Sequoia National Forest

Sequoia National Forest is a national forest surrounding Sequoia National Park in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. The forest contains many groves of giant sequoias, the largest living things in the world, along with many other gems. == Understand == Sequoia NF is divided into two sections, a northern and a southern, with Sequoia National Park in between. Much of the forest was, in 2000, made into the new Giant Sequoia National Monument. Sequoia National Forest website == Get in == == Fees and permits == == Get around == == See == === Northern Section === Buck Rock Lookout. A neat lookout way out on the top of a rock. Near Hume Lake, east of General Grant tree. Delilah Lookout. A fire lookout that is 60 feet above the ground. Chicago Stump. Was a healthy 2000-year old sequoia until it was logged. Some of its pieces were sent to Chicago, where easterners called it a hoax, thinking that no tree could possibly be that wide. The stump is now about 20 feet tall and 25 feet in diameter. It's just north of the General Grant tree. === Southern Section === The Needles. A bunch of sharp peaks, one of which holds a fire lookout with a fantastic view. Dome Rock. Neat place to visit, even if you're not a rock climber. There's a great view of The Needles. Trail of 100 Giants. Northeast of Johnsondale, is popular for its many giant sequoias. == Do == Southern Section Dome Rock and the Needles. Favorites among rock climbers. Kennedy Meadows OHV area. A perfect place to test your skills. Greenhorn Cave and Packsaddle Cave. Are there if you're into exploring caves. == Buy == 1 Kennedy Meadows General Store, 96740 Beach Meadows Rd, Inyokern, ☏ +1 559-850-5647. Daily 9AM-5PM (hours vary by season; call ahead to confirm). General store and major resupply point; accepts resupply packages ($2 fee, send 2 or more weeks ahead). (updated Jul 2026) == Eat == == Drink == == Sleep == Buck Rock Campground (free) Quaking Aspen Campground Upper Peppermint Campground. Free. == Stay safe == == Go next == Sierra National Forest and Inyo National Forest border Sequoia. Sequoia National Park is surrounded by part of the forest. Kings Canyon National Park is also a nice place to start Sierran hikes from (including Whitney). Kernville is a small town on the Kern River.