As temperatures start to cool, this is the perfect time of year to visit beautiful Big Bear, located in the San Bernardino National Forest, where hiking, mountain biking, boating, fishing and other outdoor activities are endless.
The trails are plentiful with incredible scenic views. You can experience the season’s changing colors of the leaves as you enjoy the great outdoors, whether it’s a stroll on the trails or a drive around the mountain lake—at an elevation of nearly 7,000 feet. It’s magical!
Here are a few of the best hiking trails to experience in Big Bear:
• Cougar Crest Trail is a moderate trail, almost five miles out and back, with part-sun, part-shade and an elevation gain of less than 820 feet. It should take between two and 2 1/2 hours to complete. This trail is an uphill climb to the Pacific Crest Trail junction, which can be your turnaround point for the five miles, or you may continue further along the PCT. The crisp air and beautiful views of the mountains and the lake get better as you climb higher. You can mountain-bike on this trail as well, but bicycles are not permitted on the PCT. The Cougar Crest Trail is located along North Shore Drive/Highway 38, north of the lake. The trail is six-tenths of a mile west of the Big Bear Discovery Center, where you may park and take the paved path to the trailhead. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. Leashed dogs are welcome.
• Bear Lake Woodland Trail is a short, easy loop of only 1.5 miles with an elevation gain of approximately 330 feet and a maximum elevation of about 7,000 feet. It can be completed in around 45 minutes and is possibly the easiest hike in Big Bear—but don’t let the shortness and ease of this well-groomed family- and dog-friendly trail fool you. It does have some slight inclines, especially if you go counterclockwise (my favorite route). Either way, this trail loop has plenty of shade and offers markers along the path with descriptions listed in an interpretive guide (available at the trailhead) that is full of fun facts about the area. It also includes information about the trees, such as the ancient western juniper, and plant life indigenous to Big Bear Lake.
Speaking of the lake: You can get some spectacular views of the lake between the trees along a section of this trail. Located a bit off the beaten path and not as crowded as many other easier trails in the area, you’ll find the Woodland Trail just off North Shore Drive/Highway 38, north of the lake, and toward the eastern side of the lake. It’s about one mile east of the Big Bear Discovery Center and just across from the east boat ramp. Restrooms are available near the parking lot at the trailhead. I like to make this trail my first stop. It’s a perfect warmup to stretch your legs and get a quick hike in before taking in the many events and activities that Big Bear has to offer. It is truly one of my favorite quick hikes; you get the feeling that you’re hiking deep in the forest, yet the lake and the city of Big Bear Lake are so close.
• Big Bear Lake Town Trail is an easy out-and-back that’s just less than three miles and takes just more than an hour to complete, with an elevation gain of 364 feet. You’ll most likely find parking along Knickerbocker Road, just off Highway 18. This trail begins on Forest Road 2N08 east of Knickerbocker, between Snow Summit and Big Bear Lake Village. It goes along the base of the mountains and is a shared trail with mountain bikers. It can be very busy at times, so be beware of your surroundings. Peace and solitude can be experienced at times along this trail during weekdays when it’s not so busy. Also, there’s private property surrounding this area, so be mindful, and stay on the path. The best times to visit this trail are March through November, and leashed dogs are welcome.
Don’t forget to display your National Forest Adventure Pass in the windshield of your vehicle, as it is required when hiking in the forest areas. If you don’t already have an Adventure Pass, you can purchase it at myscenicdrives.com, or in person at the Big Bear Discovery Center. Daily passes are also available at local gas stations and convenience stores.
To get to Big Bear from the Coachella Valley, you have several options. You can take Highway 38 through Redlands; take Interstate 10 east and exit at Orange Street. From Orange Street, turn right on Highway 38/Lugonia Avenue, and that will take you to the mountains. An alternative is to take Interstate 10 east to Interstate 210 east; continue on to Highway 330 and then Highway 18 to Big Bear Lake.
Another alternative (and my preferred route) is to take Highway 62 to Yucca Valley, and turn left onto Highway 247 (Old Woman Springs Road). Continue for about 40 miles; then turn left onto Camp Rock Road. When you get to Highway 18, turn left and proceed about 14.5 miles.
After your mountain workout, you may want to check out Oktoberfest in Big Bear. On weekends from Sept. 7 through Nov. 2, you can relax and enjoy good German food and beer, traditional live music, and other entertainment. Learn more and buy tickets in advance at bigbearevents.com.
Keep in mind that during this time of year, bears may be out searching for food prior to hibernation, so try to avoid areas of food sources such as berry patches. Should you encounter a bear, don’t run; keep a safe distance, and avoid disturbing them, if possible. Black bears are generally shy and will often avoid humans—but they are wild animals with unpredictable behavior. Making noise while hiking can alert them and reduce the chances of surprising them. Should a black bear charge you, make yourself as large and intimidating as possible, and shout and make other noises to scare the bear away.
As always when hiking: Take more water than you should need—at least a half-liter to a liter or more per hour, depending on the difficulty of the hike, even in cooler climates. Be prepared for the unexpected. Never hike alone, and always tell someone where you are going. Stay safe on the trails, and always practice pack in/pack out. In other words, treat the environment with respect, and dispose of your waste properly.
