I think it’s been over two years since our kids have seen snow, so when some friends said they were renting a cabin for the weekend and invited us up to Big Bear in the San Bernardino National Forest, we didn’t think twice.
For Orange County folk Big Bear is a quick two hour jaunt to snow, mountain forests, lake and an escape from the hustle and bustle down below.
Once off of the freeway, the drive is just beautiful. It’s hard to see here, but there were sunflowers in bloom all along the sides of the road.
Higher up there are breathtaking views and at some points you’re right at the edge of nothingness. My daughter, bless her heart, felt she was helping me as she reasoned that gripping the door handle and console would do nothing for me if we were to fall off the edge.
Snow is such a rarity you often see people pulled over on the side of the road to play in it.
Just walking through the neighborhoods you’ll find all kinds of curiously decorated cabins.
We managed to squeeze in a hike up the Woodland Trail which starts right across the street from Big Bear Lake. It’s a 1 1/2 mile loop through mixed conifer and Pinyon-Juniper woodland habitats. We saw Mountain Chickadees and Woodpeckers and Steller Jays and an American Robin along the trail muddied from all the melting snow. The trees and sights were breathtaking.
Isn’t it beautiful!? I hope we can return again soon 🙂