Big Bear Discovery Center
A national forest visitor center on the north shore, with free nature exhibits, trail information, and a place to buy Adventure Passes.
The Big Bear Discovery Center is run by the U.S. Forest Service in partnership with a nonprofit organization. It sits beside CA-38 on the north shore and displays the plants, animals and mountain history of the San Bernardino National Forest. Admission is free. Here you can pick up trail maps and buy the Adventure Pass needed for parking in the national forest. Nature talks and family activities are often held on weekends, and it is also an information point for off-road routes such as the Holcomb Valley Gold Fever Trail. Next door is the start of the Alpine Pedal Path, where you can rent a bike or walk down to the lakeshore.
Opening hours
Thu–Mon approx. 08:30–16:30
Nearby sights
- Alpine Pedal Path
- Cougar Crest Trail
- The Village at Big Bear Lake
- Big Bear Lake
- Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
- Snow Summit
- Big Bear Snow Play
- Holcomb Valley & Gold Fever Trail