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Labor Day in the San Bernardino National Forest

Mountaintop Ranger District Repairs Trails

By Michael P. Neufeld
Friday, August 29, 2008

San Bernardino, CA - The San Bernardino National Forest (SBNF) is prepared for the upcoming holiday weekend. Labor Day marks the traditional end of summer, as many families get ready for the start of the school year. The forest is a wonderful place to visit year-around; visitors enjoy the outdoors while camping, hiking, mountain biking, fishing or a variety of other recreational activities.

The Mountaintop Ranger District recently re-opened the Little Green Valley Trail near Snow Valley to hiking, mountain bikes and horseback riding. The 2.5-mile trail was closed as a result of damage from the Butler II and Slide fires last fall.

Arrowhead Ranger Station at Skyforest. (Photo by US Forest Service.)

"Forest Service trail crews have done a tremendous job this year getting the trails open" said District Ranger Kurt Winchester. The Pacific Crest Trail and Grays Peak Trail near Fawnskin also were repaired and re-opened earlier this year.

"The Pacific Crest Trail and Grays Peak Trail are among the more popular trails in Big Bear," Winchester added.

US Forest Service Metate Trailhead (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

The San Jacinto Ranger District offers relief from the summer heat at the lower elevations. Forest Visitors enjoy visiting Lake Fulmor, Lake Hemet and hiking in the San Jacinto Wilderness.

"We see quite a few visitors from the Coachella Valley and San Diego this time of the year, escaping the heat" Noted Laurie Rosenthal San Jacinto District Ranger. "This is a great time of the year to visit Idyllwild."

The San Gorgonio Wilderness has two small lakes, meadows, streams, 100+ miles of trail, densely forested northern slopes, and rugged terrain, elevations ranging from 4,400 to 11,499 feet. Many visitors enjoy the wilderness as "a way to get away from it all."

Forest officials encourage visitors to be aware of their surroundings and responsibilities when visiting the wilderness. "We always want to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable visit, and they can do that by being prepared and informed on the latest conditions," said Front Country District Ranger Gabe Garcia. "Forest visitors need to call ahead to the local Ranger Station."

Fire Danger Very High (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

"Last year, southern California experienced over 5,000 human caused fires and we need the public to help reduce the risk of human caused fires" said Dan Snow, San Bernardino National Forest Fire Prevention Chief. Chief Snow reminds visitors that Smokey Bear's message holds true; "Only you can prevent wildfires".

Campers can expect campgrounds to fill up over the holiday weekend and are encouraged to make reservations early. Campground reservations can be made on-line through Reserve USA at http://www.recreation.gov or by calling toll free (877) 444-6777.

US Forest Service Adventure Pass Required (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

The Forest Adventure Pass must be displayed on a visitor's parked vehicle when recreating in High Impact Recreation Areas and certain developed sites like campgrounds and picnic areas. A list of designated fee sites and areas is posted on the Fee Program website at http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/ap/.

Check with the local Ranger Stations for Yellow Post Site locations, Adventure Pass requirements, and current fire use restrictions.

For additional information about the San Bernardino National Forest and a list of Ranger Stations please visit http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/.