EverythingBB
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All BB Parks & Trails
🌲 Forest Trail
3 mi
easy
Plantation Trail
Big Bear City
Dog Friendly
🥾 Hiking
👨👩👧👦 Family
💎 Hidden Gem
Quiet 3-mile out-and-back through a historic Forest Service tree plantation — cool, shaded, family-friendly.
The Plantation Trail is a peaceful out-and-back route on the east side of the valley near Big Bear City, traversing a Forest Service reforestation plantation of evenly-spaced Jeffrey pines. About 3 miles round-trip, mostly flat, with cool shade and pine-needle covered tread. Less crowded than the south-shore favorites and a great option on hot summer afternoons.
🌟 Why Locals Love It
Coolest trail in the valley on a hot summer day. Big shade, soft footing, very few people.
What to Expect
Flat trail through tall, evenly-spaced Jeffrey pines. Soft pine-needle floor. Easy navigation.
💡 Good to Know Before You Go
Adventure Pass required. Limited signage — bring an offline map.
Best Time to Visit
Summer afternoons when other trails are too hot.
Notable Features
Forest Service plantation
Cool pine shade
Soft pine-needle trail
Quiet
Practical Info
Big Bear City, CA 92314
Dawn to dusk
Forest road trailhead — Adventure Pass required
250 ft elevation gain
Amenities
Trailhead Parking
Adventure Pass Required
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Everything BB is your premium guide to California's beloved alpine escape — the lake, the cabins, the Village, the slopes, and the mountain. Curated for the people who live, escape to, and vacation in Big Bear. Part of the Everything California network.
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