The San Bernadino National Forest is adjacent to the lake itself. Located in the national forest, Big Bear Discovery Center is the one-stop shop for all your needs. With this stop, one will learn more about the Big Bear area; learn how to protect the national forest while increasing one’s knowledge and enjoyment of Southern Cal ’s most recreated forestland.

Winter activities in the surrounding mountains such as skiing and snowboarding complement the hiking, fishing, and biking of summer. There are numerous hiking trails in the area that each offer unique features. The Cougar Crest Trail is a four mile (round trip) trek, one needs plenty of water on this hike. The trail is very dry but as one goes through the steep and rocky hills, they get to see a panoramic view of the lake and surrounding mountains that make it well worth the while.

The Castle Rock Trail, a two mile trek, is considered moderate for the hiker who is “in shape”. It has beautiful scenery, a running stream, a waterfall, and a fantastic view of Big Bear Lake once you reach the top. Mountain Bikers can take the Sky Chair to the top and then go back down after you choose from many of the scenic bike trails. Whether you’re a beginner or expert mountain biker, there is something for everyone. If you do not have a bike, there are some available for rent, as well as helmets too.

For the skiier, Big Bear Mountain Resort offers more than 190 acres of ski area for the winter sport enthusiast. Bear Mountain continues to improve the Park for the upcoming winter season with a commitment to offer one of the best freestyle terrain parks in the world. Some qualities of the park include Southern California ’s only super pipe, more than 80 jibs, and more than 150 jumps. It is always updated with new redesigns in effort to provide visitors more fun, progressive riding and skiing experiences, and unforgettable camp outs.

San Bernardino Mountains , Big Bear Lake is a user-friendly lake that's great for personal watercraft, boating, wake-boarding, water-skiing, parasailing and fishing. And, don't forget kayaking and canoeing. Big Bear Lake also offers Southern California 's best skiing and snowboarding on some of the well groomed slopes at both Bear Mountain and Snow Summit ski resorts. Unique shops, restaurants, and theaters populate the charming town Village . The National Forest is great for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and rock climbing.

You won't forget the youngster in all of us when you come and enjoy the Moonridge Animal Park and Zoo, the Alpine Slide, go carts, miniature golf, water slides, arcades, Discovery Center and much, much more. Big Bear Lake also offers a great Golf course and some of the best antique stores and vintage shopping in Southern California .

Spend your Big Bear Lake summer vacation under blue skies in our cool and cozy cabins at discount rental prices. On the EVENTS CALENDAR join us for Old Miners Days, Oktoberfest, NORBA, the Renaissance Faire,Big Bear Fun Run, Antique Car Show, Corvette Show, Craft Fairs, Farmers Markets, Art on the Lake, Peddlers Market, Antique Show, Vans' Triple Crown, Nixon Jib Fest, the annual Volcom Peanut Butter and Jelly Rail Jam, Forum Young Blood Snow Board Contest, Jazz Festival, Blue's Festival, Old Miners Days and the Clementine Pageant, Loggers Jubilee, Parades, Fireworks, Home Tour, Trout Classic, Softball Tournaments, Weddings, Star Gazing, Observatory and Astronomy—just to name a few.