Bear Lake Woodland Trail

The Bear Lake Woodland Trail is a spectacular hiking route in San Bernardino National Forest; however, all of the things that make it such an enjoyable walk means that it is also a very popular one. Be sure to arrive early to secure parking and beat out the inevitable crowds. Additionally, you will need an Adventure Pass displayed in your vehicle in order to access the trail, or else you will likely be fined.

While it is a very busy hiking route, the serene forest landscape, informative signs about local plant life, and laidback terrain make this a fantastic adventure for people of all ages. Whether you are looking for an easy-going weekend excursion or just flew into the area and are wanting to acclimatize to the altitude for a more difficult trek, the Bear Lake Woodland Trail is a fantastic option to explore.

After arriving at the parking area and looking over the information board, you will head east across Woodland Road and pick up the path as it enters into the forest. Here, you will begin a counterclockwise loop along the trail that will stop off at several signed markers to learn about the plant life native to the landscape around Big Bear Lake.

Roughly 300ft into the walk, the trail will turn to the north and begin climbing uphill through the tranquil woodland landscape. Take some time here to appreciate the natural beauty of your surroundings and open your mind to the interesting facts about the area.

0.6mi into the hike, you will reach the northernmost point of the trail and follow it as it bends to the southwest. Here, you will begin gently working your way downhill, enjoying much of the same terrain as you experienced on the first leg of the hike.

After another 0.7mi, you will once again cross over Woodland Road and continue on to the southeast, where you will quickly arrive back at the parking area where you began your adventure along the Bear Lake Woodland Trail.