Forest Service Increases Number of “Fee Free” Days To Eight This Year!

Big Bear, Ca, January 11, 2012, 4:00pm - The U.S. Forest Service announced this week that eight dates have been chosen to be fee free days for the national forests nationwide.  Usually in years past there have been two or three fee free days, where adventure seekers don’t need to purchase an adventure pass for their car to park on National Forest Land, and this year the Forest Service has increased the number to eight days.   “We encourage the public to get outdoors in America’s vast and dynamic playground,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. “We hope that visiting your beautiful national forests and grasslands will help people gain a deep appreciation for natural resources, and create lifelong memories.”  This Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend will be filled with fee free days, with Saturday through Monday, requiring no adventure pass.  Later on in the year, June 9^th, Get Outdoors Day, September 29^th, National Public Lands Day, and November 10^th through 12^th Veterans Day Weekend will also be fee free days.  The mission of the U.S. Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.

View of the Desert from the Pacific Crest Trail

Labor Day Weekend Keeps Big Bear Busy

One Step Closer For Skyline Trail: Public Input Sought

Big Bear, Ca, August 16, 2011, 12:00pm - The Big Bear Valley Trails Foundation is in the process of working with the Forest Service to get a new trail approved.  The proposed trail known as Skyline would span from east to west along the south ridge of the Big Bear Valley, and would provide hikers, cyclists and equestrians with a safe alternative to fire roads such as 2n10 that has heavy vehicle traffic.   This Saturday, there will be a public meeting at the intersection of fire roads 2N10 and 2N06, located south of Snow Summit. The meeting will take place at 10:00am and is an opportunity for people to see displays of the initial presentation, go on a short hike along a general proposed route of the trail, and attendees will be able to ask questions and provide their input or suggestions.  According to Phil Hamilton, Trails Foundation President, the Trails Foundation has been working with the Forest Service to make what he believes will be an “epic trail that will attract users from all over the country when completed.”  The Trails Foundation is a non-profit organization, dedicated to creating, enhancing, preserving and promoting non-motorized use of Big Bear Valley trails and roadways for the enjoyment and transportation of residents and visitors. Last year the Trails Foundation successfully reopened the Seven Oaks Trail after it had been overgrown for decades, by working with the Forest Service and many helpful volunteers.  If you have any questions, Hamilton encourages you to call him at 585-3467, or go online at www.bigbeartrails.com .

Hike To Butler Peak: Amazing Views of The Valley

Big Bear, Ca, August 12, 2011, 12:00pm - The next hike in the Seven Summits of Big Bear hike series is this Saturday with the summit to reach being Butler Peak.  Butler Peak is located on the Northshore of Big Bear Lake, just west of Fawnskin, and has excellent views of the entire valley from its look out point!  Those interested in hiking can meet and park outside of the Hanna Flats Campground behind Fawnskin.  Hike leaders encourage you to carpool, and to ensure that your car is not blocking access to the roadway.  Hikers are encouraged to bring sturdy shoes,  a hat, sunglasses, snacks and water for the 12 mile round trip hike.  The hike will be a strenuous hike, maily on steep fire road up to the look out point.  The next hike in the Seven Summits series is Sugarloaf Mountain on September 3^rd, followed by San Gorgonio on September 17^th!  For more information on the hike series, and how you can get involved visit www.SevenSummitsOfBigBear.com.

Delamar Peak Up Next In 7 Summits Quest

Big Bear, Ca, July 21, 2011, 12:00pm - The 4th hike in the Seven Summits hike schedule is this Saturday.  Delamar Mountain is the peak to conquer on Saturday, with the group meeting at the Cougar Crest Trailhead at 8am.  Delamar Peak overlooks the Fawnskin area, and marks the west end of the hills bordering Big Bear Lake to the north.  The hike is 9 miles round trip, with 2 miles of off trail hiking, and some fun navigation along the way.  Those attending are encouraged to bring a hat, sturdy shoes, water and snacks for the hike.  Up next on the hike schedule is Butler Peak on August 13th, Sugarloaf Mountain on September 3rd, and San Gorgonio on September 17th.  For more information go to www.SevenSummitsofBigBear.org

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Wilderness First Aid Class at Discovery Center

Big Bear, Ca July 13, 2011 3:00 pm – This weekend, the Big Bear Discovery Center will host a Wilderness First Aid class.  The 2-day class sponsored by the Wilderness Medicine Institute of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and the sporting goods company REI provides the first aid skills needed for hikers, mountain bikers, jeep offroaders, climbers and others in the backcountry.  Participants completing the course earn a Wilderness First Aid certification from NOLS.  Holders of previous certifications may enroll to re-certify during this class.  The course is 16 hours long and will be held beginning at 9:00 am both Saturday and Sunday.  Registration is required and is available online at rei.com.   

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Seven Summits Group Hike – Mt San Gorgonio

September 17, 2011

6:00 am

Part of the Seven Summits of Big Bear Challenge.  Free.

Be sure to be prepared with plenty of water, snacks, proper footwear, sunscreen, and a hat.  Maps and directional devices are strongly encouraged.

For more information go to sevensummitsofbigbear.org

Seven Summits Group Hike – Sugarloaf Mountain

September 3, 2011

8:00 am

Part of the Seven Summits of Big Bear Challenge.  Free.

Be sure to be prepared with plenty of water, snacks, proper footwear, sunscreen, and a hat.  Maps and directional devices are strongly encouraged.

For more information go to sevensummitsofbigbear.org

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