The Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument are named for the giant sequoia, the world’s largest tree. The landscape is as spectacular as its 38 groves of giant sequoia. Majestic granite monoliths, glacier-torn canyons, roaring whitewater and lush meadows await your discovery at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. The Sequoia is one of nineteen National Forests in California. It takes its name from the giant sequoia, the world’s largest tree, which grows in more than 30 groves on the forest’s lower slopes. The Sequoia’s landscape is as spectacular as its trees. Soaring granite monoliths, glacier-torn canyons, roaring whitewater and more await your discovery at the Sierra Nevada’s southern end. Elevations range from 1,000 feet in the foothill region to peaks over 12,000 feet in the rugged high country, providing visitors with some of the most spectacular views of mountainous landscape in the entire west.
History & Culture
The Sequoia National Forest received its name for the 39 groves of giant sequoia located within its boundaries. In 1847 a German botanist named Stephen Endlicher named the coastal redwood trees Sequoia sempervirens. He presumably was honoring the Cherokee Chief Sequoya or Sikwayi who invented a phonetic alphabet of 86 symbols for the Cherokee language. In 1854 a French botanist, Joseph Decaisne, applied the name to the giant sequoias, which are closely related to the coastal redwoods.
Attractions
Kings River and Kings Canyon Scenic Byway
The Kings River forms one of the deepest canyons in North America, with elevations ranging from less than 1,000 feet to over 11,000 feet at Hogback Peak. Highway 180, the primary access route into the northern portion of the Giant Sequoia National Monument, is designated a National Scenic Byway. It accesses this rugged canyon, with several panoramic vistas along the way, as it follows the Kings River and climbs to forests of giant sequoias, the largest trees on the planet. Guided trips for whitewater rafting are available on the Kings River.
Hume Lake
Formed by a unique multiple arch dam, constructed in 1908, Hume Lake provided water for the longest-ever lumber flume. Lumber was floated by flume through the Kings Canyon to Sanger, a distance of 73 miles. A sawmill fire stopped operations in 1917. Today, the 87- acre lake is the feature attraction of the Hume Lake recreation area.
Chicago Stump
A huge giant sequoia, known as the General Noble Tree, was cut and sections were reassembled at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Visitors can view the remaining 20 foot “Chicago Stump” on the Hume Lake Ranger District.
Boole Tree
The Boole Tree is the last of the huge giant sequoias that had grown until the 1890’s in Converse Basin. It is the largest tree on National Forest System land and is recognized as one of the largest trees in the world. It stands 269 feet tall and has a diameter of 35 feet. A loop trail of moderate difficulty leads from the road to the tree and beyond to beautiful vistas of the Kings River.
Boyden Cavern
This cavern is located along the Kings River on Highway 180. A 45-minute tour (a fee is charged) through the cavern features stalagtites, draperies and stalagmites.
Buck Rock Lookout
At an elevation of 8,500 feet, Buck Rock Lookout sits perched atop a granite dome and offers breathtaking views of the Great Western Divide and other spectacular high mountain peaks of the Sierra Nevada. Access to this 1920’s era fire lookout is via a series of stair flights suspended from the side of the rock. Still currently active as a location for the detection of wildfires, Buck Rock is open to the public and is located near Big Meadows on the Hume Lake Ranger District.
The Needles
The Needles are a series of massive granite rock formations rising from the North Fork of the Kern River near its junction with the Little Kern. The fire lookout atop the Needles, at an elevation of 8,245 feet, offers majestic views of the Golden Trout Wilderness and Kern River Canyon. A 2.5-mile long, moderately difficult hike leads to the lookout, which includes a steep, long staircase leading into the tower itself. Visitors may reach the lookout station via road and trail access near Quaking Aspen Campground on the Tule River Ranger District.
Dome Rock
This massive granite monolith along the Western Divide Highway forms a natural vista point overlooking the Kern River Canyon. Other scenic spots along the Western Divide include several mountain meadows, including Quaking Aspen, Long, Redwood and Holey meadows.
Trail of a Hundred Giants
This popular site is where President Bill Clinton signed the proclamation, creating the 327,769-acre Giant Sequoia National Monument in April, 2000. This universally accessible trail meanders through over 125 giant sequoias in the Long Meadow Grove.
Kern River
This tumbling mountain stream originates in the high Sierra near Mount Whitney. Camping, picnicking, fishing, rafting and kayaking bring thousands to its banks each year. Waters of the Kern, along with other rivers in the area, can be treacherous, as changing water levels, hidden rocks and swift currents make the rivers unsafe for swimming. Enjoy yourself, but take special care along rivers.
Lake Isabella
This reservoir on the Kern River is one of the largest in southern California, covering more than 17 square miles. Lake Isabella offers fishing, boating, water skiing, camping and picnicking. The lake also provides water for irrigation, hydroelectric power and flood control. The South Fork wildlife area is located adjacent to the lake.
Recreation
The Sequoia National Forest offers a huge range of outdoor recreation activities. The trails offer hiking, backpacking, horseback riding and mountain biking. The many developed campgrounds or dispersed areas provide the full range of camping experiences. The rivers, lakes and reservoirs offer boating, fishing, water-skiing, swimming, whitewater rafting and kayaking. In the winter, the high elevations provide downhill skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
Traveler Facts
Contact Information
Sequoia National Forest
900 West Grand Ave.
Porterville, CA 93257
Phone: 559-784-1500
Weather/Climate
Elevation plays a major role in temperature and precipitation on the Sequoia National Forest. This precipitation falls mainly from October through April. At higher elevations, much of it comes in the form of snow. Winter temperatures well below freezing and summer temperatures above 100 degrees indicate the normal seasonal spread. Clouds can build up during the summer to produce thunderstorm activity. It is wise to pack for any season when venturing into the high country, with clothing that can be “layered”, ready to peel off or add on as the thermometer dictates. Always include some kind of rain gear.
