Big Bear Discovery Center review and visitor information

The center provides interpretive exhibits, forest information and guided environmental programs in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service.

Visitors repeatedly describe helpful staff, clean facilities and programs that hold children's attention. Guided walks and eco-tours are also commonly mentioned.

Setting the scene

The Big Bear Discovery Center is situated in the San Bernardino National Forest, along North Shore Drive near Fawnskin.

What to find there

This center offers information for visitors planning outdoor activities. You can get details on hiking, biking, camping, and learn about necessary permits and recreation passes. It also functions as an outdoor classroom for school and youth groups, featuring a certified Nature Explore Classroom with distinct areas for gathering, digging, pollinators, and quiet reflection. The amphitheater hosts educational and cultural programs, with environmental education and forest-stewardship activities being part of the offerings. The specific programs available vary with the seasons.

Score breakdown

The experience itself measures what the visit or activity delivers. The Big Bear Discovery Center received a score of 9/10 for this criterion. Visitors repeatedly describe helpful staff, clean facilities and programs that hold children's attention. Useful forest and trail information is a strength.

Value measures what you get for what you spend. This criterion scored 8/10. The center provides interpretive exhibits, forest information and guided environmental programs. These offerings are considered a strength.

Crowds and wait measures how busy it gets and how long you wait. The score for this was 7/10. Programs vary by season.

Setting and access measures the surroundings and how easy it is to get there and park. It received a score of 8/10. The center is situated along North Shore Drive.

The overall score for the Big Bear Discovery Center is 8.2/10. This score is the weighted sum of the four criteria: experience itself, value, crowds and wait, and setting and access. The verdict is that useful trail guidance, approachable exhibits, and family programs make it one of the area's strongest orientation stops.

Trails and paths

The Nature Discovery Trail behind the Big Bear Discovery Center is a half-mile loop. It has about 100 feet of elevation gain and opened in spring 2013. This trail offers three benches and partial views of Big Bear Lake and Mount San Gorgonio.

An extension of the Alpine Pedal Path connects with the Big Bear Discovery Center, providing access to water and restrooms. The Woodland Trail uses 16 posted markers and a self-guided pamphlet to explain local botany, wildlife, geology, and dry-woodland ecology.

Nearby hiking routes

The Cougar Crest Trail begins about six-tenths of a mile west of the Big Bear Discovery Center. This trail ends at a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail. A route near the center continues from the Cougar Crest Trail toward Bertha Peak.

This route toward Bertha Peak overlooks Bear Valley, Holcomb Valley, and the Mojave Desert.