Top Five Birding Locations for Big Bear Lake
The San Bernardino National Forest is home to over 290 species of wild birds. Located in the middle of this bird-filled forest, along the Pacific Flyway is Big Bear Lake. To guide your birding experience, Chirp has carefully curated favorite birding hotspots and must-visit wild birding areas around the Big Bear Valley.
1. Bluff Lake
Bluff Lake is a unique 20-acre alpine lake and nature preserve nestled in the National Forest. Look for a variety of wild birds including Gadwalls, Woodpeckers, and Red-Winged Blackbirds. See the detailed Bluff Lake Bird-Watching Guide.
2. Sandalwood Marsh
Sandalwood Marsh is 3 miles from Chirp. With easy parking, a flat road, and lakeshore access, this is perfect for walks with birders of all ages. Keep your eyes open for Song Sparrows, Blue Herons, and Marsh Wrens. See the detailed Sandalwood Marsh Bird-Watching Guide.
3. Happy Hills Trail and Metcalf Creek
Happy Hills Trail is a short ADA-compliant trail next to the Big Bear Lake City Hall. Continue birding along Metcalf Creek into the forest. While walking, look for the occasional Hawk, Hummingbird, and Western Wood-pewee. See the detailed Happy Hills Trail Bird-Watching Guide.
4. Meadow’s Edge
Start at Meadow’s Edge Picnic Area and walk along a winding trail parallel to Big Bear Lake’s north shore. A perfect location to search for Pelicans, Swallows, and American Coots, See the detailed Meadow’s Edge Bird-Watching Guide.
5. Knickerbocker Canyon
Knickerbocker Canyon is located .5 miles up Forest Road 2N08, not far from the Big Bear Lake Village. While hiking you may spot Brown Creepers, Woodpeckers, and Chickadees. Your reward at the end of the hike is a spring-fed oasis. Read the detailed Knickerbocker Bird-Watching Guide.
More Big Bear Lake Bird-Watching Locations
- Big Bear Lake Cruise: In addition to its shoreline, Big Bear Lake offers multiple on-water bird watching experiences. Take a lake cruise, rent a boat, or launch your own water craft. [View Map to Pine Knot Marina – .5 Miles From Chirp]
- Baldwin Lake Ecological Reserve: Off of Highway 18, this area offers free parking and picnic tables at the beginning of a moderate trail. [View Map – 9 Miles From Chirp]
- Bow Canyon: Located in upper Moonridge, look for the wildlife-friendly spring near the beginning of the trail off to your right. [View Map – 5 Miles From Chirp]
- Cactus Flats: Just outside the Big Bear Valley on the way to the Lucerne Valley, this flat, desert area hosts cactus and desert wildlife. [View Map – 12 Miles From Chirp]
- Coxey Meadow: A remote swampy area outside the Big Bear Valley with views of the surrounding countryside. Access via dirt Forest Service roads. [View Map – 23 Miles From Chirp]
- Green Canyon: Located off of Highway 38, this shaded water source is also the trailhead for Sugarloaf Mountain. Access via dirt Forest Service roads. [View Map – 10 Miles From Chirp]
- Grout Bay: A picnic area off the North Shore of Big Bear Lake with trails leading to lake views. Closed in the winter during Bald Eagle breeding season. [View Map – 8 Miles From Chirp]
- Holcomb Valley: This historic gold mining area has large rock structures and hiking trails. Access via dirt Forest Service roads. [View Map – 13 Miles From Chirp]
- Juniper Point: Convenient picnic area with easy lake shore bird watching. [View Map – 4 Miles From Chirp]
- Metcalf Meadow: Headwaters of Metcalf Creek, next to Forest Service Road 2N10 and the terminus of the Skyline Trail. Access via dirt Forest Service roads. [View Map – 3 Miles From Chirp]
- Stanfield Marsh: A unique boardwalk over the eastern portion of Big Bear Lake with easy accessible parking, leisurely trails, and lake views. [View Map – 4 Miles From Chirp]
- Wildhorse Meadows: A remote spring-fed meadow off of Highway 38 with great forest views. Access via dirt Forest Service roads. [View Map – 15 Miles From Chirp]
Better Your Birding With The Best Gear
Chirp Nature Center has all the gear and guides you need for your next bird walk. Visit Chirp Nature Center to pick up birding supplies, including guides, checklists, and binoculars. Here are resources and gear we recommend you bring on your next adventure:
- Trusty Binoculars (shop optics online)
- Reliable Bird Guide (like Peterson’s Field Guide)
- The eBird mobile app. (create an eBird account, and download and practice recording sightings with the app)
- FREE local Wild Bird Checklist (available online, and at Chirp)
- Comfortable attire (layered clothing and walking or hiking shoes)
- Camera (or phone with a camera)
- Water (drinking water is not available at most birding locations)
- Sunglasses
- Sunblock (UV rays at altitude are stronger)
- Snacks (so you have the fuel to bird as long as you want)
When in Big Bear, fly by Chirp’s nest, say hi, and share your bird-watching experiences with us! We look forward to supporting you on all of your wild bird adventures.
