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 Enters Fire Restrictions
The Sequoia National Forest will enact fire restrictions prohibiting campfires, welding, or smoking on all public lands managed by the Forest below 5,000 feet including developed or non-developed campsites. Campfires will only be allowed above 5,000 feet in developed campgrounds managed by the Forest Service or concessionaire, California Land Management.
Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit are not exempt from the prohibitions. However, portable stoves with a shut-off valve that uses pressurized gas, liquid fuel, or propane are allowed with a valid California campfire permit. Free campfire permits are available at www.readyforwildfire.org/prevent-wildfire/campfire-safety/.
The forest is continuing to experience tree mortality, affecting approximately 600,000 acres of forest land. “These conditions coupled with low precipitation resulted in a heavy fuel load,” said Forest Supervisor Teresa Benson. “The restrictions are deemed necessary to protect public safety and prevent human-caused wildfires.”
Sequoia National Forest Personal Use Woodcutting Permits Available
The Sequoia National Forest will begin offering free personal use woodcutting permits to the public starting April 19. The free permits are for personal use only, exclude cutting for commercial purposes and will expire November 30, 2021.
Although all Sequoia National Forest Ranger Stations are closed following guidance from federal and state authorities due to COVID-19, virtual permit services are available Monday - Friday from 9 am to 2 pm. To request a woodcutting permit, call your local Ranger Station listed below for instructions or email SM.FS.SequoiaNF@usda.gov. Please be advised that it may take a couple of weeks to receive your permit.
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
Woodcutting permits will include a map, area-based woodcutting instructions, and forest policies. Woodcutting activities throughout the forest are based on current road, weather, and fire danger conditions. Please check with your local Ranger Station for current conditions and restrictions or visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sequoia/alerts-notices.
Sequoia National Forest Day Use opportunities available, Castle Fire Closure Order
For the health and welfare of our Forest visitors and staff, Sequoia National Forest Supervisor Teresa Benson announces Forest Orders No. 0513-21-06 and 0513-21-08 prohibiting overnight camping at Day Use areas on public lands managed by the Forest. In addition the the Closure Order has been extended for areas most impacted by the Castle Fire.
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
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: 
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