The Woodland Interpretive Trail

The forest surrounding Big Bear is a world away from that of the valley. Instead of desert scrub and planted trees, the high elevations are dominated by natural-born giants. Huge junipers and pines tower over head in this old-growth forest. One tree here is 1,500 years old! It is located along the Woodland Interpretive Loop, and you can identify it on a self-guided tour of this trail. You can also learn about other significant trees and how they are all intertwined with the ecosystem of the forest. This pleasant and educational walk in the woods makes a great afternoon outing for families and school groups. The 1.5-mile loop is marked with 16 numbered posts that correspond to lessons about the surrounding plants, animals, and landscape. To utilize the posts, pick up a free brochure at the trailhead and carry it with you for a self-guided nature tour. You may keep the brochure or return it to the kiosk for others to use. The trail is conveniently located near Big Bear and the north shore of the lake. The loop takes no more than an hour to hike, so you can easily plan it into a day full of activities.