August 2021 Big Bear Today Magazine

Volume 33, No. 2 August 2021
www.bigb eartodaymag.com
The Mountain’s Monthly Lifestyle Magazine
So Cal
Cycling
Capital!
One Year Anniversary
• The Fawn Lodge Story
• Conquer The Wall, Kodiak 100
• Travel Back in Time at Museum
• Wilderness-Worthy Views on Wildhorse Trail

Page 2—August 2021
From the Publisher
From slots to movie
sets, Fawn Lodge had
quite the history
From slot machines to Perry Mason,
nine-piece orchestra dancing to lavish
dinners, the historic Fawn Lodge
has a long and colorful history.
The distinctive salmon-colored building
in Fawnskin with pseudo-western decor
has been shuttered for four decades
now. But in its heyday the building was
once the jewel of the San Bernardino
Mountains, where the elite skirted Prohibition
laws and guests stayed in cozy hotel
rooms without private baths.
In its 55-plus years of operation the
Fawn Lodge, known before that as the Tea
Room complete with stunning dome long
since removed, was the site of television
and movie shoots. It hosted weekly Big
Bear Lake Rotary meetings with owner
Glenn Wilson the club’s first president.
From retail space to restaurant the property
built in 1925 has seen a little bit of
everything, and perhaps the Fawn Lodge
story isn’t complete even today.
* * *
No wonder the Historical Society
meeting featuring a presentation on Fawn
Lodge by Richard Graham and Mark
Durban was packed last month. Drive into
quaint Fawnskin and the historic building
stands out. It’s impossible to miss and
while we’ve all wondered what the inside
looks like, few have seen it.
Graham is one who has. “The outside
is pretty torn up, but inside it’s much sturdier
than the outward appearance would
indicate,” he said. “It’s pretty structurally
sound.”
While Fawn Lodge is mostly thought
of as a hotel, in fact its first decade or so
was spent as an entertainment hub. Built
as a business center by Henry Guio, it was
sold after one year to local developers including
Richard Thompson. While the first
floor saw a variety of businesses including
a barbershop, the second was run by
Thompson’s wife Francis as the Fawn Tea
Room for several years.
Here the well-to-do were pitched
mountain real estate dreams with music
and dancing on the beautiful second floor,
sometimes to a top nine-piece orchestra
from down the mountain. On-site there was
a cafe with kitchen, lounge, even comfortable
reading nook.
Prohibition might have put a damper
on the events but these were considered
private affairs where folks could bring their
own drink. There was plenty of bootleg
hootch, according to notes by old-timer
Pete Pedersen. The bashes were lavish
enough to draw the attention of major
newspapers including Los Angeles Times.
Alas, it’s likely the Depression took
its toll on the operation and little is known
of the Tea Room in the early 1930’s. It
doesn’t pop up in historical records till
1937, when an early photograph shows it
during a big snow year, dome now gone,
and under different ownership.
In 1946 the property was sold to a
group headed by Wilson for “better than
$50,000” according to a Big Bear Grizzly
article, ushering in its golden era. Ten hotel
rooms were built on the second floor.
While the rooms were nice they were deep
and narrow, somewhat spartan without private
baths, air conditioning or televisions.
The “House of Wilson” restaurant and
lounge was on the first floor and became
known for “distinctive” dining, at one time
even sporting five slot machines. Other adjoining
businesses in the early years included
Harey’s Liquor Store and a bait and
tackle shop.
It was the restaurant that was the lure.
Guests could enjoy dinner duets with steak
and lobster for $12.95, abalone steak for a
couple bucks less. Most prices were in the
five to eight dollar range, quite a sum in
those days.
While hotel rooms were somewhat
lacking, the lounge made up for it. A beautiful
50’ mural was painted with western
scenes like rider on horseback. The Wild
West look continued with wagon wheel
ceiling fans and stunning rock fireplace and
piano bar. Even the outside was given a
western theme with false fronts depicting
a jail, horse tie railings and wagon wheel.
Along the way Hollywood took notice.
Fawn Lodge can be seen in the cheesy
1958 film “Giant from the Unknown” and
Raymond Burr can be seen pulling up to
the building in a Perry Mason episode.
By 1971 Fawn Lodge was at its zenith,
one of 14 locations earning Mobile
Travel Guide awards for “Unusually Good
Value.” But by 1980 Wilson had sold the
property and the restaurant was serving
only steaks. It closed a year later and while
various owners have dabbled with it, timeshare
and bed and breakfast considered, it’s
never reopened.
The current owners still hope to get
investors to help restore it to its former
glory, Graham said. In the meantime it’s
Big Bear’s most famous attraction most of
us have never seen.
Have a good one.
Marcus
ON THE COVER: Tour de Big Bear returns with Southern California’s favorite cycling
event, but there’s great biking every day in Big Bear. Just look aorund!
Volume 33, Number 2 August 2021
4
6
7
8
16
Publisher
Marcus G. Dietz
Associate Publisher
Sandra L. Dietz
Publishing Consultant
Bret Colson
Technical Consultant
Charles Dietz
Photography/Distribution
Steve Dietz
John Daskam
Mark Gauger
In This Issue...
Big Bear Today
Cyclists Tackle 6 Rides at Tour de BB
Glow ride, poker ride, gravel ride and Southern California’s
favorite ride all highlight the annual Tour de Big Bear. With all
this biking fun it’s no surprise that Big Bear has become the
region’s biking capital. Plus there’s great cycling everyday in
town the whole family will love, and we’re ready to take you
for a spin right here.
Blacksmiths, Panning a Trip Back in Time
Step back in time at Big Bear Museum where there’s a
working blacksmith shop and 1880’s-era five-stamp mill,
“gold” panning in the sluice box and much more. History
comes alive with exhibits from Big Bear’s mining, ranching and
logging past. Grab a cold sarsaparilla and enjoy!
Discovery Center Open Again, Outdoors
The gates at Big Bear Discovery Center have swung open
again for outdoor activities even as the inside gets remodeled.
There’s the half-mile Nature Discovery Trail the whole family
will enjoy, fun zone for kids with new activities, weekend
naturalist-led walks, story time and more.
Yesterday’s Classics at Wooden Boat Show
Gleaming wood boats from Criss-Craft and others again dot
the lake on August 21 as the annual Wooden Boat Show
returns to Pine Knot Marina after a year’s absence There may
even be antique cars too and there definitely will be rods plus
rides a week later at Cool Run in the Mountains, see page 3.
Wilderness-Worthy Views on Wildhorse
Thirty-minutes from Big Bear there’s remote hiking out of a
trailhead right on Hwy. 38 that leads to a cool trail camp and
beyond. You’re not likely to run into another soul and the
views are sprawling. Just watch for a silent rattlesnake!
Past and present owners of historic Fawn
Lodge. See story this page
DEPARTMENTS
2
3
13
14
From the Publisher
Potpourri
Area Map/
Calendar of Events
The Almanac
Big Bear's most complete
listings for recreation,
dining, and more.
Big Bear Today is a monthly magazine covering recreation,
dining, nightlife, and events in Big Bear. Reproduction of any
material, without the express written consent of the Publisher,
is prohibited. Advertising/editorial, call Big Bear Today at (909)
585-5533. Mailing address: PO Box 3180, Big Bear City, CA,
92314. E-Mail: bigbeartoday@verizon.net. Member, Visit Big
Bear and Big Bear Chamber of Commerce. Internet Address:
bigbeartodaymag.com
Production: Offset printing by G.W. Reed Printing, Inc.
Color prepress by 2-Bit Studio.
Manuscripts and Art: Contributions are welcome. Big
Bear Today is not responsible nor liable for unsolicited
manuscripts or art. Materials received will not be returned.
© Copyright 2021 Big Bear Today

Big Bear Today August 2021—Page 3
POTPOURRI
Two days of fun with experts, music, lake tours!
Celebrate eagles
with talks, cruises
Celebrate Big Bear’s renowned bald
eagles with two days of talks, activities and
more August 14-15.
Saturday
is the
big day at
the Convention
Center with
the first annual
Celebration
of
Eagles. Join
fellow
eagle lovers
at 11 a.m.
for talks
and discussions
featuring
Big
Bear birds
including
well-publicized
Jackie
a n d
Shadow,
whose egglaying
efforts
have drawn national attention the past
few years. The nest cam provided by
Friends of Big Bear Valley has brought
their antics to viewers around the world.
There will be presentations from local
experts and photographers with captivating
eagle images. In addition, Martin
Tyner of the Southwest Wildlife Foundation
will share knowledge and experience
of his wildlife friends. His Cedar City,
Utah-based organization is dedicated to
wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and education.
Join Big Bear Fire Department in exploring
drought tolerant landscaping with
the last of three virtual Xeriscape Garden
Tours on August 14.
Xeriscape tours have been popular
every-other-year summer events but inperson
has been canceled in 2021 for the
Tyner will be presenting Scout the
golden eagle, Belle the Harris hawk and
Helen the peregrine falcon for impressive
up-close viewing. Stick around after for
live music at Wyatt’s Grill & Saloon along
with western food and good drink. Admission
is free.
O n
Sunday festivities
move to the
lake where
bald eagles
may be observed
in
the wild.
Head out on
the water
aboard Big
B e a r
Cruzer for
90-minute
excursions
with spotters
assisting
guests
in viewing
eagles,
hawks, falcons
and
other interesting
birds.
Tours depart Big Bear Marina where
there’s a brief meet and greet lakeside. During
the cruises there’s music and complimentary
beverages as Cruzer visits favored
eagle locations including feeding zones,
perching places and the area where the bald
eagles nest.
The tour sails at 11 a.m., plan on being
dockside at 10:30. A second tour has
been added, call for details. Eagle boat
tours cost $22 per person. For reservations
call Trish at (909) 436-0198.
View waterwise landscaping during virtual tour
Xeriscape Garden
Tour online Aug. 14
Classic cars, motorcyles, drawings and more!
See hot rides at
Cool Run Aug. 28
Hot rides are back at the 11th annual
Cool Run in the Mountains car and motorcycle
show August 28.
Rodriders Car Club of Big Bear presents
the show at the Convention Center
from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. There’s dozens of cool
cars and bikes to view, including 2019 Best
of Show winner, a 1931 Cadillac Cabriolet
replica owned by Larry Ramomeda.
second consecutive year. Instead virtual
tours are online from noon-1 p.m. with garden
tours and mini workshops.
“Keep Calm and Garden On” is the
theme presenting water- and fire-wise landscaping.
Read about how to create a
drought-tolerant and water wise landscape.
Participants can post their own Xeriscape
plant landscape photos with a chance to
win prizes. Visit Facebook and search Big
Bear Xeriscape Garden Tour.
Audio Maverick provides the sounds
and there’s drawings and awards to the top
20 rides. Spectator admission is free.
The “Cruisin to Stop the Bruisin”
show benefits DOVES with proceeds from
the $30-$35 fee vehicle owners pay to
show their rides. Other beneficiaries include
Big Bear Alpine Zoo, Barc and local
food banks.
The Convention Center is at 42900
Big Bear Blvd. at Division. Call (909) 585-
3000 or to enter the show call Dave Lepore
at (909) 800-8355.
Pirate Ship
Lake Tours
Holloway’s
MARINA & RV PARK
800-448-5335
2 4 4 2 3 2 7
Pontoon Boat Rentals
Fishing
Boats
LAKESIDE RV CAMPING
• Waverunners & Jet Skis
• SUPs-Stand Up Paddleboards
• Wake Boarding / Waterskiing
909.866.5706
1/2 mile north of Big Bear Blvd. on Edgemoor
2 miles west of the Village (turn at Log Cabin Restaurant)
3 miles east of the dam
www.HollowaysMarina.com

Page 4—August 2021
Tour back with glow, gravel rides
Big Bear Today
Southern California’s favorite cycling
event returns after a year’s absence
with a four day riding festival
on August 5-8.
Tour de Big Bear on August 7 is the
showcase event, six rides of varying distances
on the main day. Preceding Tour de
Big Bear there’s the annual Friday poker
ride and after dark glow ride in the Village
shopping area on Thursday plus Sunday
recovery ride. It’s all “geared” to showcasing
Big Bear as the Southland’s cycling
capital.
With six rides to choose from Tour de
Big Bear offers a route for every cycling
enthusiast. The event has sold out 10
straight years prior to the virus, attracting
over 2,000 riders annually, for good reason.
Cyclists cruise alpine roadways and
trails around Big Bear and Baldwin Lakes
and over mountain passes including Onyx
Summit’s 8,443 elevation.
All routes feature course marshals.
legendary nutrition/hydration aid stations,
first aid attendants, and rider safety and repair
vehicles to deliver a professional-like
experience. Plus excellent signage and law
enforcement at major intersections for
safety.
Tour de Big Bear’s start/finish line and
expo with beer garden moves from the Village
to Bear Mountain for 2021. There’s a
shorter 5K ride for all ages that cruises
through quiet neighborhoods and new
Dirty Bear
50-mile
gravel ride
that heads
out on dirt
roads and
trails to hist
o r i c
Holcomb
Valley.
Tour de
Big Bear is
the event’s
namesake
ride, a 25-
mile route
with 1,100
feet of
climbing,
Southern California’s favorite cycling event is back! Tour de Big Bear, Aug. 5-8
serving up panoramic lake and mountain
views. Big Bear Valley Tour is double the
distance at 50 miles and sports over 3,540
feet of climbing, continuing past Big Bear
dam to Snow Valley and back to the west
and Baldwin Lake to the east.
The Grand Tour is 70 miles with 5,400
ft. elevation gain, much of it climbing to
the top of Onyx Summit at 8,440 ft. At 106
miles The Climb sports 8,700 feet of challenging
elevation gain including ascending
Onyx Summit...twice!
All Tour de Big Bear riders receive
custom-made finisher medal and high performance
technical shirt along with complimentary
bike valet at the expo and beer
garden.
The two-day cycling expo Friday and
Saturday with vendors, entertainment and
beer garden on the Bear Mountain deck
attracts even non-riders. Plus cheer on cyclists
on the Freedom Ride from Bend, Ore.
to Newport Beach, raising awareness of
human trafficking.
The famous aid stations are worth the
price of admission themselves, known in
the past for delicacies like ribs, fruit, bacon,
smoothies and much more. Even a
chocolate fountain! Plus 3,000 gallons of
water, generously donated by Arrowhead.
Some 300 volunteers help Big Bear
Cycling produce a professional-quality
event that attracts riders from around the
Follow Hall by running up The Wall
If you think it‘s hard to ski down The
Wall at Snow Summit in winter, try running
up it in summer.
Ryan Hall’s fifth annual “Conquer the
Wall” on August 14 sees participants do
just that.Weekly timed one mile runs up
the resort’s signature black diamond run
were part of the training regimen for Hall,
the Big Bear Olympian who holds the
American record for the half-marathon
and competed in the Beijing Games, finishing
10th in the full marathon.
The high school cross-country team
still utilizes the course each summer—
three state champions later, it seems to be
working—and you can too during the 9
a.m. event. From the base area entrants
will face over a thousand-foot vertical
climb with much of that on The Wall.
Southland including top teams. In 2019
participants came from 18 states and six
countries.
Tour de Big Bear showcases the terrific
riding that makes Big Bear “Cycling
Capital of Southern California.” Wellmarked
bike routes through quiet neighborhoods,
paved paths next to the lake and
in the woods, miles of forest roads and
trails for mountain bikers, and Snow Summit
bike park, all combine to offer an incredible
array of cycling choices.
It’s a good idea to come up a few days
prior to Tour de Big Bear to acclimate to
Big Bear’s 7,000 ft. elevation. Free group
rides held by Big Bear Cycling are open to
all and help competitive and recreational
cyclists alike can get used to the elevation.
Or just find riding partners for their visit.
Of course any day’s a good one to
pedal Big Bear. Bring a bike or rent one at
Goldsmith’s, Chains Required and other
shops and explore Alpine Pedal Path, new
Stanfield Cutoff or neighborhood rides.
Weekly road rides depart Amangela’s
in the Village Mondays at 9 a.m with
Wednesday recovery rides leaving
Maggio’s at 5:30. Saturday community
rides meet at Copper Q in the Village at 9
a.m. Intermediate mountain bike rides are
at Chains Required Sundays 9:30 a.m.
Visit www.TourdeBigBear.com or
BigBearCycling.com.
At the top finishers are rewarded with
sprawling views, refreshments and Sky
Chair ride down. Top male and female finisher
earn $100 cash prizes and there’s
custom awards for winners of age categories
and teams. Awards begin at the event’s
conclusion at the top of the mountain.
Register online at conquerthewall.org
for $40 till Aug. 4, then $60 till race day.
Registration packet pickup Aug. 13 at Big
Bear Community Church (40946 Big
Bear Blvd.) from 4-8 p.m., spaghetti dinner
for $10 from 6-8. Or register at Snow
Summit morning of the event from 7-8:30.
Participants receive a T-shirt and
Skychair ride.Spectators can hike up to
the finish line or buy a Skychair ticket for
a scenic uphill ride. Proceeds benefit the
cross-country program.

Big Bear Today August 2021—Page 5
Splash, speed, soar at Alpine Slide
Beat the heat with a day of play in the
spray on Alpine Slide’s refreshing
double water slide, a family favorite
since 1986.
A maze of twists and turns on each
flume takes riders on a thrilling downhill
journey that ends with a cooling splash in
the solar-heated pool at the bottom. The
recently-refurbished flumes are sliding as
good as new. Both flumes now sport shiny
blue surfaces allowing cascading water to
flow with less resistance, making for great
rides down long straightaways and myriad
of turns.
Flume #1 is considered the slower of
the two, with a more gentle descent at the
beginning but a series of sharp turns at the
bottom that really whip riders around.
Flume #2 on slider’s right drops quickly
at the onset of the ride and takes riders
through a series of gyrating turns.
Water slide rides are inexpensive—
$20 for an all day pass, 10 rides for $15,
or two bucks each. Going to be around for
a few days or coming back this summer?
Season passes are only $49 valid Sunday
through Friday, $69 anytime.
A great way to beat the heat, and
parents who don’t want to play don’t have
to pay to get in, unlike the soaking they
get at down-the-hill water parks. Spread a
blanket out on the grass or take a seat on
one of the two outdoor decks and soak up
rays while the kids play. And don’t forget
the family-priced snack bar inside the base
lodge, including ice cream counter with a
selection of
flavors.
Rides are
wet or dry at
Alpine Slide,
home to
u n i q u e
experiences
not found
elsewhere in
the region.
Mineshaft
Coaster
opened in
2020, only
ride of its
kind in
California.
Cool off on Alpine Slides double water slide, then heat up on Mineshaft Coaster
Negotiate three complete 360° corkscrew
turns, steep descents, two 100-foot tunnels,
dips and drops galore during a thrilling
mile-long gravity-fueled adventure.
What makes Mineshaft Coaster
especially unique is that riders control their
own speed. Which can reach up to 30 mph
at multiple locations on the track. Or
slower, if that’s what they prefer.
Two up tracks on a motorized
bullwheel pulley system provide the uphill
lift, including a long one out of a cool new
start house built at the bottom. The real fun
is on two downhill tracks, as carts cross
three 200-foot bridges, shoot through S-
turns and catch a few whoop-di-doos.
The whole ride is elevated above the
ground, at times two dozen feet up and at
a minimum four feet, really giving riders a
sense of speed as surroundings blur by.
Mineshaft Coaster offers “Smart Cart”
technology with a computer controlled,
fail-safe magnetic braking system that
gently applies brakes if carts approach too
close to another. Plus each ride is equipped
with speed governor and centrifugal brake
to control top speed.
Mineshaft Coaster tickets are $20 per
person, children $10. The ride is open
seven days a week, all year long.
Alpine Slide is also home to the
downhill sleds of the same name, a
longtime favorite that delivers an Olympiclike
ride. Experience many of the same
gravitational forces bobsledders while
Continued on page 9

Page 6—August 2021
Time travel with blacksmiths, gold pans
Big Bear Today
Once again, the massive five-stamp
mill roars to life. Flatlander Jim is
telling yarns and pounding iron
into free pirate peanut butter knives for the
kids at the working blacksmith shop.
Much is the same at Big Bear
Museum, open again for the first time in
two years, but some things have changed.
Starting with the entrance and parking lot,
now at 800 Greenway instead of old Bear
City Park. Guests now pay their measly
five dollar admission to visit the museum
in the historic Caddy Shack at the west end
of the property instead of its longtime
entrance. There’s an expanded book and
gift store to explore inside the Caddy
Shack, a piece of history itself as part of
the famous Peter Pan Woodland Club, with
all kinds of treasures. Pan for gold
that’s really pyrite or go home with
the real stuff; the gift shop sells
vials of 14K gold for $10, an easy
mining shortcut.
Big Bear Museum remains
the best visitor value in the Valley
and is even better in 2021. History
comes alive at the museum where
the walls really do tell secrets.
Most of the buildings have been
moved to the property from other
locations, be it the Juniper Cabin
which was once lakeside and is
now decked out like a general
store and post office, or the
historic Shay Meadow cabin, now
home of the Peter Pan display.
Indeed with print shop,
dentist office and barbershop,
authentic schoolhouse and more,
the museum is really more of a
western town. There’s over a
million items on display reflecting
Big Bear’s varied mining,
ranching, logging and recreation
past. Tributes to famous Big Bear
Working blacksmith shop, stamp mill (left) and sluice for gold panning at museum
residents Mel Blanc, the voice of Bugs
Bunny and so many more cartoon
characters, and renowned western artist
Bob Brown are highlights.
As is the working five-stamp mill, one
of only two such working machines in
California. When it roars to life it literally
drops the hammer on ore and pulverizes it
to reveal gold inside. In the latter part of
the 19th century there were dozens of these
mills operating in BIg Bear, some with up
to 40 stamps, others just one or two.
Most famous of all was the 40-stamp
mill operated by Elias J. “Lucky” Baldwin,
who left his name all over Southern
California—Baldwin Park is named after
him. Baldwin founded Santa Anita
racetrack and made a fortune in real estate
and even at horse racing, only to give some
of it back on his 1875 mining operation in
east Big Bear Valley around Gold
Mountain with a huge 40-stamp mill.
It’s wasn’t so much that they didn’t
find gold because they did, in large
quantities, but it was mostly low grade stuff
that cost more to extract than it was worth.
Subsequent owner J.R. DeLaMar rebuilt
the mine working the so-called “Mountain
of Gold” in 1900, using an advanced
cyanide process to separate gold more
economically, and at its peak pulled $4,000
a week from Gold Mountain Mine, but it
eventually shut down around 1920.
The blacksmith shop meanwhile is an
ears-on experience. Children and parents
are regaled with stories about Big Bear’s
storied past by blacksmith and storyteller
extraordinaire Jim Lanners. Even as he
“stokes the fire” and “keeps his irons in
the fire” Lanners tells tall but true tales with
a steady stream of bad jokes mixed in.
All while pounding iron on one of the
museum’s historic anvils. One weighs a
whopping 623 lbs. and there’s forges from
the original Rose Mine in Big Bear. When
he pounds hot iron sparks fly like minifireworks,
drawing oohs and ahhs from
youngsters. All around the grounds there’s
mining equipment, like ore carts on tracks,
most of it from local operations including
Rose and Gold Mountain Mines.
Kids get psyched for class inside the
authentic schoolhouse, a look at what
learning was like 150 years ago. The
museum’s display is a re-creation of Anna
Crain’s one-room schoolhouse in Doble,
one of the mining towns that sprung up in
Big Bear during the gold rush, where she
taught during the early 1900’s.
It’s authentic because it’s based on an
old photo and even sports the original bell,
unearthed years ago and donated to the
museum. Even the building is real Big
Bear, built with wood from the
Damkeeper’s House built in 1884.
Even with the closure the museum
continued to acquire pieces. In front of the
general store is an ancient gas pump being
renovated that came from late Big Bear
Continued on page 8

Big Bear Today August 2021—Page 7
Discovery Center reopens outdoors
Big Bear Discovery Center is open
again, albeit with just outdoor activities and
services but still plenty to do.
Inside the facility remains closed till
its scheduled fall reopening after a major
remodel and the shutdown. But outside
there’s Nature Discovery Trail to hike and
naturalist guided treks on weekends, information
booths with Adventure Passes and
permits, fun activities for kids and more.
Nature Discovery Trail is an easy
half-mile loop the whole family will enjoy.
Fairly level with minimal elevation
gain, the trail winds through the forest with
several signposts noting mountain flora
like pinyon pine, service berry, Indian
paintbrush, Kennedy’s buckwheat and
more. There’s benches to take a break and
views that include the ski resorts and San
Gorgonio Wilderness in the distance, even
peek-a-boo vistas of Big Bear Lake.
Saturdays at 1 and 2 p.m. and Sundays
at 11 a.m. and noon see free Nature
Give the forest a helping hand by getting
your hands dirty as part of a longrunning
native plant restoration volunteer
program with two August dates on tap.
Greenthumbs workers will be in the
forest on Aug. 21. Greenthumbs volunteers
plant and seed native trees, shrubs
and wildflowers across many new sites
while maintaining existing projects.
Volunteers learn to identify, collect
and propagate native plants in the Forest
Service’s newly renovated nursery facilities.
These efforts improve habitat for
wildlife, plants, Monarch butterfly and
other pollinators.
Big Bear Ranger Station itself has
two greenhouses, a lathe house, and seed
storage shed, and volunteers use these facilities
to grow and outplant thousands
of native plants from seed they collect, to
give the forest a hand in its regenerative
Walks along Nature Discovery Trail led
by naturalists who describe in more detail
what visitors are seeing. These 30-minute
adventures are non-strenuous and fun for
the whole family.
Children experience the forest firsthand
in an outdoor “classroom” just for
them at Discovery Center. Ages 2-7 delight
in the Nature Discovery Zone—first one
in the National Forest system—which
combines education and unstructured play
areas just for youngsters, and now there’s
new areas to explore.
Nine interactive areas encourage outdoor
exploration and even children older
than the recommended age group enjoy the
activities. The zone lets kids climb and
crawl, build and dig, gather and enjoy art,
plus there’s Pollinator Pathway, Messy
Materials and Music and Movement.
Discovery Center is also a great place
to catch Cougar Crest Trail; park there
and no Adventure Pass is required unlike
Dirty hands give forest a helping hand
efforts. Hundreds of acres of habitat have
been enhanced in the process for wildlife,
federally listed plants and animals,
and other degraded lands in the program
since its inception in 1998.
Covid-compliant workdays are from
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Bring a mask plus lunch,
water, sun protection and sturdy shoes.
Gloves, tools, restrooms and hand sanitizer
provided. Confirm in advance.
Remaining 2021 Greenthumbs days
are on September 25 (National Public
Lands Day) and October 23. Call (909)
382-2809 to pre-register or email
megan.clement@usda.gov.
In conjunction with Greenthumbs are
Restoration volunteer days including Saturday,
Aug. 28. Workers will be in the forest
collecting seed 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
lunderwood@mountainsfoundation.org.
Nature Discovery Zone is filled wtih fun kids activities like climbing and more
at the nearby trailhead. The short half-mile
connector path is a nice forest walk more
enjoyable than the beginning of Cougar
Crest trail anyway. Just be sure to return to
your car before Discovery Center gates
Visit the marina once frequented by
Roy Rogers and his wife Dale Evans for
fun times on the water.
Pleasure Point, the second oldest continually
operated marina on Big Bear Lake,
sports a fresh look with paved parking and
picnic and barbecue area. First opening in
1914 as Belt’s Boat House, in 1926 the
name was changed to Pleasure Point Marina
and the “History Wall” in the office
documents its treasured past.
close at 5 p.m.
Bring the youngsters for Story Time
for ages 6 and under. Discovery Center is
open Thursday-Monday 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Discovery Center (909) 382-2790
Rentals, picnic & BBQ area at Pleasure Pt.
Today Pleasure Point is a full-service
membership-owned marina that offers a
range of water activities including pontoon
and fishing boats, kayaks, jet skis, pedal
boats, and standup paddleboards including
the Super “8” that carries up to eight
people. Fishing charters too plus full-service
repair shop, snacks, fishing gear and
gas dock that’s open to all boaters.
Visit PleasurePointMarina.net or call
(909) 866-2455.

Page 8—August 2021
Wooden Boat Show back with classics
See stunning vessels of yesteryear
during a free show on the lake August 21.
Gleaming wood vessels are on display
at the 37th annual Antique Classic Wooden
Boat Show at Pine Knot Marina, returning
outdoors after a year’s absence. Vintage
vessels from makers like Criss-Craft and
Hacker highlight the 9 a.m.-3 p.m. show,
presented by the Antique and Classic Boat
Society’s Southern California Chapter. Admission
is free
Typically there’s 40 or more spiffy
wood boats on display. Like a 1940, 27-
foot vessel that once cruised Big Bear Lake
waters. All have been painstakingly restored
to beautiful original condition, many
with the engines exposed and exquisite
wood shined to perfection.
Annual favorites include Noel Blanc’s
beautiful Bugs Bunny. “It’s a 1952 Criss-
Craft,” Blanc said. “It was the least expensive
Criss-Craft model they had at the time.
Dad had fiberglass put on the bottom so it
never leaks.
“I still have the boat my grandfather
and I put in, `Tweety” Blanc, who famed
late father Mel was the voice of Bugs and
other classic cartoon characters, added.
“When the lake is full I bring it to the show.
It doesn’t like lower lake levels.”
Then there’s a 1957 Glastron, inspired
by the 1956 Chevy Belair with more than
a few similarities between the two. Or 1955
Criss-Craft Cobra, built only one year and
influenced by the 1954 Corvette. And don’t
miss the stunning Notti Girl, owned by
Robin Hood Resort’s Charlie Brewster.
• Races Timed,
Fastest Times Posted
• Safety First With Helmets,
4-Point Restraints
• Single & Double Karts with
2 Steering Wheels
(Passenger must be
at least 40" tall)
With so many wood boats inspired by
automobiles, it’s only fitting that there is
typically a few classic cars on hand for
viewing as well. Plus the Inland Nautical
Society has several models on display.
Pine Knot Marina is at 400 Pine Knot
Ave. Call (909) 844-5337.
Museum time travel...
Continued from page 6
photographer Richard Millener’s estate.
Then there’s a still once operated by Jim
Johnson, who fought in the Civil War and
ended up in Cactus Flats around the 1890’s,
cutting Johnson Grade.
He tried ranching and prospecting and
was even the Doble postmaster for a time
but Cactus Jim was best at bootlegging,
supplying saloons in Holcomb Valley and
Doble with hootch. He was buried in a
cement crypt with the still till a grave
robber stole it.
While visiting Big Bear Museum be
sure to savor a cold Sioux City sarsaparilla
or cowboy root beer. The museum is open
from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays,
Saturdays and Sundays plus holiday
Mondays including September 6.
Admission is $5, 14 and under free.
The museum is at 800 Greenway in Big
Bear City. Call (909) 585-8100.
Real Gear...Real Track...
Real Racing!
KART RACING in BIG BEAR
Located at Big Bear Snow Play
Click Us Up!
bigbeartodaymag.com
42825 Big Bear Blvd. • Big Bear Lake
www.BigBearSpeedway.com
• Full-Featured
Sodi Kart Racing
• Grand Prix-Style
Fifth-of-a-Mile
Course!
(909) 585-0075
Check our website for current operating hours
State-of-the-art
Open April – October
Daily Summer Season
Free Print Out
of Lap Time Results
• Open Year Round
• 6,400 square feet of challenges
37 obstacles including Skyrail ® Zipline
• 2 Stories Tall, 35 ft. above ground
Elite runners were ready to tackle anything
at last year’s Kodiak 100
Ultramarathon. Sustained running at 7,000
feet or above, nearly 17,000 feet of vertical
climbing, even Covid protocols, amazing
athletes were ready for anything Big
Bear could throw at them.
Now Kodiak 100 returns with 100-
mile and 100K runs on August 20-21, still
with distance running at altitude but hopefully
no virus issues. The Kodiak 100 is a
true mountain hundred-miler, technical
with steep climbs to 10,000 ft. summits and
flowing singletrack, through epic canyon
passages. The 100K is shorter but still 60-
plus miles at elevation. Runners spend
many hours on trail, even more than a full
Big Bear Today
Several dozen classics on display at the Wooden Boat Show on Aug. 21
Climbs, thin air test Kodiak 100 runners
Year-Round
Christmas Room!
day, with winners out nearly 20 grueling
hours, others 24 hours, some over 30.
The route is a clockwise loop around
Big Bear Lake sporting epic views and taxing
climbs, starting and finishing in the Village.
It climbs to the top of Sugarloaf
Mountain, highest peak in Big Bear Valley,
and descends into Siberia Creek Canyon
to Seven Oaks, then up to Grandview
Point before the finish. Saturday sees halfmarathon
and 10K out of the Village.
Proceeds benefit San Bernardino
Search & Rescue, Big Bear Valley Trails
Foundation, Mountain Top Radio Association,
Civil Air Patrol, and Middle School
Interact Club. For information or to register
call (917) 370-3712.
Our rooms are
filled with gifts
and treasures
from nearly
20 artists!
Come Up the Historic Staircase of the 1920's Navajo Hotel
• Bear-ly Used
Books
• Jerky
• Pottery
• Aprons
• Sports
Memorabilia
• Everything
Bears & More
Open 7 Days
a week
Big Bear's from 9:30 a.m.
Shopping Experience
There is not “Anything” we do not have!
Village Faire
40794 Village Dr.
(909) 866-8220
Above the Leather Depot in Big Bear Village

Big Bear Today August 2021—Page 9
See sites, sights on Queen lake tours
Cruise the lake aboard Big Bear
Queen with longtime captain Chris Bellows,
Big Bear’s top-ranked Tripadvisor
tour, now sailing out of Pine Knot Marina.
Big Bear’s original paddlewheeler
with colorful flags flapping in the breeze
has been plying the lake’s waters since
1989 after arriving from Newport Beach.
His dad Dave was the original skipper with
Chris serving as backup, and now son continues
the tradition, narrating local history
that he and family have knowledge of.
The Bellows family has been leading
narrated tours of the lake sites and sights
aboard the colorful Queen for over 30
years. Chris previously captained on the
lake aboard Pine Knot Landing’s original
Alpine Slide after dark...
Continued from page 5
descending two quarter-mile cement tracks
filled with long straightaways, S-turns and
banked curves on individually-controlled
sleds.
Riders determine how fast—or
slow—they go down the track in the most
unique ride around. The sleds sport ballbearing
wheels and teflon runners so snow
and ice aren’t necessary, but otherwise the
ride is the same, so real bobsledders could
train at Alpine Slide.
Each sled carries one or two riders—
typically parent with a young child. Pulling
the control handle toward you applies
brake and slows the sled down; pushing
forward releases it and allows the sled to
tour boat Sierra before taking over Big
Bear Queen two decades ago.
Spread out on upper and lower decks
plus open air bow and be entertained by
colorful Big Bear stories and history, while
experiencing first hand Big Bear Lake and
surrounding mountains that include the ski
areas plus 11,502 ft. Mt. San Gorgonio.
While capacity is 60 passengers, Big Bear
Queen sails with fewer than that to allow
plenty of personal space.
The open air design on both decks allows
guests to experience as well as see
the lake, as they can hear the boat ply
through the water and taste lake spray and
breezes. New old-time photos line the
Queen’s sides, depicting Big Bear history.
roll freely. Far from an amusement park
attraction where there’s little or no guest
interaction, Alpine Slide offers an experience
that’s different every time down, since
riders control their own speed.
Similar tracks are found worldwide
and at a couple dozen locations in the country,
mostly at prominent ski resorts, but Big
Bear’s is the only one in Southern California
and the closest is in Park City, Utah.
Each ride serves up the ultimate Go Pro
moment as drivers with cameras donned
shoot through the turns. Bobsled rides cost
just $7 each, or $30 for a five-ride book.
Alpine Slide is open daily 10 a.m-6
p.m. with five of its six attractions open
till 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Alpine Slide is at 800 Wildrose Ln. on
Big Bear Blvd. Call (909) 866-4626.
Bring your favorite beverage and see the sights and sites on Big Bear Queen
On board potty too.
Captain Chris expertly navigates the
boat he’d piloted for so many years around
China Island and past the Zebra Room.
Talks about the creation of the dam, aeration
system, Teetering Rock, the old
damkeeper house and many more fascinating
points of interest. Cruising past the
Solar Observatory is another highlight and
bald eagles sometimes thrill guests, soaring
above the boat and swooping down.
Sail past the homes of celebrities—if
you’re lucky Noel Blanc, who with his father
Mel mouthed the voices of Bugs
Bunny, Porky Pig and other legendary
characters for decades, will come out to
hail Big Bear Queen guests.
Each cruise is 90 minutes, departing
from Pine Knot Marina with up to four
tours daily at 11 a.m. plus 1, 3 and 5 p.m.
which returns near sunset for awesome
vistas. Big Bear Queen, pioneer of guaranteed
lake tours that sail no matter how
many are on board, guarantees the 1 and 3
p.m. tours sail..
Guests are welcome to bring their own
beer, wine (there’s a corkscrew on board),
champagne or cocktails, picnic baskets etc.
Daily Big Bear Queen fares are $25,
senior-military $23, ages 3-12 $16, under
three free. Book online for contact-free
reervations at BigBearQueen.com.

Page 10—August 2021
Chirp’s new nest, monthly bird walks
Check out the new “nest” for Chirp
Nature Center plus monthly bird walks and
online events in August.
Chirp, which carries everything
birding enthusiasts could want whether
they’re beginners or veterans, moved to a
larger upgraded location last month just
west of Big Bear Village near the Bowling
Barn at 578 Bonanza Trail.
Explore the expanded “Feeder Forest,”
test premium bird watching optics,
choose from a wide variety of high-quality
wild bird feed, or browse a growing selection
of educational books and guides.
Chirp’s new location is the starting
point for its monthly in-person bird walks
that visit avian hot spots in Big Bear Valley.
Including the Aug. 7 trek which departs
Chirp promptly at 8 a.m.
Birders of all experience levels enjoy
observing and identifying local Big Bear
birds and discover prime viewing locations.
There’s free species checklists provided
by Chirp to aid in recognizing birds
and tally what you’ve seen. Experienced
birders can practice identification skills and
share with fellow enthusiasts.
Outings last around an hour-and-ahalf
with moderate walking or hiking.
Complimentary refreshments follow at
Chirp Nature Center with questions and
answers.
Future in-person bird walks are on
September 4 and October 2, which is ac-
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
Sip, shop, stroll during Fall Wine Walk
Shop, stroll and sip when the 12th annual
Fall Wine Walk through Big Bear
Lake Village returns on September 18.
Enjoy fine wines and even beers from
around the world. There’s music and hors
d’oeuvres to go along with sipping and
shopping, plus lake and mountain views,
as this popular event that always sells out
returns after a year’s absence.
Two dozen businesses in the unique
shopping district participate in the Wine
Walk, held from 3:30-7 p.m. Contributing
restaurants include Sonora Cantina, Captains
Anchorage, Sister My Sister Bake
Shop, Stillwells and Gaby’s Latin Flavors.
Guest check-in begins earlier in 2021
at 11 a..m. on the corner of Pine Knot Ave.
and Village Dr. and additional tables have
been added to expedite the process. Walkers
receive a map of participating businesses,
commemorative wine glass, 12 tasting
tickets, badge and wristband. Regular
tickets are $35 if purchased before Sept.
2, $45 after.
An additional $10 buys Dial-A-Ride
roundtrip transportation and wine yoke.
Food only tickets are $20. Following Wine
Walk there’s drawings for raffle prizes.
Participants must be at least 21 years
old. A portion of the proceeds benefits Big
Bear Valley Education Trust, Halloween
and Christmas in the Village, and youth
scholarships. Purchase tickets onine at
bigbearwinewalk.com.
tually a lake cruise aboard Big Bear Queen
to observe waterfowl and perhaps even
bald eagles. Bring water and binoculars
and scopes for better viewing.
Virtual Bird Walks are also a blast,
held the second Wednesday each month including
Aug. 11 and streamed live online
via Facebook and YouTube. Tune in at 5
p.m. for 30 minutes of Big Bear’s natural
splendor, as participants learn about wild
birds, points of interest and fun facts.
Remaining virtual walks are on Sept.
8 and Oct. 13. Free, and after the program
participants can take a quiz and win prizes.
Chirp hosts Expert Bird Talks, also virtual,
on the third Saturday each month, with
Aug. 21 featuring “Rad Raptors.” Guest
speaker Stan Tekiela presents these amazing
birds of prey with razor-sharp talons
Big Bear Today
Monthly bird walks, talks and more by Chirp Nature Center, now at new location
and exceptional hunting skills to support
their meat-based diet. There are over 500
species of raptors found on every continent
but Antarctica.
Tekiela is a wildlife photographer and
writer who has authored over 200 books
and field guides in his 35-plus year career.
He’s a noted columnist and radio personality
who has received national awards.
Each hour-long interactive presentation
highlights a particular nature-theme
topic with expert insights from noteworthy
authors, scientists and naturalists. Talks
are at 10 a.m. and are streamed live on
Facebook and YouTube. Future programs
are set for Sept. 18 and Oct. 16.
Chirp is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.
Chirp Nature Center is at 578 Bonanza
Trail. Call (888) 412-4477.
FREE
WIFI
CLOSE TO
VILLAGE,
LAKE &
DINING
Big Bear’s Largest
Pool and Outdoor Spa
Motel Rooms $75
with Fireplace & Queen Bed
Mountain
Cabins $99
with Fireplace, Private Deck
Spa Rooms & Cabins!
with Cozy Fireplaces
(Offer Good Sunday-Thursday / non-holiday)
(800) 255-4378
local (909) 866-2166
41121 Big Bear Blvd. • Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
www.BlackForestLodge.com

Big Bear Today August 2021—Page 11
Glow Bowling, Laser Maze at Barn
Hot fun, cool air conditioning at the
Bowling Barn, with good times on the
lanes plus Laser Maze, great food and
drink, video games and more.
Sixteen sanitized lanes separated by
plastic welding screens ensure bowlers social
distance safely while having a great
time. “The screens give the feeling that you
are in your own little space down there,”
said Bowling Barn’s Bill Ross. “There’s
only a handful of alleys in the country using
them and I’ve personally only seen one
other with them.”
When the house lights go down and
black lights kick up for Glow Bowling, the
experience gets surreal as the screen barriers
are something else to reflect light off.
Even neon bowling balls, sanitized of
course, illuminate with fluorescent color
Laser Maze is like limbo with lights for one or two players
under the black lights in dazzling orange,
blue, green and red hues.
The Bowling Barn has high-powered
speakers and amps to kick up the sound
system a few decibels and really get the
party going. There’s laser lights, dancing
and spinning on the lanes and above the
pins, while center screen drops down to
play music videos, flanked by two more
screens on each side.
State-of-the-art scorekeeping on video
screens above each lane tallies not just pin
total, spares and strikes but also running
player handicaps and even the speed of
their rolls. Easy to see why Glow Bowling
is so popular, held after 2 p.m. on Saturday
and Sunday, after 5 p.m. on Tuesday
and Friday, and after 8:30 p.m. other days.
For more social distance fun head to
the Laser Maze
for challenge
that’s straight out
of an action
movie. Enter the
Arena and try to
break into the
vault on the other
side of the room
by avoiding
countless crisscrossing
beams
of light, accented
by fog to make
them stand out.
Crawl, jump,
slide, roll, what-
Screens separate guests at the Bowling Barn, which lights up for Glow Bowling
ever it takes to cross the obstacle course of
light. Hurry...the clock is ticking!
Break a beam and the penalty isn’t
death like in the movies, just time added
to your score. Once across hold your hand
on the master key, money and red hand
scanner to complete the mission. Takes true
Ninja skills and while the game is easy to
learn, it’s impossible to master with four
different skill levels to choose from.
Beam Buster in contrast sees players
trying to bust each laser beam before time
runs out. Both games are fun for the whole
family with top scores posted outside the
arena. Even record your experience on
video for just a buck.! Each game is $3 for
single player or $6 for two.
Alley Oops Sports Bar is open with
reduced seating and full cocktail service
including specialty drinks, microbrews and
domestics on tap.. Bowling Barn has great
grab and go food too like barbecue chicken
pizza, street tacos, chicken wraps, flaming
hot onion rings and carne asada fries.
There’s a myriad of video and action
games at Bowling Barn, like Hoop Fever,
pool tables, air hockey and many more. Including
old favorites like Alpine Skier and
Dance Revolution and today’s latest machines.
Kids who register at
kidsbowlfree.com get two free games all
summer long as part of a nationwide program
Bowling Barn participates in.
Bowling Barn is at 40625 Big Bear
Blvd. (enter on Bonanza). Call 878-BOWL.
Pine Knot Marina & Fun Dock
Jet Skis & Boat Rentals
• Pontoons
• Fishing Boats
• Guided Fishing Tours!
Bait and Tackle Shop! (818) 434-5420
Kayaks & Paddleboard Rentals
courtesy of Get Boards (909) 878-3155
439 Pine Knot Ave • Located At the Foot of the Village
PineKnotMarina.com

Page 12—August 2021
Thrills galore at Speedway, Ropes Course
t age 15 AJ Wayne wasn’t old
enough to drive but he already had
a license. To race, in fact, at Big ABear Speedway, where he registered the
track’s second fastest time of the day.
Better yet, his clocking of 25.77 at Big
Bear Speedway was faster than dad Matt’s
time of 26.02. Allowing the unlicensed
driver bragging rights, at least for the day.
Feed your need for speed at Big Bear
Speedway, where racers negotiate hightech
Sodi Karts around a one-fifth mile
Grand Prix-style track. Tires squealing in
the turns, engines roaring, push the karts
to the limit in a real Go-Pro experience
while hitting speeds up to 30 mph. Tecpro
barriers used in Formula 1 and circuits
around the world line the track to make
the experience even more authentic.
These aren’t your parent’s go-karts
from yesteryear; Sodi’s RT8 is a fully featured
vehicle with self-adjusting hydraulic
brakes and vacuum fuel pumps that
come straight from the automotive industry.
The karts handle like race cars and the
Honda Whisper Motors generate amazing
power, enough to lay rubber through turns
though virtually impossible to roll.
The racing experience at Big Bear’s
fastest attraction begins with first time
guests viewing a short safety video. Then
they’re issued Big Bear Speedway licenses—complete
with picture—good for
one year and assigned a heat number.
After donning head socks and helmets
adorned with visors and hearing last
minute instructions, the pit crew waves
drivers onto the track in staggered starts,
no more than 11 cars per
heat. First lap is not timed
so racers can get a feel for
the kart and track. Timing
starts with the second lap
and drivers get about seven
to nine laps or more depending
on how fast they
go. At the end of the heat
drivers are waved in to the
pit area and get a printout
of their time and the six
fastest times in the heat.
Initial Big Bear Speedway
membership is $20
(double kart $25) which includes
license valid for one
year, one race and mandatory head sock
worn under the helmet. Subsequent visits
cost $15 per race or buy credits in advance
which are stored on your license for a year
and save up to 30%.
For thrills above ground there’s adjacent
Big Bear Ropes Course. Explore a
6,400 ft. mix of suspension bridges, ropes,
spinning log, curved bars and more that
has proven wildly popular since the stateof-the-art
ropes course, only one in Big
Bear, opened two years ago. Two stories
high, the mix of obstacles and challenges
is sure to bring out the Ninja warrior in all
of us as participants ranging from small
children to adults climb, trek, stretch and
balance their way through, social distancing
all the time.
Unlike Ninjas, guests are wearing
Big Bear Today
Hit speeds up to 30 mph on the Grand Prix-style track at Big Bear Speedway
five-point, full-body safety harnesses that
are tethered into the structure, so there’s
zero chance of falling as they navigate a
variety of rope challenges. Many of the 37
elements on the towering ropes course are
exposed to nothing but air.
There’s curved bars that adventurers
wind their way around and swinging steps.
Along with a variety of suspension bridges,
some with wide-open gaps and others with
merely dangling ropes to grasp onto. Even
an 80-foot descent on the Sky Rail zipline
with automatic braking. Each 20-minute
session is $12. Operators are on the course
at all times for participants who need assistance.
The long-awaited snack bar in the
has opened with 3,000 sq. ft. of seating.
Big Bear Speedway/Ropes Course is
at 42825 Big Bear Blvd. (909) 585-0075.
Full Hot & Cold Deli
Groceries • Firewood & Propane • Spirits • Lotto
Try Our Famous
Rotisserie Chicken
& Kabobs!
We cut the highest
Quality Meats
Daily
Award
Winners:
1st
Liquor
2nd
Groceries
2017
Chamber of
Commerce
Excellence
in Business!
Fully-Cooked Delicious Heat & Serve Meals Like Tri-Tip,
Smoked Pork Loin, Enchiladas & More! • Fresh Produce Too!
(909) 585-2641 • Open 7 Days
Community Market
100 E. Big Bear Blvd. (at Greenway) • Big Bear City
1 mile east of The Convention Center

Big Bear Today
GET WET
With Us!
SEA DOOS
JET SKIS
WAVERUNNER
Rentals
To To Los Angeles
and Orange County
Captain John’s
S
Marina
CAPT. JOHN’S GROUT BAY
West Boat Ramp
MARINA WINDY POINT
W E
North Shore
Landing
Castle Rock
Trail
Holcomb
Valley
BOULDER
BAY
1989 25 YEARS 2014
The Mountain’s Monthly Lifestyle Magazine
GILNER POINT
METCALF
Holloway
BAY Marina
Big Bear and Vicinity
Pleasure
Point
Performing Arts
Center (PAC)
Polique Canyon
Trail
Solar Observatory
BIG BEAR LAKE
Mill Creek
Mill Creek
Alpine Slide
at Magic Mtn.
Pine Knot
Trail
Cougar Crest
Trail
Woodland
Trail
Discovery Center
Serranno
Campground
East Boat
Ramp
EAGLE POINT
Swim
Beach
Big Bear
Pine Knot
Marina
Marina
Meadow Park
Town Trail
Walk
Board
August 2021—Page 13
CC
Club View Drive
Big Bear City
Moonridge
Big Bear Mountain
To Victorville, Barstow
& Las Vegas
Museum
Big Bear
Alpine Zoo
To Angelus Oaks
and Redlands
WAKEBOARD
RIDES
Free ree Lessons!
SKI DOCK
Edgemoor
Rd.
Holloway's
Marina
Log Cabin
Rest.
To
Village
Big Bear Blvd.
Also on the North Shore at
North Shore Landing!
GET WET WATER
SPORTS CENTER
878-4FUN
866-5706
Big Bear.
Blvd.
Alpine
Slide
Antique Wooden Boat Show
returns on Aug. 21
Must dial area code (909) with all
number unless otherwise noted
August
3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Bear Valley Farmers Market
8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Convention
Center; fresh produce,
vendors. Free. 585-3000.
5-8
Tour de Big Bear 25, 50, 70,
100 and 125 mile rides plus 5K
and 50 mile gravel ride, cycling
festival at Bear, Sunday recovery
rides. bigbearcycling.com.
7
Free Bird Walk leaves Chirp Nature
Center (578 Bonanza Trail)
8 a.m. sharp; refreshments follow.
(888) 412-4477.
13
Vintage Van Halen tribute at
The Cave, Stranglehold Ted
Nugent tribute opens. $15. 878-
0204.
14
5th Annual Ryan Hall Conquer
the Wall at Snow Summit 9
a.m.-noon with run up the mountain.
conquerthewall.org.
14
Celebration of Eagles 11 a.m.
at the Convention Center with
local experts, live bird presentations,
special guest Martin Tyner
of Southwest Wildlife Foundation
and more. Free, live music
at Wyatt’s follows. 585-3000.
20-21
Kodiak 100 Ultra Marathon and
50 Mile, half-marathon and 10K
trail runs at noon Friday, 6 a.m.
Saturday with finish festival in
the Village. Kodiak100.com.
20-21
Guttermouth Fest at The Cave
with 2 nights of punk rock bands.
$25. 878-0204.
21
Greenthumbs Native Plant Restoration
Program with volunteers
scheduled to work with
virus protocols from 9 a.m.-3
p.m.; meet at the Ranger Station,
call to confirm. 382-2809.
21
Antique Wooden Boat Show at
Pine Knot Marina 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
has classic boats, cars, free admission.
844-5337.
28
Cool Run in the Mountains car
show 9 a.m.-3 p.m. the at Convention
Center benefits DOVES,
zoo, food banks. Free admission.
800-8355.
28
Restoration Volunteer Day 8:30
a.m.-12:30 p.m.; seed collection.
Must preregister
lunderwood@
mountainsfoundation.org.
28
One Drop Redemption tribute to
Bob Marley 8 p.m. at The Cave;
Ganda opens. $20. 878-0204.
September
4
Free Fishing Day on the lake; no
fishing license required..
11-12
51st Annual Oktoberfest at
Wyatt’s at the Convention Center
kicks off nine weekends with
The Express Band. 585-3000.
18
Golf Club Demo Day at the Bear
Mountain course 11 a.m.-3 p.m.;
free club demos and fitting by
Cleveland Golf and Srixon. (844)
Go-2-Bear.
18
Fall Wine Walk in the Village
3:30-7 p.m. $35 till Aug. 31,
then $45 (VIP add $10), food
only $20. bigbearwinewalk.com
18-19
51st Annual Oktoberfest at
Wyatt’s at the Convention Center
continues its nine weekend
run with The Express Band. 585-
3000.
23-26
Fox US Open of Mountain Biking
at Snow Summit with downhill,
Enduro series. 866-5766.
25
Grizzly 100/Mountain Bike Gran
Fondo held by Bear Valley Bikes
with 30/50/75/100K rides starting
in the Village. bbvrace.com.
Oktoberfest begins Sept. 11-12!
For updated calendar of events visit us on the Internet!
www.bigbeartodaymag.com
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Page 14—August 2021
Recreation
Guide
Alpine Slide
Shoot down a tobogan-style ride at Magic
Mountain, as a hand lever allows you to
control the speed. After an exhilerating
run, ride the chairlift back to the top for
more fun. $7/ride, 5-ride books $30. Open
daily. Also Mineshaft Coaster, miniature
golf, go-karts, Soaring Eagle,. water slide.
Family-priced snack bar, video games. Big
Bear Blvd., 1/4 mile west of the Village.
(909) 866-4626.
Big Bear Speedway
Soki Kart racing with timed heats and
authentic track experience. Reach speeds
up to 30 mph while negotiating hairpin
turns and straightaways on the Grand Prixstyle
course. Double Karts allow younger
riders to go too. $20 on first visit includes
license valid one year, head sock and race
($25 double Kart). Base lodge with snack
bar. At Big Bear Snow Play next to Motel
6. (909) 585-0075.
Bike Rentals
Bear Valley Bikes across from Alpine
Slide has a variety of bike rentals. Front
suspension $10/hour, $30/4 hours, $40/all
day. Full suspension $20/hour, $50/4 hours,
$70/all day. Full suspension demo $25/
hour, $60/4 hours, $85/all day. 40298 Big
Bear Blvd. Call (909) 866-8000.
Goldsmiths Pedego Electric Bike Shop
909.878.4FUN
at North Shore Landing
& Holloway’s Marina
Pirate Ship Lake Tours Aboard ‘Time Bandit’
Narrated lake tours aboard
1/3 replica of a Spanish galleon
seen in the movie ‘Time Bandits’
• Pirate Booty for the Kids
• Cocktails for Adults • Sunset Tours
THE ALMANAC
has a variety of electric bike rentals, 42071
Big Bear Blvd. (909) 866-2728.
Bingo
The Elks Lodge hosts stirring Bingo games
each Friday night at 7 p.m. All are welcome
ages 18 and over. Also new Cook Shack
open Wednesday-Sunday. 40611 Big Bear
Blvd. west of the Village, across from
Lakeview. (909) 866-3557.
Boat Rentals
Sailboats, pontoon boats, speed and fishing
boats plus paddleboards and canoes are
available for rental from the lake's marinas.
Big Bear Marina (909-866-3218),
Holloway's Marina (909-866-5706),
North Shore Landing (909-878-4FUN).
Boat Tours
“Big Bear Queen” sails daily from Pine
Knot Marina with the lake’s most guaranteed
daily tours and most experienced captain,
Chris Bellows. Tours daily at 11 a.m.,
1, 3 and 5 p.m. Adults $23, seniors/military
$23, 12 and under $16, 3 and under free.
Sunset cruises Saturdays 7 p.m., bring your
favorite beverages. (909) 744-4948.
Pirate Ship Lake Tours aboard newly
refurbished "Time Bandit," a one-third scale
replica of a 1600's galleon that appeared in
the movie of the same name, sail daily from
Holloway's Marina...complete with canon
fire! Full bar with beer, wine and cocktails.
Fares $29, seniors $27, ages 12 and under
$21, lap child free. (909) 878-4040.
“Miss Liberty” paddlewheeler with enclosed,
heated deck and snack bar, leaves
Pine Knot Marina for scenic tours of Big
Bear Lake. View the homes of celebrities,
• Waverunners • Jet Skis
• Sea Doos! • Kayaks, SUP
• Wakeboard/Water Ski Rides
• Poontoon Boats
and Fishing Boats!
Big Bear Today
Recreation • Dining • Nightlife • And More
Road Conditions: (800) 427-ROAD quickmap.dot.ca.gov
Miss Liberty, Big Bear’s largest tour boat, sails daily from Pine Knot Marina with
spacious covered deck and lots of seating. Call (909) 866-8129
solar observatory, and much more. $25,
$23 senior/military, $16 ages 3-12, four
and under free. (909) 866-8129.
Big Bear Cruzer is the lake’s newest tour
boat, sailing out of Big Bear Marina daily.
The open air boat with sunshade departs
several times daily with no passenger minimum..
$22, senior $20, 12 and under $15
(909) 866-3218.
Bowling
The Bowling Barn offers new lanes with
automated scoring for bowling enjoyment.
Also laser maze, arcade games, great food
and full-service cocktail lounge with pool.
Glow Bowling after dark with black lights,
videos. Open daily. 40625 Big Bear Blvd.,
enter on Bonanza. (909) 878-BOWL
Charter Fishing
Catch some fun with Big Bear Charter
Fishing on a 22' fully loaded, super comfortable
boat with afriendly, expert guide
Aaron Armstrong. Open or private charters
for individuals or groups of all ages.
All gear provided—rods, reels, bait, lures,
drinks and snacks. Bass fishing too aboard
a Ranger Comanche. At Holloway’s Marina;
(909) 866-2240.
Gold Rush Mining Adv.
The adventures are real and so are the
treasures! Pan for gemstones and fossils
millions of years old in the working sluice
with water wheel, crack geodes to reveal
prescious stones within, find real pearls in
oysters and unearth dinosaur bones and
poop. Emporium with mining and dinosaur
theme gifts plus old fashioned fudge,
candy, sarsaparilla and more. 50016 Big
Bear Blvd. (909) 866-5678.
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 helicopter flying daily from
Big Bear Airport. 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
Continued on page 15
www.HollowaysMarina.com or www.BigBearBoating.com
COZY CHALETS WITH FIREPLACES & GREAT VIEWS...
LOCATED AT SNOW SUMMIT'S BASE AREA...
JUST STEPS TO THE SKI LIFTS!
Also Available
Lakeside RV Park
with
Full Hookups!
Remodeled Bathrooms and Store
www.800BigBear.com
18

Big Bear Today August 2021—Page 15
1/4 mile to Grand View Point for spectacular
180-degree vistas.
Holcomb Valley
HOMESTYLE
At one time, Big Bear Valley was thriving
gold country. The last remaining signs of
this historic chapter in Big Bear history are QUALITY...
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 or more.
Horseback Riding
Baldwin Lake Stable is open year-round
Steaks
East
for horseback riding. Rates are by the hour,
offering one, two, three and four-hour rides
Seafood
Valley's
Beat the heat on a wavrunner! Call Get Wet Water Sports (909) 878-4FUN with longer rides heading along the famous
Pacific Crest Trail plus sunset rides. A
Pasta
Only
Bernardino National Forest. From easy (each way) hike. As it winds above the variety of spectacular mountain trails with
strolls along the lake to stenuous climbs lake’s north shore, it offers up great views horses for all riding abilities. For little
Chicken
Bakery!
into the mountains, there are trails for all of water and the surrounding mountains. buckeroos there’s hand-led pony rides and
abilities, including families, within a short Trailhead is on North Shore Dr. about two petting zoo. Reservations suggested for all Voted Big Bear's
drive of Big Bear. For information on all miles west of Stanfield Cutoff, .6 mile rides. Big Bear Blvd. east to stop sign at
trails in the Valley and the required from the Discovery Center where you can Hwy. 38, go through intersection, veer left Best Breakfast!
Adventure Pass, visit the Discovery Center park without an Adventure Pass. on Shay Rd. to 46475 Pioneertown Rd.,
on North Shore Dr., about two miles west Woodland Interpretive Trail is a short, Big Bear City. (909) 585-6482.
DAILY Breakfast Special!
of Stanfield Cutoff. (909) 866-3437. scenic family stroll with minimal elevation
Alpine Pedal Path is a very easy 3.5 mile gain, located on the north shore near Cougar Mineshaft Coaster
Every Saturday Night
(each way) paved trek following the lake Crest. Free trail maps (available at the First ride of its kind in California! Ride
on the north shore. Popular with hikers, trailhead or Discovery Center) identify carts you control on a mile-long track with
bikers, skaters, strollers and wheelchairs markers along the route noting local steep drops and climbs, 360-degree
All-You-Can-Eat
as it passes Carol Morrison East Boat vegetation, wildlife areas, etc.
corkscrew turns, two mining tunnels and
Launch, Discovery Center, Serrano Pacific Crest Trail comes through Big more. Up to two can ride at one time. Open
Beef Ribs!
campground, Solar Observatory and more. Bear from Onyx Summit through the East daily at Alpine Slide, on the boulevard 1/4
Castle Rock Trail is a short but strenuous Valley to Hwy. 18 and then past Holcomb mile west of the Village. (909) 866-4626.
hike, that ends with a panoramic view of Valley Rd. and Cougar Crest through Miniature Golf/Go Karts
Big Bear Lake. Legend has it that a beautiful Holcomb Valley before continuing its 2,638 Putt ‘N Around, located at the Alpine Slide NIGHTLY DINNER SPECIALS
Indian maiden, jilted by her lover, took her mile journey from Mexico to Canada. Call at Magic Mountain, features a landscaped
life by leaping from this towering 100 ft. the Discovery Center to find out where to
WED—PRIME RIB
18-hole miniature golf course complete
monolith. It’s reached after a mostly uphill, catch this famous international trail.
THURS—CLOSED
with water hazards and breaking greens.
.8 mile walk past a stream and featuring Pine Knot Trail from Aspen Glen picnic Then there’s an oval-shaped go-kart track FRIDAY—HOMEMADE CHICKEN POT PIES
beautiful views. Located on Hwy. 18 area climbs the southern ridge above Alpine with high-banked turns, which nine Can OR SURF & TURF
between Boulder Bay and the dam; park on Slide three miles (each way) to Skyline Dr. Am racers—including four two-seaters— SAT—ALL-U-CAN-EAT BEEF RIBS
the lake side of the road.
2N10, through lush meadow and stands of with Honda 5.5 horsepowers engines and CHICKEN POT PIES IF AVAILABLE
Cougar Crest Trail is moderate two-mile white fir and Jeffrey Pine. Continue another an array of safety features zip around. SUN-HOLIDAYS—PRIME RIB
Open till 9 p.m. daily. 866-4626.
FRESH CATCH OF THE DAY FRI/SAT
After Dark...
Museum
An authentic, restored log cabins, gold
After lunch or dinner...
mining artifacts, rebuilt stamp mill, cattle
ranching and logging memorabilia,
treat yourself from our
information on native animals, birds and
Big Bear’s Nightlife & Entertainment Guide
reptiles, and much more are found at the Bakery!
Eleanor Abbott Big Bear Museum. Open
ALLEY OOPS SPORTS BAR—Full cocktail service in Alley Oops Sports Bar at the Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays and Caramel-topped apple
Bowling Barn. Watch the big game on big screen TVs, pool tables, good food, holiday Mondays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. dumplings...cheesecakes...
40625 Big Bear Blvd. (909) 878-BOWL.
beginning May 29 through second week in
BIG BEAR BAR & GRILL—Live music weekends and midweek karaoke, horseshoe September. Park in new lot at 800 Greenway apple streudel...fresh-baked pies
pit, great food and drinks. 42164 Moonridge Rd. (909) 878-0802
just off the boulevard in Big Bear City. $5, of the season!
BIG BEAR MOUNTAIN BREWERY— Craft microbrew beers, food in a cozy 14 and under free. (909) 585-8100.
atmosphere. Live music weekends including Brad Riesau from Silver Moon Aug.
Also Available to Go!
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
○ ○ ○ ○ Soaring Eagle
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
5, 13 and 27. 40260 Big Bear Blvd. 866-BEER.
Zip 500' downhill on the new Soaring
Dine Next to Our 2 Cozy
THE BONE YARD—Over 40 beers on tap plus large selection of wines and spirits.
Eagle attraction at Alpine Slide, only one
560 Pine Knot Ave. (909) 878-0401.
Fireplaces or Under Trees on
of its kind in California. Reach speeds up to
NOTTINGHAMS TAVERN— Dayton Borders Thursdays on the patio from 6-8 p.m. 26 mph during the dramatic downhill
Our Outdoor Patio!
40797 Big Bear Blvd. near Bartlett. 866-4644.
descent—only after riding backwards to
THE CAVE BIG BEAR—Your favorite artists up close and personal! See national
337 W. Big Bear Blvd.
the top! Up to two can ride at one time.
performers, top tribute bands and more in Big Bear’s hot new intimate concert Open daily. On the boulevard 1/4 mile (2 miles east of the Convention
venue. Good food and full cocktail service.
west of the Village. (909) 866-4626.
Center in Big Bear City)
THE LODGE AT BIG BEAR LAKE—Brad Riesau from Silver Moon on Stillwells Patio
Zoo
6-9 p.m. August 7 and 21. 40650 Village Dr. (909) 866-3121.
The new ZBig Bear Alpine Zoo is open!
THE PINES LAKEFRONT/TAVERN—Live music on the outdoor patio Saturdays
(909) 585-7005
Grizzly and black bears, bobcats, coyotes,
with Duke Michaels and Peggy Baldwin 1-4 p.m. Mike Cross on the piano Fridays,
joined by top bass players on Saturdays. 350 Alden Rd. (909) 878--0506. mountain lions, , eagles, and other animals
now have a new state-of-the-art home with
WYATT’S CAFE & SALOON—Wednesdays see country dancing, Sunday brunch,
creature comforts for both animals residents
live music Fridays and Saturdays. August 6-7: American River Band, Terry
and guests. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. with animal
...FAMILY
McRaven Band. Aug. 13-14: Southern Spirit. Aug. 20-21: Kasandra Long Band,
Jimi Nelson Band. Aug. 27-28: Terry McRaven Band, American River Band. presentations and special programing. 747
September 3-4: Terry McRaven Bnd, Big Fat Steve Band. Wyatt’s at Convention Clubview off Moonridge Rd. $15 adults,
Center, Big Bear Blvd. at Division. (909) 585-3000.
$10 ages over 60 and children 3-12, two
PRICES!
and under free. (909) 584-1299.

Page 16—August 2021
THE BACK PAGE
Wilderness-worthy views on Wildhorse
Wild horses once roamed this
land, released by the U.S. Cavalry
after World War I with the
realization that machines, not beasts, would
be fighting future battles.
Today there’s no horses to be seen on
Wildhorse Trail, nor people. It’s just me
and dozens (hundreds?) of scampering lizards
and one rattlesnake that I almost step
on returning to the trailhead. Hiking all day
and not encountering another soul is easy
on this under-the-radar trail filled with expansive
180-degree views.
Wildhorse Trail is located just west of
Heartbar turnout on Hwy. 38 and countless
people drive by it every day going to
and from Big Bear, 30 minutes or so away.
Yet it’s probably the most underutilized
trail around, certainly considering the easy
access it affords with parking right off the
highway. Rarely is there more than one or
two cars at the trailhead, usually none.
The upside to Wildhorse Trail are the
sprawling views that stretch out everywhere,
from the San Gorgonio Wilderness
across the way to Mt. Baldy in the distant
west. Go far enough and you’ll come to
the very scenic trail camp of the same
name.
Further along it connects with the trail
going to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain,
at 9,952 feet the highest point in Big
Bear Valley. Here wild horses roamed after
being set free by the military in the
1920’s and `30’s, and Wildhorse Meadow
• 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! •
Ride Our
Double
Water
Slide
Water Slide Rides • $20 All Day • 10 Rides ... $15
• Single Ride ... $2
Summer is
NEW!!
New!
Water Slide
Season Passes!
$69 Anytime,
$49 Sun-Fri
(non-holiday)
Soaring Eagle Ride
that the trail skirts is named for them.
Downside is that hikers have to march
at least a rugged mile uphill to reap the rewards,
starting with uninspired forest road
terrain and ending with a long straight slog
with no switchbacks through a nasty rock
field where at least one rattler likes to hang
out. He was sunning on my return, oblivious
to my approach, never once shaking
his rattle, even after becoming aware of me
and slithering off the trail. Apparently they
don’t always issue warning rattles.
Beyond the rock pile Wildhorse Trail
improves significantly, singletrack path
that rises up the thousand-plus foot ridge.
There’s precious little shade with terrain
dotted by manzanita, chaparral and sage
instead of towering pine trees, so expect
plenty of sun exposure, especially midday.
As hikers climb they’re treated to an
expansive mountain panorama. The jagged
peaks of 10,000 Foot Ridge around Mt. San
Gorgonio begin to loom in the distance
while below Heartbar Campground and the
highway are visible. The trail serves up big
mountain hiking reminiscent of the Wilderness
or even the Sierras.
After three miles the trail crests the
saddle above 8,000 feet and pine trees begin
to emerge, a welcome sight after the
sunny climb. The trail begins to descend a
couple hundred feet for the next mile or so
down the canyon before reaching
Wildhorse Trail Camp, a wonderful spot
to take a break surrounded by trees and
Don’t let the views distract you too much on Wildhorse Trail, which leads to a
scenic camp for overnighters
flanked by meadow.
It’s also a good overnight
spot for those
making a backpack out
of the hike with two
good sites.
The small creek
next to camp is barely
wet thanks to the
drought and not something
you’d want to
drink from except in a
pinch. Still very scenic,
and the trail
crosses it to the other
side where it ascends further up the mountain,
adjacent to the water. Eventually it
reaches the saddle above where it connects
with Sugarloaf Trail from the other side
and continues to the summit, over 16 miles
with 4,000 feet of elevation gain. Or just
Big Bear Today
turn around at trail camp after four miles
and over a thousand feet of climbing,
which is what I did.
Just watch for the rattler!
—by Marcus Dietz
FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 •
Great at Alpine Slide!
Your Alpine Slide experience begins
with a scenic chairlift ride above the
beautiful Big Bear Lake. Then, with
you controlling the speed, your toboggan
plummets back down the mountain creating a thrill you’ll want to relive
again and again!
Now Open!
• Minature Golf • Go Karts
• Video Game Room • Delicious Snack Bar
Parents!... Sun On Our Spacious Deck While The Kids Play!
Year-Round Family Fun
With 300 Clear Days A Year!
Cool
Summer Spot
Check website for current operating hours
www.AlpineSlideBigBear.com
FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626
FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 •