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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a great area in the San Bernardinos. Unfortunately, the Wildlands Conservancy has blocked off access to Bluff Lake (you need a permit to enter) but you can still visit the Champion Lodgepole Pine. The Champ sits right off the trail. It is fenced off to avoid erosion around the roots, and it sits at the base of a sub alpine meadow. It's a big tree, no doubt about it, and this trail is wonderful for the little ones. Bluff Lake also should not be missed, it is so close, you can almost hit it with a rock from the Champion Lodgepole, you can't see it, and you wouldn't know it was even there if you didn't look at a map. If you want to see this wonderful area, you can call them about a permit. (909) 797-8507 Trailhead: From Boulder Bay follow the 18 east to Tulip Lane and merge onto Mill Creek Road. Mill Creek Road becomes 2N10. Follow it past other turnoffs, and after a few miles you will see signs that say Champion Lodgepole. Follow these signs until you reach the trailhead. I would recommend a high clearance vehicle, but 4 wheel drive is not a necessity. Follow 1W11 to the Champion Lodgepole Pine. Pick up a brochure and follow the self guided interpretive trail. It teaches you a great deal about the local trees. (Lat:34.21876 Lon:-116.97386) Trail Guides for Champion Lodgepole Pine Nature Walk: San Bernardino Mountain Trails - 100 Hikes in Southern California by John W. Robinson (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: Big Bear Discovery Center (909)866-3437 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Allen Riedel, who has posted 123 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by MM on 8/12/2008 I've hiked a lot in the San Bernardino mountains and have to say this is one of the nicest parts of the mountain. It is very lush and green, and venturing past the end of this in either direction is recommended if you have the time. The dirt road up to the hike was about 4 1/2 miles and at times was very rocky... I would NOT recommend the drive to the trailhead for all vehicles. This gives you the feel of a hike that is nowhere near civilization yet is 3 miles from Big Bear Lake. Plan to go back again and explore some more. 
Reviewed by AK on 5/20/2007 Very easy, short hike, more of a pleasant walk, really. The scenery is lovely - pretty meadows, boulders, and little wooden bridges. The roads to get there can be tricky in spots - after Mill Creek becomes a dirt road (2N10) make sure you stay on 2N10 until you see signs directing you to the trailhead. There are a couple of forks in the road that are clearly marked. Most of the road is very passable, but there are a few rough spots that made me glad I was driving a higher clearance vehicle. We're planning on coming back and doing the longer hikes that branch off from the Lodgepole Pine trail, because this area of the mountains is just gorgeous and so different from other hikes in the Big Bear area.
Reviewed by sj on 1/20/2006 Very pretty there. There are trees, meadows, and lush swampy areas (probably Bluff Lake). I passed the Champion Lodgepole tree at first, because it was very large and didn't notice it until quite a ways away (viewing distance). It was a nice relaxing walk. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, San Bernardino County Hiking, San Bernardino County Trails, San Bernardino County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
