nature and extent of contamination.
Nature instills a peace and calmness we can't experience in our daily lives, and the more we discover the natural world around us, the more we will feel connected to the world