
Jed Johnson Lake and Tower
An easy hike to an old fire lookout tower offering breathtaking views of a vibrant blue lake and the Wichita Mountains.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Golden hour for stunning photos

Jed Johnson Lake and Tower
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An easy hike to an old fire lookout tower offering breathtaking views of a vibrant blue lake and the Wichita Mountains.
"Spectacular lake views from the tower base, totally worth the easy hike!"

Easy Hike for All
A 0.5-mile trail, perfect for families and kids. Up and back is about 1.4 miles total. :athletic_shoe:
Tower Access
The tower is closed and boarded up, but the views from the base are spectacular. :camerawithflash:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Jed Johnson Lake Tower
Summit of the trail
An old fire lookout offering panoramic views of the vibrant blue lake and surrounding mountains. The tower is closed, but the base provides incredible vistas.

Jed Johnson Lake Reservoir
Near the tower
A beautiful, serene blue reservoir offering a cool contrast to the rugged landscape. Perfect for photography and enjoying nature's tranquility.

Sunset Views
Base of the tower
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors over the lake and mountains. A truly magical experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Views & Wildlife
Easy Access, Stunning Scenery
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wichita Mountains
Easy Hike for All
A 0.5-mile trail, perfect for families and kids. Up and back is about 1.4 miles total. :athletic_shoe:
Tower Access
The tower is closed and boarded up, but the views from the base are spectacular. :camerawithflash:
Camping in Wichita Mountains
Sunset Spectacle
Catch an amazing sunset from the base of the tower. The lake views are worth it! :sunriseovermountains:
Wildlife Refuge Hours
The refuge closes at dark, except for licensed anglers near water. Not a 24-hour attraction. :clock1:
Tips
from all over the internet
Easy Hike for All
A 0.5-mile trail, perfect for families and kids. Up and back is about 1.4 miles total. :athletic_shoe:
Tower Access
The tower is closed and boarded up, but the views from the base are spectacular. :camerawithflash:
Sunset Spectacle
Catch an amazing sunset from the base of the tower. The lake views are worth it! :sunriseovermountains:
Wildlife Refuge Hours
The refuge closes at dark, except for licensed anglers near water. Not a 24-hour attraction. :clock1:
Shade is Limited
There are some trees for shade, but not many. Bring water and sun protection. :hot_face:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Jed Johnson Lake and Tower for its easy, family-friendly hike and spectacular views of the vibrant blue lake and surrounding mountains. While the tower itself is closed, the vistas from its base, especially at sunset, are a major highlight. Some note the limited shade and the wildlife refuge's strict closing hours.
"Super easy hike, only 0.5 miles to the tower. The lake is a really pretty blue color, some trees for shade but not many"
Kailey Miller
"Also known as the ghost tower. It comes if you search for haunted places in Oklahoma but haven't seen a ghost yet. It's a beautiful hike in the daytime, but the wildlife refugees closes in the hours of darkness. There are so many posts talk about this being a 24 hour attraction, and it's just not. The only people allowed on the wildlife refuge after dark are people with fishing licenses, near body of water"
why i
"This was a nice, easy half-mile trail. There were several families with young kids who had no trouble making it up to the top and back down. There's a beautiful view from the top, of the river below and the mountains surrounding it."
Esther Tuzicka
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Jed Johnson Lake and Tower is located within the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. Access is typically via State Highway 49. The trail to the tower is a short, well-marked path from the parking area.
Public transport options are very limited in this remote area. It is highly recommended to have your own vehicle for easy access to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge and Jed Johnson Lake and Tower.
From Cache, Oklahoma, take State Highway 49 North into the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Look for signs directing you to Jed Johnson Lake and the tower. The hike is about 0.5 miles from the parking area.
Generally, there are no entrance fees for the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge itself. However, specific activities or areas within the refuge might have associated costs.
Yes, there is a designated parking area near the trailhead for Jed Johnson Lake and Tower, making it convenient for visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, tickets are not required to visit Jed Johnson Lake and Tower. It is part of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, which is generally free to enter.
The tower itself is closed and boarded up. The surrounding wildlife refuge has specific hours, typically closing at dark, with exceptions for licensed anglers near water. Plan your visit during daylight hours.
The wildlife refuge generally closes at dark. Only individuals with fishing licenses near a body of water are permitted after dark. It is not a 24-hour attraction for general visitors.
No, the Jed Johnson Lake Tower is an old fire lookout that is closed and boarded up. Visitors can enjoy the views from the base of the tower.
The main restriction is the closing time of the wildlife refuge at dark. Be mindful of wildlife and stay on marked trails.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is a super easy, short trail, about 0.5 miles to the tower. It's an up-and-back trail, totaling around 1.4 miles. Families with young children can easily manage it.
Spectacular views! You'll see the beautiful blue color of Jed Johnson Lake, the river below, and the surrounding Wichita Mountains. It's a great spot for photography.
While the lake is visually appealing, reviews suggest it's more for viewing than swimming. Fishing is permitted for those with licenses, especially after dark.
There are some trees for shade, but not many. It's a good idea to bring your own picnic supplies and enjoy the scenic surroundings.
As it's within a wildlife refuge, you might encounter various animals. Early mornings can be a good time for spotting wildlife.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Late afternoon, especially during the golden hour before sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for capturing the lake and tower. Early mornings can also be beautiful and less crowded.
You can capture panoramic shots of the vibrant blue lake from the tower's base, scenic mountain vistas, and the unique architecture of the old fire lookout tower. Don't forget to photograph the sunset!
The base of the tower provides the most iconic viewpoint. Hiking a bit further uphill or downhill from the tower can also yield different perspectives of the lake and landscape.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions, especially during sunset.
Drone usage is subject to regulations within wildlife refuges. It's best to check the specific rules and regulations for the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Casual Hikers & Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'Ghost Tower' Legend
It's important to note that the wildlife refuge has strict hours and closes at dark, so nighttime exploration for paranormal activity is generally not permitted for the public, except for licensed anglers near water bodies. This restriction contributes to the mystique surrounding the tower after hours.
Hiking and Accessibility
While the tower itself is closed, the path is well-maintained, and the reward is the spectacular view from the base. Visitors can also choose to hike a bit further uphill or downhill from the tower to explore different vantage points of the lake and surrounding mountains. This makes the experience enjoyable for a range of fitness levels.
Photography Opportunities
Visitors rave about the 'spectacular lake views' and the opportunity to capture breathtaking sunsets. While the tower is closed, the area around its base offers panoramic vistas that are perfect for wide-angle shots. Early mornings also provide a serene atmosphere and potential for wildlife photography within the refuge.






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