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Jed Johnson Lake and Tower

4.8
·122 reviews·Lawton, United States

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 content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour for stunning photos

CrowdMedium
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Jed Johnson Lake & Tower - Image 1

Jed Johnson Lake and Tower

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour for stunning photos

CrowdMedium

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.

4.8
(122 reviews)

"Spectacular lake views from the tower base, totally worth the easy hike!"

Vertical photo
TIP

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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Jed Johnson Lake Tower

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

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

Sunset Views

Base of the tower

Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors over the lake and mountains. A truly magical experience.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Views & Wildlife

While the tower itself is closed, the surrounding Jed Johnson Lake offers stunning views, especially at sunset. Be aware that the wildlife refuge has restricted hours, so plan your visit accordingly to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Easy Access, Stunning Scenery

This is a relatively short and easy hike, perfect for families and casual walkers. The trail leads to a tower with spectacular lake views, making it a rewarding experience for photographers and nature lovers alike. Reddit

Best Times

When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for stunning photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Early morning
Why
Peaceful and potential wildlife
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

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:

reddit.com

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

4.8
(122 reviews)

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

Easy, short hike
Beautiful blue lake
Spectacular sunset views

What People Dislike

Limited shade
Tower is closed

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, there is a designated parking area near the trailhead for Jed Johnson Lake and Tower, making it convenient for visitors. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

The main restriction is the closing time of the wildlife refuge at dark. Be mindful of wildlife and stay on marked trails. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

As it's within a wildlife refuge, you might encounter various animals. Early mornings can be a good time for spotting wildlife. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

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! Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Jed Johnson Lake and Tower is an ideal destination for families. The hike is short, easy, and manageable for even the youngest adventurers, with many families reporting no trouble completing the trail. Reddit The stunning views of the blue lake and mountains provide a beautiful backdrop for family photos and a memorable experience. Remember to bring plenty of water and sun protection, as shade is limited. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will find Jed Johnson Lake and Tower incredibly rewarding. The vibrant blue lake, the imposing tower, and the surrounding mountain scenery offer diverse shooting opportunities. The late afternoon light, leading up to sunset, is particularly magical for capturing dramatic landscapes and the tower's silhouette. Reddit Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive views and a tripod for low-light conditions during sunset. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Casual Hikers & Nature Lovers

For those seeking a gentle walk with a big scenic payoff, Jed Johnson Lake and Tower is perfect. The 0.5-mile trail is more of a stroll than a strenuous hike, allowing you to soak in the natural beauty of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. The reservoir's striking blue color and the panoramic views from the tower's base are well worth the minimal effort. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The 'Ghost Tower' Legend

Jed Johnson Lake Tower is sometimes referred to as the 'Ghost Tower' and appears in searches for haunted places in Oklahoma. While many visitors report a beautiful daytime experience, the legend adds a layer of intrigue for some. However, there are no confirmed ghost sightings, and the primary draw remains the stunning natural scenery and the tower's historical significance as an old fire lookout. Reddit

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. Reddit

Hiking and Accessibility

The trail to Jed Johnson Lake Tower is renowned for its ease and accessibility. Described as a 'super easy hike,' it's only about 0.5 miles to the tower, making it a perfect outing for families with young children and those seeking a less strenuous outdoor activity. The total round trip is approximately 1.4 miles. Reddit

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. Reddit

Photography Opportunities

Jed Johnson Lake and Tower is a photographer's dream, especially during the 'golden hour' before sunset. The vibrant blue of the lake, set against the rugged backdrop of the Wichita Mountains, creates a stunning visual contrast. The tower itself, an old fire lookout, adds a unique architectural element to the landscape. Reddit

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. Reddit

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