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Big Bear Lake Hiking

Cougar Crest Trail Guide

Castle Rock Trail Guide

Champion Lodgepole Pine Trail Guide

Siberia Creek Trail Guide

Hiking Businesses & Organizations

Cougar Crest Trail
Length:	4 Miles (Round Trip)
Elevation Gain:	Unknown
Classification:	Moderate to Difficult
How To Get There:	Located on the North Shore of Big Bear Lake, just .6 of a mile west of the Discovery Center on HWY (38).
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)
Trail Images(Click Images To Enlarge)

Castle Rock Trail
Length:	2 Miles (Round Trip)
Elevation Gain:	700' From Start
Classification:	Moderate (if you are in shape)
How To Get There:	From State Highway 18, 1 mile east of Big Bear Dam or 3 miles west of Big Bear Lake Village.
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 ¾ 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.
Trail Images(Click Images To Enlarge)

The Champion Giant Lodgepole Pine Trail
Length:	From Forest Road 2N11, 1 Mile(Round Trip)
Elevation Gain:	-50' From Start
Classification:	Easy
How To Get There:	From the west end of Big Bear Lake Village, drive south west to Mill Creek Road, continue about ½ mile, follow Mill Creek Rd (2N10) left after it intersects with Tulip Lane. This road is paved for about ½ mile and then becomes dirt. Follow the 2N10 road until you reach 2N11, then bear left and follow the Champion Lodgepole signs to the parking area at the beginning of the hiking trail.
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 ½ feet, however the bulbous base is 36 feet in circumference. Its age is estimated at 440 years. Follow the Champion Lodgepole trail about ½ 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.
Trail Images(Click Images To Enlarge)

The Siberia Creek Trail
Length:	1st mile (2 miles round trip) is mostly level and an easy trip – if you continue through the boulder stacked gorge it is 12 miles round trip and strenuous
Elevation Gain:	2500'
Classification:	Easy To Strenuous
How To Get There:	Forest Road 2N11 to the Siberia Creek Trail (from Big Bear Lake refer to directions to the Champion Lodgepole Pine)
Siberia Creek begins at Bluff Lake, near the Champion Lodgepole Pine, and for those looking for a beautiful lush hike, the first mile of the Siberia Creek Trail is definitely a must see. The trail starts at the junction of the Champion Lodgepole Pine Trail, (look for the sign) continue straight ahead following the creek with the meadow on your right. The forest is thick, and as you wander through stands of magnificent Lodgepole Pine, Ponderosa Pine (some huge, 22 ½ ‘ at base) and White Fir Pine, the trail is bordered with ferns and wildflowers including Wild Columbine (red) and Lupine. There are tiny waterfalls and meadows surrounded with wildflowers, with wonderful places to rest and take in the scenery. The wildflowers can be seen in June and July, however most of our photos were taken in October, which is equally pretty as the leaves begin to turn color. Our Photo Gallery will take you along the trail for the first mile, (these photos were taken between 9 – 11:00 am). This is not a loop so return the same way. If you continue through the gorge,( this means scrambling down over huge boulders), follow the trail through the open forested slopes of Lookout Mountain, then after you pass through a saddle, you head down the steep ridge westward to a junction with the Seven Pines Trail, 5 miles from the start. Turn right and follow the latter one-mile down to Siberia Creek Trail Camp. Return the same way – all uphill.
Trail Images(Click Images To Enlarge)

LeRoy's Board Shops - Ski & Snowboard Rentals For Big Bear Snowboard Rentals and Big Bear Ski Rentals, LeRoy’s have 6 locations, 2 in Big Bear Lake, 2 in Running Springs, 1 in Lake Arrowhead and 1 in Redlands. They are open all year – seven days ... More Details

Remote Campsite - Yellow Post Site off 2N10 Undeveloped Camping includes all varieties of camping outside of a developed site. Undeveloped camping provides more solitude and an opportunity to “rough it.” Camping is allowed in designated Remote ... More Details

Alpine Sports Center Four Season Outdoor Specialists. The landmark Alpine Sports Center in Big Bear Lake has sportswear and gear to fit everyone from head to toe. The store is abundantly supplied wit ... More Details

Pineknot Campground Pineknot Campground is a great family camping area close to everything in Big Bear Lake. Situated in the National Forest at an elevation of 7,000 ft, next to the Snow Summit Ski Area, this campground ... More Details

Big Bear Discovery Center Located on the North shore with spectacular views of the Lake & local Ski Resorts, the Discovery Center is your source for information about Big Bear campgrounds and recreating in the Big Bear Valley ... More Details

Bear Valley Search and Rescue - Big Bear Valley. San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department BEAR VALLEY SEARCH & RESCUE TEAM Sheriff Gary Penrod The Bear Valley Search & Rescue Team is comprised of 26 dedicated men and wom ... More Details

Holcomb Valley Campground Holcomb Valley Campground is located in the historic Holcomb Valley, just north of Big Bear Lake. In 1862, a grizzly hunter named Bill Holcomb discovered gold just north of Bear Valley in what is know ... More Details

Thurman Flats Picnic Grounds -San Bernardino National Forest Visitors coming to Big Bear can start their adventure shortly after leaving the freeway. Families with small children can give them a break by packing a picnic lunch, taking Highway 38 and making a st ... More Details

Serrano Campground The beautiful Serrano Campground is situated amongst the tall pines on the north shore, steps from Big Bear Lake. For your convenience, the campground is equipped with new facilities that include show ... More Details

National Forest Adventure Pass The National Forest Adventure Pass is a recreational pass for visitors using the San Bernardino National Forest. The Pass will be displayed on the visitor’s vehicle and is available in two forms : a D ... More Details

Camping USA Inc. Our goal is to provide the ultimate youth and family camp adventures and build values that last a lifetime. Camping USA's programs develop friendships, teach teamwork and build self-confidence under t ... More Details

Hanna Flat Campground Hanna Flat is a beautiful family campground with tall pines, wild roses, wildflowers and native shrubs. The campground is on Forest Road 3N14, 2 ½ Miles NW of Fawnskin in Big Bear Lake at an elevatio ... More Details

Big Bear Lake Hiking