Woodland Trail

Welcome to the San Bernardino National Forest! This historic 154,000-acre land is a national monument in the Pacific Southwest Region. In addition to camping, horseback riding, wildlife and bird watching, and hunting, the San Bernardino National Forest (SBNF) is home to some of the best hiking around. This year-round vacation destination is favorite with visitors from all over the country who come to see the San Jacinto Mountain Ranges and other classics like the Big Bear Lake.

If you’re planning to visit with your pup, be sure to check out the Woodland Trail, just one mile east from the Big Bear Discovery Center. You’ll have to stop at the center to pick up a pass to park on the property and access the trailhead, so if you don't have one, try to make it during business hours, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Thursday through Monday. Residents of Southern California will find that the SBNF is no further than three hours from any direction! 

The Woodland Trail is a simple, mostly flat trail that with numbered posts throughout that offer visitors insight about the park. You can print a trail brochure ahead of time or pick one up at the center to take you and Fido on a self-guided tour. The booklet has info about the local flora and fauna, the wildlife, and the history behind the rocks you'll see along the way. 

This is the pawfect beginner trail if you’re just introducing Fido to hiking, or if you have kids with you. You’ll get lovely views of the nearby lake at the top of the loop, which is the icing on the cake for this leisurely walk. Remember to bring drinking water for you and Fido, as there is none available in the park. There are restrooms, but they are vault toilets with no running water, so keep that in mind when making a trip to Woodland Trail.