Trail · San Bernardino National Forest
Siberia Creek Trail Big Bear review for backcountry hikers
Siberia Creek Trail is a strenuous backcountry route beginning near the Champion Lodgepole Pine trailhead, but only its first 1.5 miles have been maintained in recent years. The Forest Service has closed it since February 11, 2026 under the Line Fire order; check the Forest Service before going.
- Status: closed
- 13.6 mi round trip
- Strenuous
At a glance
- Officially 13.6 miles round trip to Bear Creek
- Trailhead off Forest Roads 2N10 and 2N11
- Closed under the Line Fire order
- Maintained only to Gunsight, about 1.5 miles in
- Best for: solitude when reopened
What it is known for
The Forest Service calls the complete route strenuous but rates the maintained section to the Gunsight rock formation as easy.
Visitors mention a genuine backcountry feel and distant mountain views, while warning that brush makes the trail unreliable beyond Gunsight.
The trail and its closure
Siberia Creek Trail is currently closed under a Forest Service order related to the Line Fire. This closure is in effect until at least 09/30/2026, unless the Forest Service modifies the order.
Trail description when open
When accessible, Siberia Creek Trail is a strenuous, out-and-back route covering approximately 13.6 miles. It begins at the Champion Lodgepole Pine trailhead, which is accessed via Forest Road 2N11 off Forest Road 2N10.
The trail initially follows the creek, with a meadow alongside. The upper sections of the route pass through various trees, including lodgepole pine, ponderosa pine, and white fir, alongside ferns and seasonal wildflowers. Early summer brings blooms to the upper trail, and fall offers changing foliage.
Beyond the initial gentler part, the path enters a gorge filled with boulders and then ascends steeper, forested slopes. The trail offers solitude and far-reaching views when it is open.
Strengths and limits
Pros
- Quiet backcountry setting
- Far-reaching ridge views
- Easy maintained section to Gunsight when open
Cons
- Currently closed
- Overgrown beyond the first 1.5 miles
- Rough forest-road access
Other places to try
Trails for a different outing
Since Siberia Creek Trail is closed, consider these routes in the San Bernardino National Forest. The Cougar Crest Trail to Bertha Peak offers a 7.3-mile round trip hike that is rated moderate to difficult. It provides a substantial climb with summit views.
For an easier excursion, the Alpine Pedal Path is a 5.3-mile round trip trail. This paved path is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
The Grays Peak Trail extends for 6.9 miles round trip and is classified as moderate to difficult. This path is best for lake views from April through October.
Another option is the Pineknot Trail to Grand View Point, a 7.5-mile round trip journey. This moderate trail is best for a forest walk leading to a panorama.
Who it suits
-
Solitude seekers
When reopened, this path offers a quiet setting away from crowds.
-
Nature admirers
The upper reaches may appeal to those who appreciate forest, meadow, creek, and wildflower views, should the trail reopen.
-
Advanced hikers
The boulder gorge and steep sections would suit those with backcountry skill, if the path is accessible again.
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Dog owners
Note that pets are not allowed within the nearby Bluff Lake Reserve.
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Visitors seeking access
Entry is currently prohibited due to a closure order, making it unsuitable for general visitors at this time.
Along the way
The creek corridor
The Forest Service has found the Siberia Creek Trail's creek corridor eligible for scenic-river classification. This corridor is free-flowing and lies within a largely primitive watershed. It provides nonmotorized access to the creek itself.
This area is noteworthy for its support of rare high-altitude montane wet-meadow habitat. Within this habitat, you can find federally listed species, including the pedate checker-mallow and California taraxacum.
Proximity and access
If you were to hike the Siberia Creek Trail when it is open, you would pass within a quarter-mile of the champion lodgepole pine. The trail shares the Champion Lodgepole Pine trailhead, accessed via Forest Road 2N11 off Forest Road 2N10.
The full route is approximately 13.6 miles round trip and is considered strenuous. The trail is currently closed under a Forest Service order related to the Line Fire.
Before you plan a hike here
- 01
Check closure
Visitors should not enter Siberia Creek Trail while Forest Order 05-12-00-26-03 remains in effect.
- 02
Forest Service
The Forest Service closure began February 11, 2026 and is scheduled to remain in effect through September 30, 2026.
- 03
Check alerts
Visitors should check the San Bernardino National Forest alerts page for extensions, replacements, or early termination of the closure order.
- 04
Roads
The current order also restricts listed roads, so visitors should not drive toward the starting point without checking the order and road status.
- 05
Vehicle type
High-clearance vehicles are recommended for the forest-road approach when access eventually reopens.
- 06
Reopening date
Siberia Creek Trail remains closed through September 30, 2026 unless the Forest Service changes the order.
Before you go
Is Siberia Creek Trail open?
No. The Forest Service's Line Fire order has closed it since February 11, 2026 and runs through September 30, 2026. Check the Forest Service before going.
How much of the trail is passable?
The trail is passable only for its first mile and a half.
Which website has the current closure information?
Use the San Bernardino National Forest alert page. It is the Forest Service's current source for the Line Fire order and affected trails.
What roads lead to the trailhead?
The current order also restricts listed access roads, so visitors should not drive toward the Champion Lodgepole Pine trailhead without checking the order and road status. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for the forest-road approach when access eventually reopens.
What should I know about the trail's corridor?
Siberia Creek Trail follows a creek corridor that the Forest Service found eligible for scenic-river classification. This free-flowing corridor lies in a largely primitive watershed and supports rare high-altitude montane wet-meadow habitat, including federally listed pedate checker-mallow and California taraxacum.
When was the trail last maintained?
The trail is passable only for its first mile and a half.
What is the expected reopening date?
The Forest Service closure is scheduled to remain in effect through September 30, 2026, unless the order is modified. Visitors should monitor the San Bernardino National Forest alerts page for any updates regarding extensions, replacements, or early termination of the closure.
Where it is
Nearby alternatives
Who reviewed this
Jenna Whitcomb
Local guide editor
Jenna Whitcomb edits Near Big Bear. Every trail on this page was checked against the US Forest Service and OpenStreetMap on the date below.
- Reviewed by
- Marcus Delgado, Fact checker
- Updated
- September 22, 2026