Lodgepole pines seldom grow taller than 70 feet and in Southern California they usually grow above 8,000’.
An exception to these rules occurs high on the mountaintop near Bluff Lake. This shallow private lake surrounded by lush forest and green meadows, is about 3 miles south of Big Bear Lake.
Here at an elevation of 7500’, grow the largest Lodgepole pines in the WORLD! The world “Champion” discovered in 1963, is a magnificent, double-topped tree that towers above the surrounding forest reaching a height of 110+ feet. The circumference of the trunk at the bottom is 22 ½ feet, however the bulbous base is 36 feet in circumference. Its age is estimated at 440 years.
From the west end of Big Bear Lake Village, drive south west to Mill Creek Road (right past the Alpine Slides) continue about ½ mile, follow Mill Creek Rd (2N10) left after it intersects with Tulip Lane. This road is paved for about ½ mile and then becomes dirt. Follow the 2N10 road until you reach 2N11, then bear left and follow the Champion Lodgepole signs to the parking area at the beginning of the hiking trail.
NOTE: YOU WILL NEED A PARKING PASS, WHICH MAY BE PURCHASED IN TOWN THE ADVENTURE PASS IS A COST OF ONLY $5 FOR THE DAY AND $35 FOR AN ANNUAL PASS.
Follow the Champion Lodgepole trail about ½ mile through the forest along a trickling stream until you reach a junction in the trail turn right and walk a few yards through a lush area filled with Bracken Ferns, Wild Columbine, Lupine, Corn Lilies and other wildflowers. Cross over the tiny wooden bridge, on your left will be a large green meadow and on your right, this magnificent tree surrounded by a small wooden fence and wildflowers. This is one of the lushest areas in the mountains around Big Bear Lake.
Best months to see the wildflowers are June and July, and October is also a great month to see the changing colors of the leaves.
This adventure will be one to remember, we went just a few weeks ago! Hope to see you on the trail!
Have a great day ~ Sara J
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