Experience The Ultimate High-Altitude Escape At Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Valley is widely known for its winter sports fun, but a new adventure awaits you after the snow melts and the skiers depart. The region transforms into a summer playground offering scenic chairlift rides, alpine slides, and miles of hiking trails.
The valley and surrounding mountains are filled with hiking and biking trails waiting to be explored. Many of these trails begin near the Big Bear Discovery Center, making it the perfect starting point for your journey.
Big Bear Discovery Center
Located adjacent to Big Bear Lake on Highway 38, the Center is an essential first stop. It offers maps, adventure passes, a café, a souvenir shop called the Adventure Outpost, and expert advice from on-duty rangers. Note that the Center is generally closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so plan accordingly.
You can also join educational naturalist-led interpretive programs and events. From the Discovery Center's balcony, enjoy a great view of the lake nestled in the middle of the San Bernardino Forest. It is a perfect photo opportunity.
Traveler Tip: Parking in the National Forest often requires an "Adventure Pass." You can purchase a daily or annual pass at the Discovery Center or local convenience stores to avoid fines at trailheads.
The Trail to the Lake
We decided we wanted to enjoy a hike close to the lake, so we started by talking to the rangers. They were very friendly and helpful, providing us with a map of the area showing all the trails. They directed us on how to walk from the Discovery Center to the Alpine Pedal Path, which runs adjacent to the lake.
The best way to find this trail from the Discovery Center is to look for signs for the "Cougar Crest Trail" and then turn left towards the lake.
The trail is paved with asphalt, making it popular with bikers. It meanders through forests and meadows, offering spectacular views of the water. Along the trail, you can find many shady benches to catch your breath and admire nature. Close to the shoreline, you can find picnic tables and barbeques, though these are often closed during fire season.
The trail is about 3.5 miles long and is considered very easy. It is fully accessible for hikers, skaters, joggers, and even strollers and wheelchairs.
Nature Trail Loop
This short half-mile loop is excellent for families with kids. It is a very easy hike located right in the middle of the forest.
You can do this hike on your own or go with a volunteer naturalist on a guided tour. As you walk, you will learn about the local plant life, wildlife, and some interesting historical facts.
Cougar Crest Trail (Bertha Peak Trail)
Take this trail to Bertha Peak for a more strenuous hike and a commanding view of Big Bear Lake. The hike is about 7 miles round-trip and may take up to 4 hours to complete. It is considered moderately difficult.
It starts from the Cougar Crest trailhead near the Discovery Center. If you park at the trailhead, you will need an Adventure Pass. Alternatively, you can take advantage of the free parking at the Center and walk to the trailhead, though this adds 1 mile round-trip to your hike.
The hike is a steady climb, gaining about 1,400 feet of elevation. The terrain gets rough and rocky towards the top, but around the 2-mile marker, you can start enjoying great views of the lake and the snow-covered mountains.
The Cougar Crest trail joins the Pacific Crest Trail at the 2.5-mile point and takes you to Bertha Peak. At the peak, you have an unobstructed view of the mountains, valley, and lake below. Take a picnic, relax, and enjoy the reward.
Did You Know? Big Bear Lake is a man-made lake. The original dam was built in 1884, creating what was then the world's largest man-made lake, which was used to supply water to the citrus farms in Redlands.
Pine Knot Trail
For another great view of Big Bear Lake, take this 7.5-mile trail to Grand View Point. With an elevation gain of over 1,000 feet, it is not an easy hike, but it is very rewarding.
Along the way, enjoy the wildflowers, oaks, pines, and an occasional lake view. At the top, you can see the San Gorgonio Wilderness and Catalina Island on a clear day. If you prefer less exertion, you can skip most of the hike and drive to Grand View Point via Skyline Drive for quick gratification.
Other Summer Activities
If you are not into hiking, you can still 
have fun in the summer with activities like ziplining, bobsledding, or just taking a scenic chairlift ride.
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
Ride on the chairlift to the top in summer, then come down on the bobsleds or a water slide. If you prefer, you can try the go-karts and miniature golf. In winter, this area transforms into a snow-covered slope perfect for inner tubing.
Snow Play
Winter is here, and the kids are screaming for you to take them to the snow. Where should you go?
You have several options. You can stop along the way to Big Bear and find a good spot for sliding. However, be warned: those spots are rare, and parking is almost impossible to find. Many popular roadside spots are actually off-limits, though people use them anyway. Always bring your own inner tube or sled.
Alternatively, you can try one of the official snow play areas. They are the safest places to have fun in the snow, though they can be pricey.
Expect to pay around $35-$40 per person. Everyone in your group has to pay, whether they are sliding or not. The Alpine Slide snow play area offers the distinct advantage of an escalator to the top, allowing you to avoid the long, exhausting climb. Inner tubes are provided.
As a free option, you can go to Big Bear Lake and find a more peaceful, safer area. Try any picnic area or campground. My favorite is next to Serrano Campground, which is also close to the Discovery Center. This place doesn't have steep hills, but it has plenty of snow and overlooks the frozen lake, offering great views of the mountains.
Dining
Although Big Bear is a mountain resort city, it is large enough to offer many dining options, from fast-food chains to fancy restaurants. Over the years, we have tried many of these establishments. Here are my favorites:
The Pines Lakefront
This restaurant made it to my list primarily because of its stunning lake view. The food is reliable, and the service is excellent.
On our last visit, we started with tempura-fantail shrimp and Jalapeño Poppers. For the main course, we tried the Tilapia dinner on mashed potatoes and the St. Louis Ribs. The fish was excellent, while the ribs were decent.
The wine list is extensive, with great selections, and the open bar can make any drink you desire. All in all, it was a very pleasant experience.
User Review: "We sat by the window and watched the sunset over the lake while enjoying a perfectly cooked prime rib. It is a bit pricey, but the atmosphere is worth it." — Sarah L., via Yelp
Teddy Bear Restaurant
This is an excellent breakfast place. The portions are large and tasty. We ordered the Veggie and Cheddar omelet and the Teddy Bear Benedict. Both were extra delicious and satisfying, and we even had leftovers for the next day.
The place gets very crowded in the morning, so expect to wait for your table. Note: They only accept cash, so come prepared.
Himalayan Restaurant
For classic Indian and Nepalese cuisine, go to the Himalayan. You can't go wrong with traditional dishes like Curry, Tandoori, or Masala. Try their butter chicken and mellow momo appetizers (dumplings) for something unique. Vegetarians will be pleased with the large selection of veggie-only dishes.
Laguna Grill Restaurant
Visit this restaurant on the lake to satisfy your Mexican food cravings. They offer traditional Mexican dishes, a daily happy hour, and popular Taco Tuesday specials. If someone in your group does not like Mexican food, they can find a few American options, like a club sandwich or a French dip.
Oakside
Oakside restaurant serves American dishes with beers, cocktails, and nice outdoor seating. Some outdoor tables feature fire pits, which are perfect for chilly evenings. The menu has items to satisfy all tastes, from appetizers to share to full entrées.
While visiting for lunch, we tried the fish and chips with roasted Brussels sprouts and the Lobster pizza. Their basil-and-berry cocktail is a must-try.
Fast food and chains
If you are in a hurry or want to visit something familiar, you can find standard options like Burger King, Taco Bell, and McDonald's, or casual dining places like Sizzler.
40971 North Shore Drive (Highway 38)
Fawnskin, CA 92333
(909) 382-2843
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
Activities: Snow play, Alpine Slide, Go-karts, Water slide
800 Wildrose Lane
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Pine Knot Marina
Activities: Boat rentals, boat tours, Jet Skis, Parasailing
439 Pine Knot Blvd
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-7766
Scenic Sky Chair Rides – at Snow Summit
Take the sky chair to the top of the mountain. Enjoy the views, hike, or bike down to the base. Enjoy a BBQ at the top. This is not available during ski season.
880 Summit Blvd
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-5766