A premium fossil discovery experience in Bakersfield.

• Material loaded with fossils

• Shovels and tools to help transport the material

• Custom designed multi level screening system for each station

• One pressurized water distribution system for each station for washing the fossil bearing material

• Instructions on how to find the fossils

• Assistance in finding and identifying fossils

• Private access to the Kern River

• Clean toilet facilities

• Shade & Sitting Area

• Great cell service on the property

• We provide containers to help you keep your finds sorted and safe while on site. You will need to transfer your finds to your personal containers before you leave

• Wear clothing that can get wet and a little muddy

• Bring a change of clothing and towels for the trip home

• Plenty of food and water

• Proper clothing to protect you from the elements (hats, sun shirts, etc)

• Sunscreen is highly recommended

• Sturdy shoes (NO open toe shoes or sandals)

• Work or gardening gloves

• Storage containers or empty boxes for your fossils

The Okihi Fossil Field Station is designed as a small-group, guided experience rather than a large, self-serve dig site. Each visit is intentionally limited in size to create a calm, uncrowded environment where guests can fully engage in the discovery process. Your experience includes access to curated fossil-bearing material, a custom-designed washing and screening system, and hands-on guidance to help you recognize and understand what you find.

We put a lot of care into making sure your time here is productive and rewarding. Guests consistently leave with real fossils—often including shark teeth and other marine material—and in some cases, the value of what is found can exceed the cost of admission.

Your visit also includes access to the broader Okihi property. Guests are welcome to enjoy shaded picnic areas, private access to the Kern River, restrooms, a drinking fountain and water bottle fill station, hiking trails, and opportunities to see farm animals and local wildlife. Our team is on-site to support your experience, and a small gift shop is in development.

In addition, every visit directly supports Okihi’s work in river restoration and outdoor education, helping create meaningful experiences for local youth. The result is a more personal, educational, and well-rounded experience than a typical fossil dig.

Kids under 6 are considered non-participants and are not charged. They are welcome as long as you provide proper supervision.

Children 6-12 will have limited ability to utilize the provided equipment and are charged a reduced fee. These are our junior paleontologists and they will need help from the adults in the group to maximize their experience.

If you are 13 or older, you will be well equipped for success and you will find a lot of fossils while utilizing our proven system. You will be charged at the adult rate.

Yes, you get to keep all of the fossils that you find including teeth from sharks, stingray, sea lion, dolphin, and whale, etc.

Occasionally scientifically valuable specimens are found. We reserve the right to withhold these finds for donation to institutions that can do the proper research. This will be determined in real time with a qualified staff member on site. You will get credit for the discovery and be able to take lots of pictures before the specimen is removed for safe keeping.

The fossils at the Okihi Fossil Field Station come from the Round Mountain Silt, a marine deposit formed when this area was covered by the ancient Temblor Sea approximately 15–16 million years ago. Most finds are marine fossils, with shark teeth being the most common, along with ray dental plates, fish vertebrae, and small bone fragments. Guests may also discover shell material from clams and other marine invertebrates, as well as occasional pieces of whale, dolphin, or other marine mammal bone.

While larger or rare fossils are possible (including the famous giant Megalodon), most discoveries are smaller specimens that require careful observation and a bit of patience—making each find a meaningful part of the story of California’s ancient ocean.

Our system for fossil discovery is very advanced. It involves a pressurized water distribution system and several layers of screens to sort your material. This will allow you to find many fossils of varying size in a short amount of time.

While many guests go home with 50+ fossils, the exact amount varies depending on how “you” process the material. The general rule is that the slower and more carful you are, the more fossils you will find.

Don’t forget to bring a safe container for transportation home.

Fossils from the Round Mountain Silt Formation can have some monetary value, but their real value is scientific and educational.

• Common fossils (most shark teeth, bone fragments): typically a few dollars to a few hundred dollars

• Larger or rarer pieces (like bigger shark teeth): can reach higher values

• Megalodon teeth (rare at this site): can be worth hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on size and condition

However…

The greatest value of these fossils is what they teach us.

They help scientists understand:

• Ancient ocean ecosystems (the Temblor Sea)

• Evolution of sharks, whales, and marine life

• How California’s landscape has changed over millions of years

Bottom line:
They can be valuable to collectors
But they are far more valuable to science and education

Yes—reservations are required. Each fossil station is limited to a small number of guests, and many sessions book out in advance. We do not offer walk-in availability, so we strongly recommend reserving your spot ahead of time to ensure your preferred date and experience.

Yes! We do offer RV’s, a Glamping experience, and regular tent camping on site. You will need to reserve a space before you arrive as space is limited. Click the link below to learn more and make a reservation. We do not currently offer hook ups but we do have space for you to park an RV.

https://whitewolfwellness.org/reserve

Bookings can be moved to another day at no charge or canceled up to 48 hours of the date at no charge. Canceling within 48 hours of your booked date will incur a 25% fee and no shows will not receive a refund. If the cancellation is for reasons outside of the customers control such as the weather a full refund will be provided.