Inland Empire
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All IE Parks, Mountains & Lakes
San Bernardino National Forest
🌲 National Forest
680,000 acres

San Bernardino National Forest

IE Mountains
🥾 Hiking
🚵 Biking
🏕️ Camping
❄️ Snow Play
Mountain Views
📸 Scenic
🦌 Wildlife

680,000+ acres of mountains, pines, lakes, and trails across the San Bernardino and San Jacinto ranges — the IE's wild backbone.

San Bernardino National Forest spans about 680,000 acres across the San Bernardino Mountains and the San Jacinto Mountains, covering parts of San Bernardino and Riverside counties. The forest includes Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, the San Gorgonio Wilderness, the San Jacinto Wilderness, and hundreds of miles of trails, plus the Pacific Crest Trail. It's the single biggest outdoor asset for IE residents.

🌟 Why Locals Love It

It's a national forest essentially in our backyard — close enough for a half-day hike.

What to Expect

Pine forests, mountain weather, fire restrictions in summer, snow in winter.

💡 Good to Know Before You Go

Adventure Pass or Interagency Pass required at many trailheads. Check fire restrictions.

📍 Local Tip

South Fork Trail to Dollar Lake is one of the most rewarding moderate hikes in the IE.

Best Time to Visit

Year-round — each elevation has its season.

Notable Features

680,000+ acres
San Gorgonio Wilderness (highest SoCal peak)
Pacific Crest Trail
Cucamonga Wilderness

Practical Info

602 S Tippecanoe Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92408

Amenities

Parking
Trails
Campground
Visitor Center
Ranger Station
Horse Staging
Verified Official Source
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Everything IE is your premium guide to the Inland Empire — Riverside County and San Bernardino County. Events, restaurants, parks, schools, mountains, lakes, sports, and more — sourced from official departments and trusted institutions, curated for the people who call the IE home. Part of the Everything California network.