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September 2021 Big Bear Today

Visitor and tourist information for Big Bear! Read about Fox US Open and Grizzly 100 mountain bike events at Snow Summit plus the start of Big Bear Oktoberfest. 2-for-1 hiking on Ponderosa and Whispering Pines trails plus Moonshine Bandits and other shows at The Cave. October Troutfest by Western Outdoor News, Discovery Center outdoors and more! Calendar of events and recreation guide too.

Visitor and tourist information for Big Bear! Read about Fox US Open and Grizzly 100 mountain bike events at Snow Summit plus the start of Big Bear Oktoberfest. 2-for-1 hiking on Ponderosa and Whispering Pines trails plus Moonshine Bandits and other shows at The Cave. October Troutfest by Western Outdoor News, Discovery Center outdoors and more! Calendar of events and recreation guide too.

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Volume 33, No. 3 September 2021

www.bigb eartodaymag.com

Fox

US Open

is Back!

Grizzly

100!

51 st

Oktoberfest

Too!

• Moonshine Bandits Return to Cave

• Time to Register for October Troutfest

• Discovery Center Open for Outdoor Fun

• 2-for-1 on Ponderosa, Whispering Pines Trails


Page 2—September 2021

From the Publisher

Is Oktoberfest Ketofriendly?

The Big C

means we’ll find out

`Y

ou’ve got cancer.” Some 1.9 million

Americans hear those words

or something similar each year,

and over 18 million do worldwide.

In late July, I became one of them.

I don’t remember the exact words my

doctor used to inform me that the growth

in my esophagus first thought to be benign

was actually cancerous. Verbiage aside, the

message was clear: my life, to some extent

at least, was about to change.

* * *

There are over a hundred different

types of cancer. Some affect organs like

the brain, kidneys and lungs. Others like

leukemia strike the blood. Skin, technically

the body’s largest organ, isn’t immune,

melanoma an especially vicious cancer.

Ironically wife Sandy and I both have

best friends who died of melanoma and

both had baseball connections. Mine was

Jim Winkles whose brother Bobby managed

Arizona State to the College World

Series and also the Angels. Sandy’s was

Rosemary Freeman whose son Freddie is

now a superstar for the Atlanta Braves.

Indeed just about everyone has had

cancer touch their lives in one way or another.

By far the leading cancer in men is

prostate with lung/bronchus a distant second.

Colorectal, bladder, melanoma and

kidney are also among the 12 most common.

For women the list is similar except

breast cancer replaces prostate at the top.

Mine, esophageal cancer, isn’t in the

top 12. In fact fewer than 20,000 men and

women will be diagnosed with it this year,

making it one of the rarer ones. Not much

solace when you’re one of them.

* * *

Seemed innocent enough. One day in

mid-May I was eating a snack, I don’t remember

what, and it stuck in my throat.

At the time I chalked it up to spring allergies

that I have year-round, especially bad

this year after the dry winter, heavy winds

and maybe my Covid at the end of 2020.

But it happened again a few days later.

Then again, and again. A classic sign of

esophageal cancer, though there can be

other causes of obstruction as well. More

early indicators can be hiccups, and I guess

I had some, but who hasn’t? And burping,

but what male doesn’t do that?

Weight loss is another. While being

checked for an unrelated ankle issue exacerbated

by stuffing my foot into a ski boot

all winter, I had lready decided to lose

weight. Desserts, snacks, and such were

dumped from my diet. So was bread, which

sometimes stuck in my throat anyway.

Pounds melted away, which was the goal,

but not with a boost from cancer.

* * *

Keto is one of the fad diets these days.

Heavy in fats, protein and vegetables, it’s

very restrictive in sugars and carbohydrates,

two longtime staples of mine.

What I didn’t know, till son Kevin sent

information to me, is that Keto has been

shown effective in slowing the growth and

spread of at least some cancers. Research

is in its infancy, just a few small clinical

trials in people to go with more extensive

research on lab mice, but the evidence continues

to pile up.

The thinking is that certain cancer cells

require glucose (sugar) to live long and

prosper. By limiting sugar and carbohydrates,

which the body treats as glucose,

fuel for the bad cells is limited, essentially

starving them.

More irony: Kevin is now my food

coach. As a kid he was the king of junk

food, splurging whatever money he had on

goodies. He once stuffed a whole chocolate

Easter egg in his mouth to make sure

we didn’t make him save it! Now he’s telling

me how to eat less sugar?

Of which there is plenty. Chiropractor

Dr. Larry Poland told me that entering

the 1900’s the average American consumed

less than a pound of sugar per year.

Less than that in Biblical times when sugar

was a luxury few could afford. “Now it’s

about 127 pounds a year,” he said. That’s

right, an average of over 1/3 lb. per day!

It’s not all cookies and brownies either.

Sugar is slipped into just about everything,

from catsup to spaghetti sauce.

Read the labels and it’s often listed at or

near the top. Going Keto means becoming

a food and nutrition expert, especially

when coach isn’t around. It also means giving

up potatoes, pasta, rice, breads and

cereals, virtually all carbs.And cake, bummer

since my birthday is this month..

* * *

The ending to this story won’t be written

for some time. As Big Bear Today goes

to press I’m still undergoing tests and presumably

treatment is not far behind.

In the meantime, if you’re at

Oktoberfest and see someone eating a

bratwurst without the bun, drinking a light

low-carb beer instead of German

Oktoberfest brew, on a Keto diet, it’s probably

me. Still chicken dancing though!

Have a good one.

Marcus

ON THE COVER: Great month of mountain biking in Big Bear with two huge events, Fox

US Open and Grizzly 100. Not to mention 5st Oktobefest!

Volume 33, Number 3 September 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

Top Riders at Fox US Open, Grizzly 100

Two of the season’s biggest mountain bike events are on the

same weekend this month. Fox US Open arrives at Snow

Summit as top pros and amateurs compete for thousands of

dollars in cash with spectator-friendly racing and free

admission to the base area. At the same time hard cores

tackle up to 100K on their bikes, all for a belt buckle.

Fun Inside and Out at 51st Oktoberfest

The 51st edition of Big Bear Oktoberfest will look a lot more

like the event we’ve all come to know and love when it kicks

off a nine weekend run on Sept. 11. Bands inside and out, the

same great German food and beer, and a few surprises are in

store. Like Fridays in October and “Love Shacks!”

Moonshine Bandits Return to Cave

The first big headline show at Big Bear’s concert venue since

the pandemic is on Sept 25 when the hard-driving Moonshine

Bandits return with new chart-topping music. That’s not all

either, with tribute shows to Sublime, Queen, AC/DC, Pearl

Jam, The Who and more this month.

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.

2-for-1 with Ponderosa, Whispering Pines

Two hikes across Hwy. 38 from each other mean one great

adventure. Walk in the footsteps of Lassie on one and take in

sprawling views of Santa Ana River basin and beyond from the

other. You’ve driven past them, now stop and hike them!

Play in the spray on a waverunner from

Get Wet Water Sports! See page 15

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 September 2021—Page 3

POTPOURRI

`Flowers for All Seasons,’ auction, raffles too!

Garden Club hosts

fashion show lunch

Fashions, flowers and the four seasons

combine when “A” Garden Club of Big

Bear Valley hosts its “Flowers for All Seasons”

luncheon and show on Sunday, September

12.

Held in the beautiful gardens at Apples

Bed & Breakfast, the fashion show features

clothing embellished with appliqued and

hand-painted floral designs. Each depicts

the stunning four seasons enjoyed in Big

Bear Lake. The show is scheduled from 1-

4 p.m.

All items are a one-of-a-kind piece

created and signed by the artist. This event

is a fundraiser to benefit the Carol Hassler

Scholarship Fund dedicated to high school

seniors pursuing degrees in horticulture

and related fields.

There’s also silent auction and raffle

prizes. Cost for the luncheon fashion show

is $30 or $220 for table of eight. To reserve

call Connie Dunn at (818) 648-5153.

Apples is located at 42430 Moonridge

Rd. on the way to the new zoo.

Learn more about “A” Garden Club

during monthly meetings at Community

Church Big Bear Lake at 10 a.m. the second

Monday of each month including Sept.

13.

Register now for 16th annual event on Oct. 2-3

Reel in cash, gear at

October Troutfest

Register now for the 16th year annual

Western Outdoor News Big Bear Lake

Troutfest, set for October 2-3.

The event has become one of the premier

fishing tournaments in the region and

returns after a year’s absence with thousands

of dollars on the line in cash and

equipment prizes. Including a 15-foot Klam

a t h

Advantage

aluminum

b o a t

with 20

h p

Suzuki

Marine

tiller and

E Z

Loader

trailer

valued at

$14,000,

which

o n e

lucky

angler will win in Sunday’s raffle. You

don’t have to catch a single fish all weekend

to land the big prize in the raffle! Tons

of other prizes too.

All participants receive one raffle

ticket—no others are sold—for prizes like

exotic fishing trips, getaways, fishing gear

and more. Tens of thousands of dollars in

cash and prizes are up for grabs during the

event ranging from rod and reel combos

to Igloo Coolers, Coleman lanterns and

much more. Special raffle for juniors with

separate grand prize too.

All anglers are eligible for the $5,000

blind bogey contest, with payouts going

to fishermen whose catches come closest

to but not over predetermined weights. The

lake sees thousands of dollars in trout

stocked in advance of the event by Western

Outdoor News and Big Bear Municipal

Water District to make sure anglers enjoy

heavy-hitting action.

The Troutfest tournament format is

simple: anglers compete in one of four divisions

— Adult Male, Adult Female, Junior

Male and Junior Female — for trophies

and prizes for the top five heaviest weights

of total trout caught and weighed over two

days in each division.

Each angler can weigh up to five trout

per day. Andrew Mack landed a two-day

weight of 26.39 lbs. to win 2019 Troutfest.

Biggest overall fish caught during the

event is good for a new Sea Eagle 437PS

Paddleski inflatable catamaran with 6hp

Suzuki motor, which can take two anglers

into tight

spots to

search for

t h e

biggies.

Plus a

lifelike

replica of

the biggest

overall

rainbow

to

memorialize

the

catch,

courtesy

Reel in more than just fish at October Troutfest...like cash! of Global

Fishmounts.

Anglers with the heaviest stringer

each day also net $100 gift cards from Bass

Pro Shops in Rancho Cucamonga.

Fishing gets underway each day at 7

a.m. and continues till 4 p.m. Saturday, 2

p.m. on Sunday with awards ceremony following

at 3:30. Weigh-in is 12-4 Saturday,

11 a..m.-2 p.m. Sunday.

The $75 entry, $50 14 and under, includes

raffle ticket and blind bogey contest

ante. Registration is limited to 1,000

anglers and the first 600 to sign up get a

free well-stocked, waterproof Frogg Toggs

goodie bag stuffed with swag from event

sponsors including Berkley PowerBait,

Rooster Tails, Thomas Buoyant spoons,

Huk discount cards, official Troutfest hats

and more.

Registration is at BBMWD parking lot

Friday, Oct. 1 from 5-9 p.m. To register

call (949) 366-0248 or visit

www.WONews.com.

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—September 2021

Fox US Open back with downhill, whip

Big Bear Today

Photos by Zach Faulkner

One of two wheeling’s biggest

events is set to return to Big Bear,

the Fox US Open of Mountain

Biking race festival at Snow Summit September

23-26.

The US Open came to Big Bear with

much fanfare in 2019, its first western appearance

since its inception on the east

coast in 2003, and returns after a year hiatus

to the virus. Now it’s back with the

same thrilling open class racing and will

once again be the final stop of the US

Downhill National Series.

The massive cash purse is sure to attract

some of mountain bike racing’s biggest

names, including 2019 men’s downhill

champion Loic Bruni . Up and coming

racers are afforded the chance to compete

against the pros in the Open class

downhill event for the big bucks while

amateurs can battle for bragging rights and

prizes. Young racers can compete in the

Next Gen Youth Downhill, now in its

fourth year, in intermediate and expert categories

for racers under 15 years old, on a

dedicated track.

In addition to downhill and enduro,

the event features a USO Best Whip Comp

right in the middle of the base area and a

fan favorite, plus adaptive downhill racing

and classic dual slalom event. The 2019

enduro drew the highest racer participation.

All of which harkens back to the epic

races of yesteryear at Snow Summit as the

resort used to host NORBA National and

World Cup events during 1990’s heyday.

“We’re picking up where we left off

in 2019, continuing with the momentum

and gearing up to throw one hell of an MTB

party,” said Clay Harper, cofounder and

event director of the US OPEN. “We’re intimately

aware of the challenges that may

still be present with physical events and

will remain positioned to make any necessary

adjustments for the safety of our fans

and athletes. Overall, we’re just really excited

to get back to racing and riding at

Summit Bike Park!”

Friday sees dual slalom qualifying and

finals for all classes. On Saturday there’s

enduro racing at 8:30 with best whip action

from 6:30-7:30 p.m., a real fan favorite,

followed by after party at 8.

Sunday’s schedule is highlighted by

downhill finals starting with amateur class

at 12:30 p.m. Awards presentations follow

shortly after. Fox is again joined by an impressive

list of event partners including

Vittoria Tires, GT Bicycles, Flat Tire Defender,

Clif Bar, Horizon Hobby, MOS

Gear and more.

Vendor village, demos, music and

more make for a huge party with free spectating.

Plus Bike Park is open for riding

during the entire event week along with

base area activities including climbing

wall, zip line and Scenic Sky Chair for a

separate charge.

Parking in Snow Summit’s upper lot

is $20 per vehicle but there’s free parking

at satellite lots with shuttles to the base

area. Visit www.USopen.bike for details.

4 days of intense mountain biking, live music, more at Fox US Open

Grizzly 100, Gran Fondo return

The 6th annual Big Bear Mountain

Bike Gran Fondo and Grizzly 100 was one

of the few events to happen in 2020, and

it’s back this year on September 25.

There were a few tweaks and the event

had to be pushed back a month but Big

Bear’s premier endurance mountain bike

event still went off. Four distances were

offered last year, 30K, 50K, 75K and grueling

100K races, and for 2021 the 20K

returns too. Starts are spread out within a

30-minute window for each distance departing

Big Bear Village

Mountain bikers tackle the same

amazing course that attracts the best from

throughout Southern California and around

the country. The rides explore famed Big

Bear mountain bike terrain like Pine Knot

Trail, Cabin 89, Grandview Point,

worldclass singletrack on Skyline Trail,

grueling singletrack descent to Seven Oaks

and back up on the brutal Radford Road

Climb, and more with spectacular views

of the lake, Mt. San Gorgonio and surrounding

wilderness and the Santa Ana

River Canyon along the way. Not to mention

river crossing at the canyon bottom.

Both the 30K Ridgeline and 50K Skyline

routes serve up significant singletrack

climbs up the ridge but not the nasty descent

to Seven Oaks and return

climb of the longer over-the-top

ride. The 75K Over the Top ride is

for those who want more adventure

but not quite all of the Grizzly 100,

still with Seven Oaks descent,

Frontline Rd. trek and more.

Each ride presents a goodly

section of amazing worldclass

singletrack on Skyline Trail after

climbing Pine Knot Trail, which is

practically hallowed ground in

mountain bike racing lore and the

site of countless events including

Team Big Bear Fall Classic, races

and more.

Grizzly 100K takes the riding

to another level with over 10,000

feet of climbing at elevation, over

a distance of over 60 miles. Radford

Climb is particularly gnarly,

enough to challenge even the best,

so the STRAVA King/Queen of the

Mountain is held there with a hundred

bucks to the male and female riders with

the best time up the grind.

Last year’s 100K was won by Big

Bear’s Chad Hall, who finished in just under

5 hours. Then again, Hall is an elite

runner, triathlete and pro cyclist who ran

cross-country at Stanford.

Other top finishers were just over 5

hours with most of the field needing six

hours or more to complete. Professional

road cyclist Jasper Verkuijl from The Netherlands

finished ninth last year in 5:45 in

his first-ever mountain bike race and

there’s a terrific hour-long You Tube video

in which he shares the ride from start to

finish with thrilling singletrack video, brutal

climbs, jockeying for position and more.

All 100K finishers again get the coveted

Grizzly belt buckle and winners claim

cool carved wood bear trophies plus large

men’s and women’s cash purse. Grizzly

100 is a National Ultra Endurance Race

series event and attracts elite riders from

around the world.

The killer start/finish line expo and

beer garden in the Village is likely to return

in 2021 along with awards ceremony,

along with aid stations on the routes.

Call (909) 866-8000; bbvrace.com

Intense riding during Grizzly 100


Big Bear Today September 2021—Page 5

Cruise aboard Big Bear Cruzer on narrated tours

Cruzer, new pontoons at BB Marina

Seven clean and quiet fishing boats

and four luxury pontoons with bluetooth

radio, all new, got quite the workout in

2020.

Big Bear Marina saw its biggest season

ever last year with boating on the lake

a preferred way to social distance. “Every

weekday was like a weekend, every weekend

like a holiday,” said Big Bear Marina’s

Steve Fengler.

So the answer was to rejuvenate the

fleet at Big Bear Marina for the 2021 summer

season, with still-more new pontoon

boats and two live webcam feeds

(BigBearMarina.com). Plus two new dock

systems, each with 30 slips, very sturdy

with concrete and metal construction.

Big Bear Cruzer, the marina’s almost

new 25-passenger tour boat, is cruising

daily with narrated tours of Big Bear Lake.

Fully-covered with sound system and

onboard potty, Cruzer offers an intimate

experience during 90-minute tours that sail

past China Island, the Solar Observatory,

celebrity homes and more.

There’s no minimum passenger requirements

so Cruzer cruises even if

there’s only one customer on board. Tours

are set for 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. along with

11 a.m as demand warrants. Fares are $22,

senior/military 12, ages 4-12 are $15, free

3 and under.

Pontoon boats are a great way to enjoy

the lake as families and groups enjoy

ample seating, space and shade amidst lake

isolation. Four new pontoons from

Sweetwater have joined Big Bear Marina’s

fleet, one 23’ boat that seats 12 and three

20’ vessels accommodating six. The past

couple years have seen several Lowe boats

added as well, and Big Bear Marina has

over three dozen pontoons on the water.

Bluetooth sound system with fourway

speakers including bass with iPhone

and USB connectivity are a few of the cool

features. Amenities like comfortable bench

seating, drink holders, slip-resistant vinyl

flooring and lots of storage make pontoon

boats a virtual floating living room. Bimini

tops provide shade on sunny days .

Float with your family in isolation in

a quiet cove on the lake, or troll for trout.

Bring coolers, picnic lunch, canoes or kayaks,

tubes or whatever and beat the heat

on the water. They’re as easy to drive as a

car, powered by eco-friendly four stroke

Mercury outboards. Even inexperienced

captains figure navigation out quickly.

“Smaller luxury pontoon boats have

proven to be very popular with families that

don’t need so much space, or with couples

wanting plenty of room,” Fengler said.

Seven new fishing boats from Lowe

were added by Big Bear Marina last year,

featuring whisper-quiet 9.8 four-stroke motors,

to go with several added in 2019. The

14-foot aluminum vessels seat up to four

anglers and are perfect for going out to

where the fish are biting.

The marina is also home to Big Bear

Lake’s official weigh station with the only

tournament scale. If you hook up with a

big one be sure to hit “Mac’s Shack” at

Big Bear Marina and see if you have a lake

record trout, large or smallmouth bass,

crappie or other species.

For self-propelled fun check out the

marina’s water bikes, only ones on the lake.

These recumbent bike-style rides feature

handlebars and pedals, but instead of two

wheels there’s two pontoons. Making the

rides very stable, even in rough water.

Water bikes are comfortable and practically

maneuver on a dime with a 10-foot

turning radius. With rudder and propeller

water bikes have boating features but are

as simple to ride as any cycle on land, ideal

for those who would like to try

paddleboards but are afraid they’ll spend

more time in the water than on it.

“They go three knots without having

to pedal very hard at all,” Fengler said.

“And they move through the water even

into the wind.”

Ample deck space allows water bikes

to carry up to three people. “Or a couple

can go out and bring a cooler,” Fengler

said. “Plus there’s a tray up front to put

your phone or snacks. A great way to have

fun and get exercise at the same time.”

Standup Paddleboards are also

muscle-powered, a way to socially distance

by definition. Stand up on the Hobie surfboard-like

boards nearly 12 feet long and

paddle to enjoy the lake and get exercise

at the same time. Big Bear Marina has kayaks

including single, double and even

triples. Plus two-person pedal boats with

legs as the power source. The floating store

has bait and tackle plus other supplies like

snacks, beer, wine, ice and more.

Big Bear Marina (909) 866-3218.


Page 6—September 2021

Bands inside and out at Oktoberfest

Festivities inside and out—check.

Live bands on two stages—check.

Same beer that’s poured in Munich

and authentic German cuisine—check.

Big Bear Oktoberfest returns for nine

weekends looking a lot more like its usual

self in 2021. German bands still aren’t allowed

to fly across the pond but top German-American

groups are on the schedule,

along with longtime favorites The Express.

Dance groups are back on the schedule

after a year’s absence. Select outdoor

vendors are returning too in a limited

Budenstrasse (Avenue of the Booths).

All in all the 51st edition of

Oktoberfest promises to more closely re-

semble the event that’s ranked in the Top

10 nationwide by AOL, Ski Net and most

recently USA Today. Not that last year’s

Covid-impacted celebration was lacking;

in fact some of the adaptations dictated by

the virus have been adopted for 2021,

which kicks off September 11-12 with the

first of three American Heroes Weekends.

Preferred seating, for instance, was

popular in 2020 and will again be offered

in addition to regular general admission

with reserved seat indoors or out and drink

service. Groups fell for the “Love Shacks,”

private bungalows seating up to 10 complete

with drink service, so they’re returning

too. As will Friday nights throughout

October.

Capacity

will again

be limited

so advance

reservations

are strongly

suggested—

a n d

cheaper—

but 2021

should be

much more

like normal.

Familiar

faces will

be on hand

the first two

Saturdays to

open the

Log sawing and new fast-paced cornhole among the contests

event on Sept. 11 and 18. The Express

Band has played Big Bear Oktoberfest for

some 35 years with an original lineup, so

you’ve seen and heard these guys before,

including their varied chicken dance presentations

plus popular “Rookie Zookie.”

Considered Southern California’s premiere

German festival band, The Express

entertains listeners with a wide repetoire

of music that ranges from traditional

Oktoberfest favorites to today’s hits. During

the afternoon the sound is more polka,

after dark more Top 40, country and rock

and roll with a few band specialties thrown

in. First two Sundays of Oktoberfest feature

Da Stube Buden.

Opening ceremonies on Sept. 11 include

patriotic tribute and official tapping

of the first keg. Popular dance troupe Die

Gemutlichen Schuhplattlers present feetflying

entertainment at 5 and 7:30 p.m. and

are expected to return another weekend as

well. The first two weekends each pay

homage to American Heroes with free admission

for past and present military and

first responders, $10 for their family.

American Heroes are also admitted free

closing weekend, November 6-7.

Die Alpine Klanger Band makes its

first appearances at Big Bear Oktoberfest

on Sept. 25-26. October 1-3 and 8-10.

Other newcomers on the schedule include

Big Bear Today

Festivities indoors and out mark the 51st annual Big Bear Oktoberfest

HazelNusse and Hammerstein bands.

Outdoors Wyatt’s stage features everything

but German music with two bands

each Saturday, one on Sundays. Highlights

include the famed Doo Wah Riders on Oct.

23 plus Wyatt’s favorites like Jimi Nelson

and Terry McRaven Bands, Sean Wiggins

and Lone Goat, Southern Spirit, Blue Henrys

and more.

Big Bear Oktoberfest continues to offer

the same authentic Bavarian experience

guests have enjoyed for 50 years. Set under

the pine trees, it’s the highest elevation

celebration in the country and features

bratwurst from a German butcher and fresh

apple strudel and pretzels delivered weekly

from a German bakery in Newport Beach.

Multiple bier gartens outdoors include

the Craft Haus where connoisseurs find a

variety of microbrews and craft offerings.

While German food is obviously an

Oktoberfest staple including the tastiest

sauerkraut around, other taste treats are

available like street tacos, burgers,

flatbread pizza, nachos and more.

Contests inside and out make

Oktoberfest an interactive experience and

all the usual favorites are back, like log

sawing and stein holding. In addition

there’s a new, fast-paced cornhole game

that challenges two-person teams to score

Continued on page 7

Longtime favorites The Express Band play first two Saturdays on Sept. 11 and

18 plus Oct. 30 and Nov. 6


Big Bear Today September 2021—Page 7

Relieve stress with Chirp’s walks, talks

Enjoying nature is a sure way to reduce

stress. And with monthly bird walks

and talks Chirp Nature Center is the place

to do it.

Chirp’s new “nest” carries everything

birding enthusiasts need whether they’re

beginners or veterans at its larger upgraded

location just west of Big Bear Village near

the Bowling Barn at 578 Bonanza Trail.

There’s an expanded “Feeder Forest” with

varieties of seed mountain birds love, plus

you can test premium bird watching optics,

explore bird houses and baths, or

browse a growing selection of educational

books and guides.

Chirp’s new location is also the starting

point for the September 4 monthly inperson

bird walk as fall begins to settle into

the mountains. Outings depart Chirp

promptly at 8 a.m.—meet at 7:30—and

visit avian hot spots around Big Bear Valley

and in the forest.

Birders of all experience levels enjoy

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Oktoberfest in & out...

Continued from page 6

as many points as possible in a timed twominute

event.

Oktoberfest remains family-friendly

with children’s contests like pretzel toss

and kid mug holding, plus their own outside

area with giant inflatable slides and

bounce houses plus balloon artists on Sundays.

The Sunday Family Fun Package

features reservations for two adults and two

children plus kids meals for $48.

Hours for the nine weekends are Saturdays

1-11 p.m., Sundays noon-6. Saturday

September admission is $22, seniors

$16, children $10, preferred seating $48

with Sundays $15, $12 and $5 respectively.

Fridays are added from 4-11 p.m. on

Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 ($24, $16, $8, preferred

$45) with Saturdays priced at $28,

$20, $12, preferred $58 and Sundays $16,

$12, $8 preferred $35.

Call Convention Center at (909) 585-

3000 or www.BigBearEvents.com.

Monthly bird walks, talks and more by Chirp Nature Center, now at new location

tions highlight 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. Next program

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.

FREE

WIFI

CLOSE TO

VILLAGE,

LAKE &

DINING

Big Bear’s Largest

Pool and Outdoor Spa

is set for Oct. 16.

Chirp is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.

Chirp Nature Center is at 578 Bonanza

Trail. Call (888) 412-4477.

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.

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

observing and identifying local Big Bear

birds and discover prime viewing locations.

There’s free species checklists provided

by Chirp that 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.

Bring water and binoculars and scopes for

better viewing along with hiking essentials

like walking stick and sunscreen. Complimentary

refreshments follow at Chirp Nature

Center with questions and answers.

Last scheduled walk of the season is

on October 2, which is actually a lake

cruise aboard Big Bear Queen to observe

waterfowl and perhaps even bald eagles.

Cost is $20 per person, donuts follow.

Virtual Bird Walks are also a blast,

held the second Wednesday each month including

Sept. 8 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.

Final virtual walk of 2021 is on 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

Sept. 18 featuring “Clever Corvids.” These

amazing birds, like crows, ravens and jays

among others, make tools and hold funerals

for family members. They can even

mimic other birds and are considered some

of the most intelligent animals in the world.

Guest speaker is Dr. John

McCormack, director of the Moore Laboratory

of Zoology, is curator of the 62,776

bird speciments in its museum. As a published

researcher and associate professor,

Dr. McCormack is passionate about understanding

the evolutionary history of birds

and the current environmental changes that

affect birds’ distributions, appearances, and

DNA.

These hour-long interactive presenta-

41121 Big Bear Blvd. • Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

www.BlackForestLodge.com


Page 8—September 2021

Moonshine Bandits at Cave, tributes too

Big Bear Today

oonshine Bandits return to The

Cave Big Bear once again on September

25, making their first visit Msince the pandemic.

The band sports a unique mix of country,

West Coast hip hop and rap, and was

slated to play The Cave in 2020 before the

shutdown. Now Moonshine Bandits are

back with new music from the duo’s latest

Fire album released last year that quickly

became the Number 1 rap album in the

world on Itunes.

The first single “Red, White &

Boozed” skyrocketed as well with nearly

400,000 Spotify streams in a month. Just

one of 14 flaming hot tracks. Seems Shiners,

as faithful fans are known, have taken

a real shine to the Bandits’ latest. A real

testament to their base as Moonshine Bandits

have never had a major label behind

Endless pizza for museum

Support Big Bear Museum during

“Pizza with a Purpose” on September 14.

Pepperoni pizza is all-you-can-eat

from 4-8 p.m. at Village Pizza (40568 Big

Bear Blvd.) Plus there’s the usual opportunity

drawing and silent auction, always

a highlight at museum fundraisers.

Cost is just $10, children under 8 are

free. Proceeds go to the maintenance and

upkeep of the museum, Big Bear’s best

kept visitor secret. The museum is open

Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and Labor

Day Monday through mid-September.

Admission is just $5. Call (909) 585-8100.

them, truly music from the grassroots up.

Moonshine Bandits music has always

reflected their Central California hard-driving

roots, heard on songs like “For the

Outlawz” to the hit song “Get Loose.” Live

shows feature originals like “My Kind of

Country,” “Whiskey River” and “We All

Country” plus unique versions of other

songs. Like Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low

Places,” backed by a hip-hop beat.

Calicountry, the debut album for

Moonshine Bandits on Average Joes Entertainment/Suburban

Noize Records, featured

the band’s driving, good-time music

sound, on songs like “California Country”

and the party anthem “Throwdown.” The

sixth Moonshine Bandits release, Blacked

Out, debuted #13 on Top Country Albums

charts in 2015 and 2019’s The Whiskey

Never Dries album also came out to wide

acclaim.

It’s no coincidence that moonshine

and whiskey are themes; Tex’s great-grandfather

was a bootlegger in the Bay area who

used his barbershop as a front. “My greataunt

was actually pedaling it in baby carriages

to politicians during prohibition,”

Tex said. He is continuing the family tradition,

albeit legally, by endorsing moonshine

distilled in Modesto by Valley Spirits

Distillery, 99 proof, un-aged whiskey

available in original, apple pie and peach.

Yet Moonshine Bandits are all about

the music, refusing to be defined by categories,

and their live shows have created

legions of loyal fans. The band has criss-

Moonshine Bandits return to The Cave one night only, September 25

crossed the country playing hundreds of

shows each year, hard-driving pace reflective

of their music. They’ve even had adult

film legend Tera Patrick spice up one of

their videos!

With over 15 million YouTube views,

Moonshine Bandits have fan favorite video

on CMT.com that hit #1 and on CMT’s

High Five countdown that reached #2. As

the duo likes to say, “There aren’t stops or

boundaries if you pave your own lane.”

Tickets $25, tables $75.

Other shows this month at The Cave

include tribute to Sublime on Sept. 4 by

Doin’ Time. A week later on Sept. 10

there’s tributes to Pearl Jam and Blink 182

with The Kings of Queen presenting their

top shelf tribute to the English rock legends

the next night on Sept. 11. Noise

Pollution’s tribute to AC/DC is Sept. 17

followed by Who music by Love Reign on

Sept. 18.

Call The Cave (909) 878-0204

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

Year-Round

Christmas Room!

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 September 2021—Page 9

Tunnels, corkscrews on Mineshaft Coaster

Three complete 360° corkscrew turns.

Steep descents, two 100-foot tunnels, dips

and drops galore, all served up during a

mile-long gravity-fueled adventure.

It’s enough to have riders screaming

all the way around the track like they’re

on an amusement park ride. Except this is

the newly-opened Mineshaft Coaster at Alpine

Slide, and unlike any park ride guests

control how fast their carts go down the

six-tube stainless steel track. Which can be

pretty fast, as carts hit speeds of up to 27

mph at multiple points along the way. Or

slow, if that’s what you prefer.

First and only ride of its kind in

California, Mineshaft Coaster has been a

hit since opening at Alpine Slide this

summer. 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 whoopdi-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.

It’s a roughly nine minute ride—faster

drivers can get closer to seven minutes—

that left Liana Martinez breathless.

“It’s really fun, I wasn’t expecting it

to be really fast but it was,” the Bakersfield

resident said. “There were a ton of twists

and turns too. It’s kind of like a roller

coaster except we were able to brake along

the way. We’re definitely going to do it

again.”

She rode with her husband Nico. Two

adults can ride Mineshaft Coaster together

if their combined weight is less than 375

lbs., making for a real thrill-filled shared

experience, though many carts go solo.

Front rider must be at least 38” tall and

three years old so kids can go, while rear

pilot 54” and age 18 or older.

“It’s kind of like the big brother of the

Alpine Slide,” said San Diego resident Sam

Gerdes. “The ride was a lot longer than I

thought it would be. I thought it was two

different rides instead of one long ride.”

His sons Isaiah, Micah and Noah took

turns too. “Really fun, you get to go as fast

as you want through lots of twists and

turns,” Isaiah said. “I only used the brake

where I was supposed to use it. I wasn’t

scared.”

Guests are secured by multipoint

safety belts at the start house. Rider in back

controls the cart’s braking mechanism and

is required to keep at least 80 feet from the

sled in front. But Mineshaft Coaster

features “Smart Cart” technology with a

computer controlled, fail-safe magnetic

braking system that gently applies brakes

if a cart approaches too close to another.

Plus each ride is equipped with speed

governor and centrifugal brake to control

top speed.

Each cart features specially designed,

lockable seat belts and shoulder restraints

to assure rider comfort at all times. Plus

A mile of drops, dips and turns await riders on Mineshaft Coaster

carts have energy absorbing front and rear

buffers.

A lengthy up track climb to the top of

Alpine Slide awaits riders before they start

to descend and shoot through the first rocklined

mining tunnel. They wind their way

to the bottom before ascending again on

another up track back to the top for the

second tunnel and cool corkscrew that

leads to a quick drop; those going fast

enough get a little G-force on.

The track traverses Alpine Slide’s

entire property, around and under Alpine

Slide sleds, past the water side and above

the go-karts, dipping in and out of pine

trees. Even the entrance is awesome, built

from scratch with mining carts and rock

out front, plus Big Bear’s coolest sign.

Coaster tracks are popular in Europe

and are popping up in ski resort towns including

Snowbird in Utah. Mineshaft

Coaster is over 2,000 feet longer! Other

coasters are in Jackson Hole, Steamboat,

Bogus Basin and Heavenly’s Nevada side.

Plus entertainment hub Branson, MO.

Each cart is wiped down as part of Alpine

Slide’s many virus precautions.

Mineshaft Coaster tickets are $20 per

person, children $10. The ride is open

seven days a week, all year long.

Alpine Slide is at 800 Wildrose Ln. on

Big Bear Blvd. 1/4 mile west of the Village,

Call (909) 866-4626.

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 10—September 2021

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

Give the forest a helping hand by getting

your hands dirty as part of a longrunning

native plant restoration volunteer

program, down to the last two workdays

of 2021.

Greenthumbs workers will be at it

again on September 25, appropriately National

Public Lands Day. 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

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

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

Dirty hands give forest a helping hand

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

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.

Final 2021 Greenthumbs day is on

October 23. (909) 382-2809 to pre-register

or email megan.clement@usda.gov.

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

Big Bear Today

Nature Discovery Zone is filled wtih fun kids activities like climbing and more

If You Can’t

Pick Us Up...

Click Us Up!

BigBearTodayMag.com

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

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

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

909.878.4FUN

at North Shore Landing

& Holloway’s Marina

• Waverunners • Jet Skis

• Sea Doos! • Kayaks, SUP

• Wakeboard/Water Ski Rides

• Poontoon Boats

and Fishing Boats!

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

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


Big Bear Today September 2021—Page 11

16 rooms, infinite gifts at Village Faire

Patriotic signs, dog and cat pillows,

year-round Christmas room, princesses,

incense, tasty jerky, and yes,

countless face masks. All in a historic Big

Bear setting that may or may not have its

own ghost.

If you want it, chances are they got it

at Village Faire, and the kind of stuff you

won’t find on Amazon. There’s thousands

of gifts—no exaggeration—ranging from

sports logo items and Harley Davidson

gear to crosses galore, clothing, purses and

pottery. The walls at the top of the stairs

may tell tales—the building used to house

Big Bear’s first hotel, the historic Navajo

built in 1920, kept busy by gold miners

and ladies of the night—but today the real

story is on the shelves, with goods from

artisans around town, the country, even the

world.

Sixteen theme rooms present a wide

range of gift ideas, from bears and princess

dolls, signs and home goods to gourmet

foods and Oriental treasures and much

more, many items handmade. Why there’s

an entire Princess Room at Village Faire,

with dolls and dresses and tea party sets

and wallets.

Duck inside the Tiki Room for Asiatheme

gifts like adorable stuffed panda

bears, fans and dragon figurines. The Pottery

Room not only features handthrown

clay plates and pots, lead-free and microwave

and dishwasher safe, but also soap

pumps and dreamcatchers.

For sports fans there’s not one but two

rooms filled with

memorabilia like

playing cards,

team coffee cups

and shot glasses,

signs and more.

There’s a

stadium’s worth

of football team

selections to

choose from

whether you root

for the Rams or

Chargers and all

the other teams

too—especially

the Raiders! Bet

you don’t have

Thousands of gift items to choose from at Village Faire

stereo ear buds bearing your favorite

team’s logo; get them at Village Faire.

Sports fleece throws for $16.95, lamps and

pennants for five dollars, utility gloves and

scarves, and much more are displayed.

Baseball season is well represented

with plenty of Angels and Dodgers, Giants

and Yankees stuff to choose from, like team

coosies for only $7.95. From steins and

stemware to signs and clocks, blankets and

more, the shelves are filled with sports.

USC and UCLA gear too.

Carved bears or stuffed ones, the walls

bear-ly hold all the bruins at Village Faire,

just about every room sporting something

Yogi. Bear hats are popular with long arms

and cozy pocket paws for hands. There’s

stuffed black bears from Wishpets and

Giftable Worlds that are cute and huggable.

The year-round Christmas Room is always

busy, filled with Santas and trees, ornaments

and decorations galore. Stockings

in a variety of designs are less than ten

bucks and there’s gingerbread man ornaments

for $3.50.

Unique is the “Cross Room.” Crossbearing

carved bears are one-of-a-kind but

there’s many other selections to choose

from. There’s also old-fashioned toys like

paint by number kits, models and more.

Then there’s the Chime Room, with an endless

selection of pieces bearing butterfly

and flower designs among others.

Large rustic wood American flags are

in season for $34.98 with smaller ones still

a couple feet long for $19.98. Chalkboard

art is the latest rage with folksy sayings

Continued on page 12


Page 12—September 2021

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

Village Faire gifts...

Continued from page 11

and hand drawn and unique Big Bear T-

shirts cost just $11.95. Pet lovers delight

in the Dog Room where there’s bowls,

treats and gifts for their best friend. Discover

infant wear like Big Bear onesies and

tanks tops for just $9.95 in the Baby Room.

Village Faire has a little something of

everything: Ladies Room with blouses,

packs and purses, classic metal signs from

cars and cowboys to superheroes and

Route 66. Take home agate arrowheads for

less than a buck and sample Bear Poop (nut

surrounded by caramel and chocolate).

“Snow” feels like the real stuff except it’s

not cold and doesn’t melt, the perfect Big

Bear souvenir for $5.50.

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.

Forget your phone charger? Village

Faire has car plugs for $3.95 and wall

chargers for $7.99. There’s a mini-library

in the Bearly-Used book room with SciFi,

fantasy, fiction and non to choose from.

Don’t miss the modest collection of old

Lps, some pressings in mint condition,

from artists like Peter, Paul and Mary, Boz

Scaggs, even Deep Purple in Rock for $35.

Village Faire is also the place to find

award-winning Jeff’s Famous Jerky, seen

on Forbes.com and Men’s Health magazine.

Made from real steak it’s tender and

moist, not the dry leather sometimes passed

as jerky, in intense flavors like jalapeno

and cranberry jalapeno. Bacon and chicken

jerky in assorted flavors too.

Village Faire is at 40794 Village Dr.

above Leather Depot. (909) 866-8220.

Big Bear Today

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 reservations

at BigBearQueen.com.

Real Gear...Real Track...

Real Racing!

• 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)

KART RACING in BIG BEAR

Located at Big Bear Snow Play

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


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

September 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 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

Oktoberfest begins Sept. 11-12

with the first of 9 weekends

Must dial area code (909) with all

number unless otherwise noted

September

4

Free Fishing Day on the lake; no

fishing license required.

4

Free Bird Walk leaves Chirp Nature

Center (578 Bonanza Trail)

8 a.m. sharp; refreshments follow.

(888) 412-4477.

25

Sublime Tribute by Doin’ Time

8 p.m. at The Cave. Tickets

$20. 878-0204.

7, 14, 21, 28

Bear Valley Farmers Market

8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Convention

Center; fresh produce,

vendors. Free. 585-3000.

11-12

51st Annual Oktoberfest at

Wyatt’s at the Convention Center

kicks off nine weekends with

The Express Band. Saturday (1-

11 p.m.) $22, senior $16, child

$10; Sunday (noon-6) $15, senior

$12, child $5. 585-3000.

12

Flowers for All Seasons fashion

show and luncheon 1-4 p.m. at

Apples (42430 Moonridge Rd.)

$30. (818) 648-5153.

14

“Pizza with a Purpose” from 4-

8 p.m. at Village Pizza (40568

Big Bear Blvd.) benefits Historical

Society; $10 all-you-caneat

pepperoni, under 8 free,

drawing, silent auction.

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.

18-19

51st Annual Oktoberfest at

Wyatt’s at the Convention Center

kicks off nine weekends with

The Express Band. Saturday (1-

11 p.m.) $22, senior $16, child

$10; Sunday (noon-6) $15, senior

$12, child $5. 585-3000.

23-26

Fox US Open of Mountain Biking

at Snow Summit with downhill,

Enduro series. 866-5766.

25

National Public Lands Day; no

Adventure Pass needed on forest

lands. 382-2790.

25

Grizzly 100/Mountain Bike Gran

Fondo held by Bear Valley Bikes

with 30/50/75/100K rides starting

in the Village. bbvrace.com.

25

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.

25

Moonshine Bandits in concert 8

p.m. at The Cave. Tickets $25,

table $75. 878-0204.

25-26

51st Annual Oktoberfest at

Wyatt’s at the Convention Center

kicks off nine weekends with

The Express Band. Saturday (1-

11 p.m.) $22, senior $16, child

$10; Sunday (noon-6) $15, senior

$12, child $5. 585-3000.

October

2

Bird Cruise aboard Big Bear

Queen, meet at Pine Knot Marina

7:30 a.m. $20 per person.

744-4948 or (888) 412-4477.

2-3

16th Annual Troutfest; compete

for thousands in cash and

prizes. $75 entry includes goodie

bag, hat. WONews.com.

6-10

27th Annual Peak to Peak Pedal

bike ride from Big Bear to Mammoth,

benefits USARC. 584-

0269.

18-19

Big Bear Spartan Trifecta Weekend;

elite athletes compete at

Snow Summit, base area activities.

Spectating $20. 866-5766.

16-17

Adventure Van Expo at Bartlett

Parking Lot 10-5 Sat., 10-3 Sun.

Free admission. 866-6190.

Fresh produce and more at

Farmer’s Market Tuesdays

For updated calendar of events visit us on the Internet!

www.bigbeartodaymag.com

E

V

E

N

T

C

A

L

E

N

D

A

R


Page 14—September 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

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,

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

18


Big Bear Today September 2021—Page 15

Holcomb Valley

At one time, Big Bear Valley was thriving

gold country. The last remaining signs of HOMESTYLE

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

QUALITY...

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

for horseback riding. Rates are by the hour,

offering one, two, three and four-hour rides

with longer rides heading along the famous

Steaks

East

Pacific Crest Trail plus sunset rides. A

Seafood

Valley's

variety of spectacular mountain trails with

horses for all riding abilities. For little

Pasta

Only

buckeroos there’s hand-led pony rides and

petting zoo. Reservations suggested for all

Chicken

Bakery!

See grizzlies and other animals at new Big Bear Alpine Zoo. (909) 584-1299

rides. Big Bear Blvd. east to stop sign at

Hwy. 38, go through intersection, veer left

Voted Big Bear's

Bernardino National Forest. From easy lake’s north shore, it offers up great views on Shay Rd. to 46475 Pioneertown Rd.,

strolls along the lake to stenuous climbs of water and the surrounding mountains. Big Bear City. (909) 585-6482.

Best Breakfast!

into the mountains, there are trails for all Trailhead is on North Shore Dr. about two

abilities, including families, within a short miles west of Stanfield Cutoff, .6 mile

Mineshaft Coaster

DAILY Breakfast Special!

drive of Big Bear. For information on all from the Discovery Center where you can First ride of its kind in California! Ride

trails in the Valley and the required park without an Adventure Pass. carts you control on a mile-long track with

Adventure Pass, visit the Discovery Center Woodland Interpretive Trail is a short,

steep drops and climbs, 360-degree

Every Saturday Night

on North Shore Dr., about two miles west scenic family stroll with minimal elevation

corkscrew turns, two mining tunnels and

of Stanfield Cutoff. (909) 866-3437. gain, located on the north shore near Cougar

more. Up to two can ride at one time. Open

All-You-Can-Eat

Alpine Pedal Path is a very easy 3.5 mile Crest. Free trail maps (available at the

daily at Alpine Slide, on the boulevard 1/4

(each way) paved trek following the lake trailhead or Discovery Center) identify

mile west of the Village. (909) 866-4626.

on the north shore. Popular with hikers, markers along the route noting local Miniature Golf/Go Karts

Beef Ribs!

bikers, skaters, strollers and wheelchairs vegetation, wildlife areas, etc.

Putt ‘N Around, located at the Alpine Slide

as it passes Carol Morrison East Boat Pacific Crest Trail comes through Big at Magic Mountain, features a landscaped

Launch, Discovery Center, Serrano Bear from Onyx Summit through the East 18-hole miniature golf course complete NIGHTLY DINNER SPECIALS

campground, Solar Observatory and more. Valley to Hwy. 18 and then past Holcomb with water hazards and breaking greens.

Castle Rock Trail is a short but strenuous Valley Rd. and Cougar Crest through Then there’s an oval-shaped go-kart track WED—PRIME RIB

hike, that ends with a panoramic view of Holcomb Valley before continuing its 2,638 with high-banked turns, which nine Can THURS—CLOSED

Big Bear Lake. Legend has it that a beautiful mile journey from Mexico to Canada. Call Am racers—including four two-seaters— FRIDAY—HOMEMADE CHICKEN POT PIES

Indian maiden, jilted by her lover, took her the Discovery Center to find out where to with Honda 5.5 horsepowers engines and OR SURF & TURF

life by leaping from this towering 100 ft. catch this famous international trail. an array of safety features zip around. SAT—ALL-U-CAN-EAT BEEF RIBS

monolith. It’s reached after a mostly uphill, Pine Knot Trail from Aspen Glen picnic Open till 9 p.m. daily. 866-4626.

CHICKEN POT PIES IF AVAILABLE

.8 mile walk past a stream and featuring area climbs the southern ridge above Alpine Museum

SUN-HOLIDAYS—PRIME RIB

beautiful views. Located on Hwy. 18 Slide three miles (each way) to Skyline Dr.

between Boulder Bay and the dam; park on

An authentic, restored log cabins, gold FRESH CATCH OF THE DAY FRI/SAT

2N10, through lush meadow and stands of

the lake side of the road.

mining artifacts, rebuilt stamp mill, cattle

white fir and Jeffrey Pine. Continue another

ranching and logging memorabilia,

Cougar Crest Trail is moderate two-mile 1/4 mile to Grand View Point for spectacular

information on native animals, birds and

After lunch or dinner...

(each way) hike. As it winds above the 180-degree vistas.

reptiles, and much more are found at the

treat yourself from our

Eleanor Abbott Big Bear Museum. Open

After Dark...

Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays and Bakery!

holiday Mondays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

beginning May 29 through second week in Caramel-topped apple

September. Park in new lot at 800 Greenway

just off the boulevard in Big Bear City. $5,

dumplings...cheesecakes...

Big Bear’s Nightlife & Entertainment Guide

14 and under free. (909) 585-8100. apple streudel...fresh-baked pies

Soaring Eagle

of the season!

Zip 500' downhill on the new Soaring

Also Available to Go!

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Eagle ○ ○ ○ attraction ○ at ○ Alpine ○ Slide, ○ only ○ one

of its kind in California. Reach speeds up to

Dine Next to Our 2 Cozy

26 mph during the dramatic downhill

descent—only after riding backwards to

Fireplaces or Under Trees on

the top! Up to two can ride at one time.

Our Outdoor Patio!

Open daily. On the boulevard 1/4 mile

west of the Village. (909) 866-4626. 337 W. Big Bear Blvd.

Zoo

(2 miles east of the Convention

The new Big Bear Alpine Zoo is open! Center in Big Bear City)

Grizzly and black bears, bobcats, coyotes,

mountain lions, , eagles, and other animals

now have a new state-of-the-art home with (909) 585-7005

creature comforts for both animals residents

and guests. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. with animal

presentations and special programing. 747

Clubview off Moonridge Rd. $15 adults, ...FAMILY

$10 ages over 60 and children 3-12, two

and under free. (909) 584-1299.

ALLEY OOPS SPORTS BAR—Full cocktail service in Alley Oops Sports Bar at the

Bowling Barn. Watch the big game on big screen TVs, pool tables, good food,

40625 Big Bear Blvd. (909) 878-BOWL.

BIG BEAR BAR & GRILL—Live music weekends and midweek karaoke, horseshoe

pit, great food and drinks. 42164 Moonridge Rd. (909) 878-0802

BIG BEAR MOUNTAIN BREWERY— Craft microbrew beers, food in a cozy

atmosphere. Live music weekends including Brad Riesau from Silver Moon Sept.

2, 10, 16 and 24. 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— Dayton Borders Thursdays on the patio from 6-8 p.m.

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.

THE LODGE AT BIG BEAR LAKE—Brad Riesau from Silver Moon on Stillwells Patio

6-9 p.m. September 4 and 18. 40650 Village Dr. (909) 866-3121.

THE PINES LAKEFRONT/TAVERN—Live music on the outdoor patio Saturdays

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.

WYATT’S CAFE & SALOON—Wednesdays see country dancing. Wyatt’s is at

Convention Center, Big Bear Blvd. at Division. (909) 585-3000.

PRICES!


Page 16—September 2021

THE BACK PAGE

2-for-1 on Ponderosa, Whispering Pines

• 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! •

Whip around the sharp right turn

on Hwy. 38 in the Barton Flats

area on the way to Big Bear and

you’re likely to miss two family-friendly

hiking trails.

That means you’ll blow right by panoramic

views of the Santa Ana River drainage

from the Ponderosa Nature Trail.

Forego towering pines and beautiful wildflowers

along Whispering Pines Trail,

where a 1969 episode of “Lassie” was

filmed. And miss out on great strolls under

forest canopy of pine and black oak

along two easy routes that combine to total

about a mile of hiking, but serve up an

amazing outdoor experience.

Certainly in 30-plus years I’ve never

stopped to check out these two enticing

treks even though I’ve passed them hundreds

(thousands?) of times. And I’m not

alone; both trails are lightly used even

though they’re across the highway from

each other with ample trailhead parking in

spacious turnouts. Indeed mostly they’re

used in winter for snow play.

Finally last month I made the halfhour

drive from Big Bear to explore these

two beauties I’ve never set foot upon. Interpretive

displays along the way, benches,

sprawling views and towering trees, there’s

something to love on each trail which combine

to total about 1.2 miles and 300 feet

of elevation gain. And true to form, not one

other soul on either.

As you’d expect the terrain is similar

given they’re so close in proximity but

there’s differences too. Ponderosa starts on

the west side of Hwy. 38 and starts with a

nice climb and

displays that detail

the flora and

fauna that call it

home. The namesake

trees, for instance,

can live

for 300 years and

some of those

along the hike

were around during

Spanish exploration

days.

Woodpeckers

in this area

Water Slide open thru Labor Day

NEW!!

Unlimited Water Slide rides

• $20 All Day • 10 Rides ... $15

• Each Ride ... $2

Parents!... Sun On Our Spacious Deck While The Kids Play!

Big Bear Today

Sprawling views from Ponderosa Pines Trail; numbered posts, forest

beauty on Whispering Pines

don’t migrate. Acorn woodpeckers find

acorns on the trail—your boots will crunch

them along the walk—and red-breasted sap

suckers find trees to drain. Displays note

incense cedar, black oak, white fir and

more pines.

After a short distance the trail arrives

at an amazing view point where the Santa

Ana River drainage unfolds below, and

stretches to distant peaks beyond. Nice

bench to enjoy it from too. A shorter loop

returns to the trailhead but a better option

continues down the drainage under abundant

oaks and pines to with lots of shade

provided by ponderosas and oaks. The

steady sound of highway traffic dissipates

as well.

After Ponderosa, carefully cross the

highway to Whispering Pines, another interpretive

hike. Except there was no guide

to identify the ten posts along the .6 mile

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!

Year-Round Family Fun

With 300 Clear Days A Year!

hike on my visit and I couldn’t even find

one online. Nonetheless eyes are all you

need to enjoy stunning views of Yucaipa

Ridge and sprawling forest.

Over 50 years ago “Lassie” was filmed

here as a young blind girl, with the help of

the famous dog, ranger and nylon rope

along the trail, discovers confidence and

independence. You’ll feel the same way,

with gentle climbs and descents. And both

trails will be stunning in fall months as

black oaks change color.

For those desiring a little more hiking,

there’s terrific nearby options. Adjacent

Jenks Lake Rd. West leads to Forsee

Creek Trail and then South Fork Trail, both

of which lead into San Gorgonio Wilderness

(permit required). Or visit Jenks Lake

for water strolls and vistas.

Call (909) 382-2790

—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 •

1st & Only

Mountain Coaster in

California!

Soaring Eagle Ride

Now Open!

• Minature Golf • Go Karts

• Video Game Room • Delicious Snack Bar

Cool

Summer Spot

www.AlpineSlideBigBear.com

Check website for current operating hours

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 •

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