Forest Falls, California
Forest Falls, California is home to some of the best trails and outdoor activities in the region. The top spot on the list is the Vivian Creek Trail, a challenging 17-mile round trip that takes you to the highest peak in Southern California, San Gorgonio Mountain. As you hike, you'll see breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls, lush greenery, and rugged rock formations. Another must-visit is the Big Falls Waterfall, the tallest year-round waterfall in Southern California. The trail leading to it is a short, easy walk, making it a great option for families. For a more relaxed outdoor adventure, try fishing in the Mill Creek, known for its abundant trout population. Forest Falls truly offers a range of scenic outdoor adventures for everyone.
Top Spots in and near Forest Falls
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Forest Falls, California
Vivian Creek Trail to San Gorgonio Peak
17.83 mi / 5627 ft gainVivian Creek Trail to San Gorgonio Peak is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Forest Falls, California.Read more -
Forest Falls, California
Summit Mt. San Gorgonio
4.717 mi / 5840 ft gainA hiking permit is required to hike in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. Apply for the permit early as the Vivian Creek Trail is the second most popular trailhead for the area and quotas fill up in advance. The permits are free and the entire process can be handled via fax or mail. All the information...Read more -
Forest Falls, California
Summit Mt. San Bernardino from Angelus Oaks
16 mi / 4775 ft gainThe trailhead is somewhat 'interesting' to get to given the dirt roads are in questionable shape and some of the roads in Angelus Oaks are not easily identifiable but I didn't have any problems finding it by closely following Google Maps. Trailhead parking requires an Adventure Pass parking pe...Read more -
Angelus Oaks, California
Winter Hike Around Jenks Lake
4.00.77 mi / 49 ft gainIf you want to experience beauty and solitude in SoCal look no further than Jenks Lake. Not too far from Big Bear Lake, but secluded enough to keep most away in the winter, Jenks Lake is a small but lovely alpine lake near HWY 38 in Angelus Oaks. Driving to the lake is beautiful in itself as HWY...Read more -
Angelus Oaks, California
South Fork to Dollar Lake Trail
11.3 mi / 449 ft gainSouth Fork to Dollar Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Banning, California.Read more -
Big Bear Lake, California
Snowshoe to Grand View Point
6.1 mi / 1200 ft gainGrand View Point is accessed via Pine Knot Trail, a 6.5 mile out and back hiking trail located at the Aspen Glen Picnic Area, 1 mile from Big Bear Village. With its close proximity to town, Pine Knot Trail is popular in the summer with mountain bikers and the trailhead is often crowded in the win...Read more -
Fawnskin, California
Castle Rock Trail at Big Bear Lake
4.52.7 mi / 719 ft gainFollow the directions to the trail head, and park on the side of the road. You will see a sign that says Castle Rock Trail, and the path is directly behind that sign. The hike up to the peak is steep, sandy, and very rocky, so shoes with good traction is recommended. There are also lots of oak a...Read more -
Big Bear Lake, California
Mountain Bike Pine Knot Trail in Big Bear
5.06 mi / 1413 ft gainPark at the free parking lot behind the village off of Knickerbocker Rd between Village Drive and Pedder Road. Ride up Knickerbocker Rd towards the mountain. Look out for the fire service road 2N08 that veers left and uphill. The first 2 miles is challenging steep uphill, but beautiful nonetheles...Read more -
Big Bear, California
Alpine Pedal Path
5.05.08 mi / 292 ft gainAlpine Pedal Path is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Big Bear Lake, California.Read more -
Big Bear, California
Hike the Cougar Crest Trail
5.06.7 mi / 938 ft gainOn the north side of Big Bear Lake, just off the 38, you will find a turn off for the Cougar Crest Trail. The parking lot is well marked, and signs for the trailhead are easy to spot. Parking is not an issue if you come in later in the afternoon, but the hike can get crowded during peak hours. Fo...Read more -
Fawnskin, California
Grays Peak Trail
1.06.95 mi / 1293 ft gainThis is a fairly easy mountain peak to climb. The trailhead is easily accessible right off of Hwy 38 by the town of Fawnskin. There is a large National Forest sign noting the parking area to Grays Peak Trail. Note that parking in this lot requires either a day pass or a California Adventure pa...Read more -
Cabazon, California
Check Out the Cabazon Dinosaurs
4.3For any fans of Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure or The Wizard, the Cabazon Dinosaurs are instantly recognizable. A roadside attraction off of Hwy 10 - 90 miles east of Los Angeles - the dinosaurs, heralded as the “World’s Biggest Dinosaurs", are a quick adventure.To get to the dinosaurs, you’ll travel on...Read more -
Big Bear, California
Camp at Holcomb Valley Campground
This campground is awesome! With great views, plenty of space and clean bathrooms it'll have you in for a treat! Whether it be a multiple day trip or just one night this campground is awesome. Read below for information if you are looking for a trip in the mountains! Cost: This campground is a bi...Read more -
Big Bear, California
Explore Van Dusen Cabin
4.0This is a great day trip to spend in the mountains. from Highway 18 at the Big Bear Dam you turn left onto highway 38 around the north shore of Big Bear. Continue till you see the sign Van Dusen Rd and turn left. The paved road takes you through residential neighborhoods where the dirt road begin...Read more -
Big Bear, California
Rock Climb Holcomb Valley
5.0Most of the drive to Holcomb Valley is done on regular paved roads until about the last hour when you get above Big Bear Lake and you start your journey on dirt roads. The road is extremely bumpy and has lots of pot holes but there are generally quite a few cars up there that don't have 4 wheel d...Read more -
9160 Whitewater Canyon Road, California
Pacific Crest Trail: Whitewater Preserve to Stone House
12.38 mi / 1588 ft gainPacific Crest Trail: Whitewater Preserve to Stone House is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Whitewater, California.Read more
Top Activities
Camping and Lodging in Forest Falls
Angelus Oaks, California
Council
Overview
The Council Group Campground is a great place to enjoy a large outdoor gathering with just about everything the San Bernardino N...
Angelus Oaks, California
Barton Flats
Overview
The Barton Flats Campground provides a taste of just about everything the San Bernardino National Forest has to offer. In additi...
Angelus Oaks, California
San Gorgonio
Overview
The San Gorgonio Campground provides access to a variety of recreational opportunities, as well as a beautiful location in which...
Unnamed Road
Lobo Group
Overview
The Lobo Group Campground is nestled in the beautiful Barton Flats area of the San Bernardino Mountains. It is surrounded by pic...
Angelus Oaks, California
Heart Bar Equestrian
Overview
The Heart Bar Equestrian Campground is available by reservation and is for equestrian campers only. It provides access to some o...
Angelus Oaks, California
Coon Creek Group Campground
Overview
The Coon Creek Group Campground is located in the pine-covered mountains of Southern California. The unique campground is home t...
