Six miles from Chirp Nature Center, tucked into the mountains of the San Bernardino National Forest, lies the bird-watching paradise Bluff Lake. This 20-acre lake feeds an open meadow, is surrounded by pine forests, and is home to rare marsh vegetation. Bluff Lake’s variety of habitats and year-round water supply attract a diverse group of local and migrating wildlife. While visiting, be on the lookout for waterfowl, marsh birds, and woodpeckers. Less than half a mile from the lakeshore grows the largest Lodgepole Pine in the world, a towering giant worth admiring. Visitors can park at designated locations and stroll along the lake’s perimeter and explore various side trails.

Birders at a lake
Bluff Lake: A Bird-Watching Paradise

Trail Overview:

  • Distance to Trailhead: 6 Miles from Chirp and The Big Bear Lake Village
  • Accessibility: Mountain Fire Road (Higher clearance recommended, lower clearance vehicles possible)
  • Trail: Easy dirt trail
  • Water source: Bluff Lake
The sun shining through the trees into a green meadow
Bluff Lake Is Surrounded By Pine Forests

Bird-Watching At Bluff Lake

Bluff Lake is an exceptional place to spot a wide variety of wild birds, some of which are listed below. Click on their names to learn more, or check out the Bluff Lake Ebird Checklist for recent bird sightings at this location.

Directions To Bluff Lake

Map to Bluff Lake
Directions to Bluff Mesa Group Camp, and Bluff Lake
  • Starting from Chirp (578 Bonanza Trail, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315)
  • Head south on Bonanza Trail toward Village Drive
  • Turn right onto Village Drive
  • Go straight through the intersection which puts you on Big Bear Blvd.
  • Continue on Big Bear Blvd. for .5 miles
  • Turn left onto Mill Creek Rd, fo .4 miles
  • Turn left to stay on Mill Creek Rd. For 3.7 miles
  • Turn right onto 2N86, go .6 miles
  • Turn left onto 2N86A, go .2 miles
  • There is a parking area to the left just before the Bluff Mesa Group Camp
  • Follow the trail down the hill towards Bluff Lake
  • Alternatively, some people will continue straight on Mill Creek Road, past 2N86, and will park outside the gated entrance to the Bluff Lake Preserve

Get turn-by-turn instructions from Chirp

Birders using binoculars along the trail
Birding at Bluff Lake

Take A Virtual Bird Walk to Bluff Lake

Don’t wait, visit Bluff Lake now from the comfort of your couch. Go on a Virtual Bird Walk to Bluff Lake to practice birding skills, enjoy breathtaking sights, and experience why Bluff Lake is one of Chirp’s favorite birding locations.