Big Bear Today Magazine September 2020

Big Bear Today September 2020—Page 15
Cantrell Guide Service at Pine Knot Landing
is the lake’s longest running guide
service since 1991. Troll for trout around
the lake’s 23 miles of shoreline aboard 24'
pontoon boat with 18 ‘ roof and enclosure
to protect against cold and wind. Professional
licensed guides John Cantrell and
Cliff Fowler (“Fowler’s Fish Tales”) have
80 years experience. (909) 585-4017.
Gold Rush Mining Adv.
Pan for gemstones and fossils millions of
years old in a working sluice with water
wheel, crack geodes to reveal prescious
stones, find real pearls in oysters and unearth
dinosaur bones and poop. Emporium
with mining and gifts plus old fashioned
fudge, candy, sarsaparilla and more. 50016
Big Bear Blvd. (909) 866-5678.
Golf
High altitude enhances any game at the
Bear Mountain Golf Course. Nine-hole
(par 35) 2,730-yard course. full-service
4,000 sq. ft. Bear Trap clubhouse and pro
shop offers putting green, cart and club
rentals, restaurant, lounge, and driving
range. Across from the ski resort on Moonridge
Rd. (909) 585-8002.
Helicopter Tours
See Big Bear from above during aerial
tours by Helicopter Big Bear. The lake, ski
resorts, desert and surrounding mountains
can be viewed aboard a climate-controlled
Robinson R44 helicopte, departing daily
out of Big Bear Airport. The helicopter
seats up to four, pilot plus three passengers,
and tours start at $35 per person based
on two passengers. (909) 585-1200.
Hiking
There’s dozens of trails and natural areas to
enjoy the rugged beauty of the San
Bernardino National Forest. From easy
strolls along the lake to stenuous climbs
into the mountains, there are trails for all
abilities, including families, within a short
drive of Big Bear. For information on all
trails in the Valley and the required
Adventure Pass, visit the Discovery Center
on North Shore Dr., about two miles west
of Stanfield Cutoff. (909) 866-3437.
Alpine Pedal Path is a very easy 3.5 mile
(each way) paved trek following the lake
on the north shore. Popular with hikers,
bikers, skaters, strollers and wheelchairs
as it passes Carol Morrison East Boat
Launch, Discovery Center, Serrano
campground, Solar Observatory and more.
Castle Rock Trail is a short but strenuous
hike, that ends with a panoramic view of
Big Bear Lake. Legend has it that a beautiful
Indian maiden, jilted by her lover, took her
life by leaping from this towering 100 ft.
monolith. It’s reached after a mostly uphill,
.8 mile walk past a stream and featuring
beautiful views. Located on Hwy. 18
between Boulder Bay and the dam; park on
the lake side of the road.
Cougar Crest Trail is moderate two-mile
(each way) hike. As it winds above the
lake’s north shore, it offers up great views
of water and the surrounding mountains.
Trailhead is on North Shore Dr. about two
miles west of Stanfield Cutoff, .6 mile
from the Discovery Center where you can
park without an Adventure Pass.
Woodland Interpretive Trail is a short,
scenic family stroll with minimal elevation
gain, located on the north shore near Cougar
Crest. Free trail maps (available at the
trailhead or Discovery Center) identify
markers along the route noting local
vegetation, wildlife areas, etc.
Pacific Crest Trail comes through Big
Bear from Onyx Summit through the East
Valley to Hwy. 18 and then past Holcomb
Valley Rd. and Cougar Crest through
Holcomb Valley before continuing its 2,638
mile journey from Mexico to Canada. Call
the Discovery Center to find out where to
catch this famous international trail.
Pine Knot Trail from Aspen Glen picnic
area climbs the southern ridge above Alpine
After Dark...
Big Bear’s Nightlife & Entertainment Guide
ALLEY OOPS SPORTS BAR—Family Karaoke each Saturday night at 8 p.m. Glow
Bowling at 8:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Sat. and Sun.
Watch the big game on big screen TVs, open to all ages. Happy Hour Monday-
Friday 5:30-7 p.m. with 50¢ off all bar drinks (except draft), $1 hot dogs. Bowl
3 games for the price of 2 with coupon in this issue. Inside the Bowling Barn at
40625 Big Bear Blvd. (909) 878-BOWL.
BARNSTORM RESTAURANT—Live music Saturdays during dinner with favorite
local musicians, please call for schedule. 501 W. Valley Blvd. at the airport. (909)
585-9339.
BIG BEAR MOUNTAIN BREWERY— Craft microbrew beers, food in a cozy
atmosphere. Wear your gear, 75¢ off your beer. 40260 Big Bear Blvd. 866-BEER.
THE BONE YARD—Over 40 beers on tap plus large selection of wines and spirits.
560 Pine Knot Ave. (909) 878-0401.
NOTTINGHAMS TAVERN— 40797 Big Bear Blvd. near Bartlett. 866-4644.
THE CAVE BIG BEAR—Your favorite artists up close and personal! See national
performers, top tribute bands and more in Big Bear’s hot new intimate concert
venue. Good food and full cocktail service including craft beers from Big Bear Lake
Brewing Co. CLOSED FOR COVID-19, PLEASE CALL (909) 878-0204.
THE LODGE AT BIG BEAR LAKE—Fridays see singer Nikki Sparks in Stillwells
lounge 5-8 p.m. followed by Johnny Jukebox 8-10. Brad from Silver Moon Sept.
5 and 19. 30650 Village Dr. (909) 866-3121.
THE PINES LAKEFRONT/TAVERN—Duke Michaels and Peggy Baldwin on the
outdoor patio Saturdays and Sundays 1-4 p.m. 350 Alden Rd. (909) 866--5400.
WYATT’S CAFE & SALOON—Open 4 p.m. Wednesdays for country dancing with
DJ,Great grub and drinks, family-friendly. Celebrate 50th annual Oktoberfest at
Wyatt’s beginning Sept. 12-13! Saturdays and Sundays, Fridays starting Sept. 18,
Thursdays starting Sept. 24. Convention Center, Big Bear Blvd. at Division. (909)
585-3000.
Slide three miles (each way) to Skyline Dr.
2N10, through lush meadow and stands of
white fir and Jeffrey Pine. Continue another
1/4 mile to Grand View Point for spectacular
180-degree vistas.
Holcomb Valley
At one time, Big Bear Valley was thriving
gold country. The last remaining signs of
this historic chapter in Big Bear history are
featured in a driving tour through what is
known as Holcomb Valley. Totaling 11.6
miles over a dirt road, the tour offers stops
at Two Gun Bill’s Saloon, Hangman’s
Tree, Pigmy Cabin, Metzger Mine, and
more. Free maps available at the Big Bear
Discovery Center on the North Shore—
call 866-3437. Allow three hours for the
drive.
Horseback Riding
Baldwin Lake Stable is open year-round
for horseback riding. Rates are by the hour,
offering one, two, three and four-hour rides
with longer rides heading along the famous
Pacific Crest Trail plus sunset rides. A
variety of spectacular mountain trails with
horses for all riding abilities. For little
buckeroos there’s hand-led pony rides and
petting zoo. Reservations suggested for all
rides. Big Bear Blvd. east to stop sign at
Hwy. 38, go through intersection, veer left
on Shay Rd. to 46475 Pioneertown Rd.,
Big Bear City. (909) 585-6482.
Jet Skis/Waverunners
Jet skis and two, three and four seater
Waverunners from Get Wet Water Sports
Center at North Shore Landing (878-
4FUN), and Holloway’s Marina (866-
5706) are $85-$140 per hour. Big Bear
Marina (866-3218) has new Yamaha threeseaters
for $125/hour, gas included. Pine
Knot Landing has three-person
waverunners available at $109. 478-4377.
Miniature Golf/Go Karts
Putt ‘N Around, located at the Alpine Slide
at Magic Mountain, features landscaped
18-hole miniature golf course with water
hazards and breaking greens. Then there’s
an oval-shaped go-kart track with highbanked
turns, which nine Can Am racers—
including four two-seaters—with Honda
5.5 horsepowers engines and an array of
safety features zip around. 866-4626.
Scenic Sky Chair
Ride Snow Summit’s Scenic Sky Chair to
the top for incredible views of the Valley,
lake, Mt. San Gorgonio, and more. Enjoy
barbecued food, beer and wine at the View
Haus on top, which has a terrific sundeck,
while taking in spectacular views that can
stretch to the Basin. Hike down or ride the
chair back. Roundtrip ride (no bike) $24,
$19 senior/youth (save 20% with 72 hour
advance online or phone purchase). Daily
till Sept. 7, then weekends only till closing
day Oct. 10. (909) 866-5766.
Soaring Eagle
Fly 500' downhill on the new Soaring Eagle
attraction at Alpine Slide, only one of its
kind in California. Reach speeds up to 26
mph during the dramatic downhill
descent—only after riding backwards to
the top! Up to two can ride at one time.
Open daily. On the boulevard 1/4 mile
west of the Village. (909) 866-4626.
Wakeboard/Water Ski
Get Wet Water Sports Center offers
water ski and wakeboard rides from North
Shore Landing, Holloway’s Marina and
Big Bear Marina. $195/hour ($360 for 2
hours) includes equipment and boat. Group
rates. (909) 878-4FUN.
Water Slide
Alpine Slide is home to two side-by-side
water slide flumes that take riders through
a maze of banked turns and wild, wet
action. All-day passes $20, single rides $2,
10-ride books $15. Open daily till Sept. 7,
then closed for season. 1/4 mile west of the
Village on Big Bear Blvd. (909) 866-4626.
Zoo
Grizzly and black bears, bobcats, coyotes,
mountain lions, deer, eagles, and other
animals are at Big Bear Alpine Zoo, many
of which are native to the San Bernardino
Mtns. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays, 10-
5 Saturday and Sunday with daily animal
presentations at noon and weekend 3 p.m.
“feeding frenzy” tours. Moonridge Rd. to
Clubview, veer right to Bear Mountain,
and turn left to the zoo. $12 adults, $9 ages
over 60 and children 3-10, under two free.
(909) 584-1299.