Big Bear Lake Hiking Guide

This is quite a long hike, so bring water and a snack. In the first mile there is only a gentle uphill increase, however in mile two, the trail gets steeper and rocky in places. The trail, situated on the south side of the mountain is a lot drier than the lush Siberia Creek Trail, however the panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains make it well worth the hike. Throughout the trail there are wonderful examples of the picturesque Western Juniper; this gnarled, burly tree grows in extreme conditions and has red, hairy bark. You will notice the spiral grain, a phenomenon found in the growth of most western conifers, but is much more pronounced in trees growing under harsh climatic conditions. The rich bluish berry-like fruits can be seen on the tops of the trees. They mature in fall and are an excellent food supply for mountain birds. The Cougar Crest Trail ends at the junction of the Pacific Crest Trail, which connects Canada to Mexico -(no mountain bikes). You may continue to the east (right) for .6 of a mile until you reach the summit of Bertha Peak (8,502 feet). From the summit there is a 360-degree view of Bear Valley, Holcomb Valley and the Mojave Desert. Return the same way. The images below are taken in sequence as you progress along the trail. (You can park for free until 6:00pm in the summer at the Discovery Center and walk to the trailhead - if you park in the Trail parking lot you will need to buy an Adventure Pass)

This is a fun hike with beautiful scenery. The marked trail starts up a steep forested gully, which has a beautiful running stream, until about the middle of summer (depending on rainfall). The trail climbs steeply to the left (east) side of the gully through magnificent stands of Jeffrey Pine, Ponderosa Pine, White Fir, Western and Incense Cedar, passing huge granite boulders. Just before the trail takes a sharp turn to the right up some steep rock steps, there is a waterfall straight ahead (in the spring and sometimes early summer months). After you have hiked about � mile, the trail reaches a saddle (there is a stream on your left in Spring and early Summer) and starts to descend - Castle Rock is the large rock formation immediately east of this saddle. Leave the trail here. The easiest way up the rock is to go about 50 feet around the north and west sides of the formation, then climb up an indentation to the summit and enjoy the beautiful view of Big Bear Lake.

Lodgepole pines seldom grow taller than 70 feet and in Southern California they usually grow above 8,000�. An exception to these rules occurs high on the mountaintop near Bluff Lake. This shallow lake (private), surrounded by lush forest and green meadows, is about 3 miles south of Big Bear Lake. Here at an elevation of 7500�, grow the largest Lodgepole pines in the world. The world �Champion� (discovered in 1963) is a magnificent, double-topped tree that towers above the surrounding forest reaching a height of 110+ feet.  The circumference of the trunk at the bottom is 22 � feet, however the bulbous base is 36 feet in circumference. Its age is estimated at 440 years.

Follow the Champion Lodgepole trail about � mile through the forest along a trickling stream until you reach a junction in the trail, you will see a sign for the Siberia Creek trail; turn right and walk a few yards through a lush area filled with Bracken Ferns, Wild Columbine, Lupine, Corn Lilies and other wildflowers. Cross over the tiny wooden bridge, on your left will be a large green meadow and on your right, this magnificent tree surrounded by a small wooden fence and wildflowers. Unfortunately the plaque was vandalized or stolen years ago, and for the past 12 years the sign holder has remained empty. Please stay outside the fence to protect the tree. This is one of the lushest areas in the mountains around Big Bear Lake. Best months to see the wildflowers are June and July, and October is a great month to see the changing colors of the leaves.

You can return the way you came or turn right at the junction and continue along the beautiful Siberia Creek Trail.