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.
Visiting the Sequoia National Forest
Outdoor recreation can be beneficial for your health but must be practiced safely. We recommend exercising close to your home and complying with local and state guidance for not traveling for your recreation needs. Stay safe. For more on avoiding COVID-19, visit www.coronavirus.gov.
Please avoid visiting national forests if you are sick and/or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Follow CDC guidance on personal hygiene and social distancing before and during your visit to the forest. If an area is crowded, move to a less occupied location. Also consider avoiding the forest during high-use periods.
Please visit our recreation page for information on all the Sequoia National Forest has to offer! Our online map showing recreation areas is also available. (https://www.fs.fed.us/ivm/)
Please be aware that:
Trash removal is limited – please pack out all trash and waste
Most toilet facilities are temporarily closed – please plan accordingly
Avoid high-risk activities – law enforcement and search and rescue operations may be limited
If an area is crowded, please search for a less occupied location and practice social distancing.
Cell phone coverage is not available on most of the Forest.
Hiking trails are generally open so long as access is not affected by a Forest Order closure.
Fire Restrictions
No campfires, barbecues, or open fires, in or outside of developed campgrounds except in designated campgrounds above 5000 feet in elevation. Portable stoves with gas, jelled petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed with a Free California campfire permit available at readyforwildfire.org. Please view Forest Order 0513-20-15 for more information.
Virtual Services
Sequoia National Forest Visitor Information has moved to virtual services. 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
Phone lines are extremely busy at this time. Please call our google voice at (559) 791-8827 and leave a message. We will return your call as soon as possible.
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
The Sequoia National Forest has a very active Fire and Aviation division. Find out more about 
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: 
