Big Bear Cabin Blogs » Discovery Center

Don’t wait come visit today!

Editor — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:02:53 +0000

There are so many reasons to come to Big Bear for your next vacation or even for that overnight get away.

If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, we have the best outdoor activities and plenty of sunshine to do it in!

With over 300 days of sunshine all year, there’s not a season you will be disappointed in coming. With the most scenic views around, just the drive up to Big Bear is exciting!

Climbing over 6500 feet above sea level Big Bear sits atop the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains at 6,743 feet in elevation.

Once up here you’ll have to take a drive around the lake with its 22 miles of shoreline, 7 miles in length and an average ½ mile across.

The average depth of the water is about 35 feet in the middle, and the max is 74 feet at the dam. With the heat from the city you might want to come up to cool off, our temperatures averagely fall around 80 degrees during the daytime in summer; cooling off at night with an average of 45.

Like I mentioned before we have an array of outdoor activities for the whole family, no matter the age, there is some fun to be had in the area.

We have boat rentals: anything from a speed or pontoon boats all the way down to kayaks and canoes. If you don’t want to drive that boat yourself, you can always hop on one of the many rides or tours we have to offer.

What’s that you say, you want to soar above the lake?! You can do that too! Take a parasailing ride and you can fly high above the lake, with the most breathtaking views possible.

You may be looking for a little adventure and if you are there are many ways to explore our forest! You could start by taking a horseback ride, or forget the horse and just take a relaxing hike.

You could take a ride on the scenic Summit Sky Chair to the top of the ski resort where, in the summer, you are able to hike around, down or atop the mountain. Either way you can find a trail that’s right for you.

Maybe you don’t want to hike in the forest, but drive instead. We have Off Road Adventures to take you on a guided tour around to some of the coolest spots. With lots of history, interesting facts and stunning views you’ll be amazed.

You don’t have to take the guided tour; you might choose to do the “Self Guided Tour” through the Holcomb Valley. Just stop off at the Discovery Center for a brochure guide. With the locations mapped out for you and the total mileage between each spot there’s no way to get lost and you’re bound to have some sort of fun!

While you’re there at the Discovery Center shop around for some kick knacks and mementos, and if you happened to get hungry you could stop by the little café they have inside too! They have a wealth of information about the plant and wildlife found indigenous to this area. You don’t want to forget any parking passes, permits or maps while there, they have it all. From the hiking and biking trail maps, to camping information this is the spot to get it.

For the cheapest lodging deals and specials on the mountain you can visit US, Gold Rush Resort Rentals. At 40016 Big Bear Blvd.

Or check us out online at www.bigbearcabins.bz.

Enjoy and we hope to see you soon!
~Sara

Pacific Crest Trail Hiking Tour and History

Editor — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:07:06 +0000

Here is a great chance to see a section of the beautiful Pacific Crest Trail.

The PCT as it’s called by enthusiasts is a 2, 650mile trail stretching from Mexico through three western states all the way to Canada!

On this hike, led by a naturalist from the valley, you will learn about the natural history of the area.

The hike is suitable for beginning hikers all the way to experts. So bring the whole family. Starting at 9 and continuing through 2pm, there is a gourmet lunch included and they’ll even get you there.

Just show up to the Discovery Center about 8:45 and you will be on your way to the natural beauty of the PCT that has been enjoyed by many!

The hike is limited to only 12 people and costs $30 for each person ages 10 and up. Reservations are required just call (909) 382-2790 or (909) 866-3437 for reservations.

Thousands of hikers and equestrians take on this quest each year. Some will only travel a few miles, while others complete the entire 2,650 miles in just one season!

The route was first explored in the late 1930s by teams of young men from the YMCA. Once proven usable, trail pioneers Clinton Clarke and Warren Rogers asked the federal government to secure a border-to-border trail passage.

They were unable to get the entire trail linked and had to settle for several disconnected trails along the crest of each state.

Mostly through the efforts of hikers and equestrians, the PCT was eventually designated one of the first scenic trails in the National Trails System authorized by Congress in 1968, and was dedicated in 1993.

Canoe Tours at The Discovery Center

Editor — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 19:37:30 +0000

Learn how to canoe on a relaxed 2-hour guided tour of beautiful Big Bear Lake around the Grout Bay.

After a quick paddling lesson, you will paddle along the shore looking for beaver, great blue herons, and ducklings.

Along the way you will learn the natural history of the Big Bear Valley along with the various flora and fauna found in the area.

Meet at the Discovery Center about 15 – 20 minutes early, and caravan to the lake at Captain John’s Fawn Harbor. They provide water and even a snack, so bring the kids and make some great memories with us on the lake!

Children must be at least 6 years old and must be accompanied by an adult of course.

Tours are limited to only 14 people and reservations are recommended.

Call (909) 382-2790 or (909) 866-3437 for reservations. Costs for adults is $25, and children (6-12) are only $15.

You could plan a tour for any Thursday through Sunday now through September 6.

Tours are from 4pm -6pm and on Sunday they do have an extra morning tour available starting at 9am – 11am as well as the normal 4pm -6pm tour.

So get out there get some exercise and enjoy the scenery of our beautiful community!

And the rockets red glare…

Editor — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:49:28 +0000

Well, I am not so sure about red glare, but something is bound to happen! The Discovery Center of Big Bear is having a BUILD YOUR OWN ROCKET from recycled materials and then you get to set it off and fly it! The class is limited and you can sign up at the front desk!

This fun and exciting class is FREE…but donations are appreciated!

A Campfire at the Discovery Center

Editor — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:47:23 +0000

The Big Bear Discovery Center is hosting a Campfire on Friday Night July 31, from 7:00-8:00 pm. The campfire will include live animals from our forest area! Some of the keepers from Moonridge Animal Park will share knowledge about these local animals and you can see them right there!

There is a $5 Admission charge, but children 5 & under are Free!

This is just another great opportunity Big Bear has to offer! And did you know that our Mid-Week special starting on Sundays all the way to Thursdays is another opportunity you don’t want to miss!

So, give us a call and we will set you up in a cabin that is sure to please! If you really like the critters, stay at Elk Lodge or Chipmunk Lodge, they have taxidermied game all over the walls!

Gold Rush Resort Rentals www.bigbearrentals.net 1 (866) 37-CABIN

Susan

Learn How To Paddle A Canoe In a 2-hour Tour

Editor — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 20:59:17 +0000

Why not see Big Bear in a different way and learn how to paddle a canoe of your very own at the same time?

The Discovery Center has put together a 2-hour guided tour that includes a quick paddling. There’s more than learning how to paddle in this very informative activity. Besides seeing nature up close and personal you will cruise along the shoreline looking for beaver, great blue herons, ducklings, and fish breeching the water.

The tour guide will also teach you about the natural history of the Big Bear Valley as well as the multiple varieties of flora and fauna found in the area.

Tours also include water and a snack. Your tour will begin with a caravan to the lake.

Children must be at least 6 years old and all children need to be accompanied by an adult. Tours are limited to 14 people, reservations recommended. Call (909) 382-2790 or (909) 866-3437 for reservations. Fee: Adults $25, Children (6-12) $15 Dates: May 22-May 31: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays; 4pm-6pm & Sunday; 9am-11am.
June 4 –September 6: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays; 4pm-6pm & Sunday; 9am-11am.

Family Adventures Throughout Big Bear

Editor — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 01:59:03 +0000

Are you planning a trip to Big Bear with your kids and are not too sure what to do?

Well, let me tell you some of my favorite kid-friendly and kid-fun things to do in this great town. The Moonridge Zoo is a great place to go for all ages, and they offer pony rides for the little ones.

Another fun place is the Bowling Barn, an exciting atmosphere, the whole family can enjoy.

There is also the Baldwin Lake Stables, where you can have a horseback riding adventure. You can feed the ducks, make smores, and tell ghost stories; the possibilities are endless.

Oh, and don’t forget to go to the Discovery Center, I am sure your kids will have a blast learning from the knowledgable workers there about the nature that surrounds us here in Big Bear.

Volunteer’s Needed For Regrow The Forest Day

Editor — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 17:58:26 +0000

On March 21st, is “Help Regrow The Forest Day”, Come on up to get your hands dirty, make sure to bring gloves, hat, sunscreen, a snack to eat, water just in case you get thirsty, a jacket in case it becomes chilly!

All of you volunteers out there should meet up over at the Ranger Station flagpole, 1/4 mile east of the Discovery Center. The Big Bear Ranger Station has two greenhouses, a lathe house, and a seed storage shed, volunteers have used these facilities to grow and outplant thousands of native plants.

Earth Day is on April 22, then May 16, June 20, July 18, August 15, September marks which is, National Public Lands Day! For all of you volunteers, you will get a FREE lunch on the Forest! That’s cool!

So what do you say, Help save our Mother Nature, by volunteering to regrow our Forest here! If you have any questions, please contact (909)866-3437 ext:3287

Counting Eagles In Big Bear For Fun

Editor — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 21:46:37 +0000

If Winterfest isn’t something that sounds like fun how about helping count the Bald Eagles in Big Bear? The Discovery Center is calling out for volunteers to man various points around the lake to map and notate any eagle observations during a one hour period from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. on Feb. 14^th. Volunteers do not need any prior experience, the only items needed would be to bring your own binoculars and a watch.

If you are interested the Forest Service at the Big Bear Discovery Center is requesting all volunteers to be there at 8:00 a.m. for instructions.

Snowshoeing For An Afternoon

Editor — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 18:38:08 +0000

What a beautiful day again! Too bad many are checking out today to go back home. This weekend has been a winter wonderland with mother nature offering one of her precious gifts…..newly fallen snow!

Before going back home how about considering an adventure by Snowshoes? Snowshoeing is one of the fastest growing winter sports. If you want to enjoy serenity and escape the crowds then you’re in for an exceptional treat by Snowshoeing Big Bears endless hiking trails while the trails are covered by snow.

You can get trail maps and directions from the Discovery Center on the North Shore, also, The Goldsmith’s Boardhouse offers snowshoe rentals for $12/day.

Big Bear Cabin Blogs » Discovery Center

Don’t wait come visit today!

Related Posts:

Pacific Crest Trail Hiking Tour and History

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Canoe Tours at The Discovery Center

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And the rockets red glare…

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A Campfire at the Discovery Center

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Learn How To Paddle A Canoe In a 2-hour Tour

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Family Adventures Throughout Big Bear

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Volunteer’s Needed For Regrow The Forest Day

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Counting Eagles In Big Bear For Fun

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Snowshoeing For An Afternoon

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