WOODLAND INTERPRETIVE TRAIL

About a 1 ½ mile closed loop hike on a narrow dirt trail.

Difficulty Level – Easy.

Woodland Trailhead located across the highway from the Big Bear Lake east public boat launch ramp. - © Rick Keppler

The Woodland Trailhead is located at the north/east end of Big Bear Lake near Stanfield Cutoff, just across the highway from the east public boat launch ramp. This hike is an easy 1 ½ mile closed loop that gently rises and falls as it wanders through the mountains, occasionally providing  scenic vistas of Big Bear Lake and the mountains all the way out to San Gorgonio.  At strategic points along this trail there are benches provided for relaxing and enjoy the views.  The Woodland trail is dirt, well marked, and since it’s a closed loop, by the time this hike is finished you will end up back at the trailhead where you began.

What’s unique about the Woodland Trail, is that it comes with it’s own information brochure which tells what to look for at the 16 separate numbered markers spread out along this 1 ½ mile closed loop.  This accompanying brochure, which is available for free, is usually available on a stand at the Woodland trailhead, or it can be picked up at the Discovery Center just a mile or so west of the trailhead on North Shore Road.

The Woodland Trail brochure not only provides the names for plants and other vegetation along this walk, but it also explains how everything in this environment has a purpose which plays a supporting role in maintaining this wilderness community.   We learn that there was once a time when Serrano Indians populated this valley.  To these Serrano’s, the plants and trees in the Big Bear Valley were necessary for their very survival.  It is pointed out that, among other things, that the Western Juniper tree, at post number 1 existed back when these Serrano’s lived here, and how they probably used the stringy bark from this tree to make skirts, blankets and shoes.  The Willow Stands at post number 4 indicates that there is water just below the surface.  The local Serrano’s new this, and they also new how to make baskets, bows & arrows from those Willow branches.  The Serrano’s would actually chew the bark of the Willow to relieve pain.  Today we use the Willow to make aspirin.   By the time you finish this beautiful 1 ½ mile trail, you will not only have had an enjoyable hike, but you will leave with a better understanding and appreciation of how this Alpine wilderness environment actually functions.   The bottom line is, make sure that you have this brochure with you before you start the Woodland Trail hike.  You won’t be sorry.

Happy Trails

HERE ARE A FEW PHOTOS OF WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO FIND ALONG THE WOODLAND TRAIL:

This Western Juniper at Post #1 was in existence over a thousand years ago when the Serrano Indians populated the Big Bear Valley. © Rick Keppler

These Willow Stands at Post #4 indicates that there is water hiding just below the surface.

Early morning sunlight catches one of the many benches along the Woodland Trail. © Rick Keppler

The Woodland Trail begins at lake level and eventually climbs high enough to provide views such as this of Snow Summit. - © Rick Keppler

Counting the rings on this stump at Post #8 tells us that this tree lived for 351 years.

The bench at Post #14 is a great place to just sit and enjoy a beautiful view of Big Bear Lake. - © Rick Keppler.

This Juniper tree a Post #16 is actually several trees that have grown together. See the photo below for a better view. - © Rick Keppler

In this view of the Juniper at Post #16, it is easier to see that it is actually several tree that have grown together. - © Rick Keppler.

A scenic view of Big Bear Lake from the trailhead of the Woodland Interpretive Trailhead parking lot. - © Rick Keppler.

For a more information on Big Bear’s fascinating history, visit the Big Bear History Site.Com or go to the Channel-6 website program guide.  Here you will find the dates and times for the various historical episodes on Channel-6’s Big Bear History Show.

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