2012 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE 800.424.4232 BIGBEAR.COM2012 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE 800.424.4232 BIGBEAR.COM 2012 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE 800.424.4232 BIGBEAR.COM 17

The grand centerpiece of our mountain resort is of course the lake. Above the lake are skies that absolutely pop with the prettiest blues you’ll ever see! Whether you choose to play on the lake or just view it from atop an overlooking vista, its magnificence will automatically draw you in.

The lake is stuffed to the gills with trout, bass, and catfish. It’s easy to get hooked on the great fishing dawn to dusk. If adventure on the water is what you seek, then you’re in for a treat. Just about every mainstream aquatic sport happens here, from motorized boats to people-powered kayaks and canoes. There are even some activities on the cutting edge, like New Zealand-style jet boat rides and the Cable Wake- board Park. Along the 22 miles of shoreline, several marinas provide all the gear you need to navigate your way on water.

There’s plenty of action in town, too. Stop by for weekly and seasonal events and festivals, like the Cowboy Gathering, Antique Auto Show, Big Bear Renaissance Faire, and Art on the Lake.

With so much to see and do, there

The combination of a cool alpine lake, surrounding lush forests, and approximately 320 days of sunshine per year is

a magnetic force that lures you to Big Bear spring, summer, and fall. Once Old Man Winter packs it in, the sun warms up the mountains, days become longer, and outdoor recreation blossoms!

A walk or bike ride through the forestbrings you face to face with colorful wildflowers and nature’s intoxicating, woodsy fragrance. Chattering squirrels and chirping birds bring the forest to life. You might even catch a glimpse of a deer darting through the trees. If you plan to take a trip with your significant other, swaying pine and oak trees provide a romantic canopy as you bask in conversation and share a private picnic for two. If you have children, introduce them to a real 3-D adventure they can grasp. The fresh mountain air will stimulate your kids’ senses as they scout out animal tracks along the trails. Imaginations run wild as shrubs and tree logs become forts and rocks become gems worthy of being stuffed into pockets.

LIVE IT. UP. Spring, Summer, and Fall Recreation

are numerous reasons to visit each and every season. Consider it an open invitation to have your fun in the sun.

Gateway to Adventure and DiscoveryThe Big Bear Discovery Center is an educational and informational portal to the San Bernardino National Forestand is located within the heart of the BigBear Valley. Its goal is to create aware-ness and teach you to become a more responsible caretaker of a national forestwhile increasing your enjoyment and knowledge of the great outdoors.

Services include providing Adven-ture Passes, maps for hiking and biking and off-roading, camping information, and Forest Service permits. The Center offers naturalist-led interpretive tours such as snowshoe tours and bald eagle celebrations in the winter and Pacific Crest Trail hiking tours and Big Bear Lake canoe tours in the summer.

BIG BEAR DISCOVERY CENTERYour “Gateway to Adventure and Discovery in the Great Outdoors!”40971 North Shore Dr. (Hwy. 38) 909-866-3437 • SBNFA.org

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