Sights in Big Bear Lake
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Morton Peak Fire Lookout
Jack Kerouac spent a summer as a forest fire lookout during the dharma-seeking days of 1950s American bohemia. Half a century later you too can get a taste of the experience during a night at the Morton Peak Fire Lookout in the San Bernardino Forest.
Back in 2001, the US Forest Service condemned the tower for demolition along with six others nearby. Loath to see a vital part of forest history disappear into memory, the San Bernardino National Forest Association corralled a league of volunteers who meticulously restored the lookouts and maintain them to this day. To help fund the project, they opened up the one on Morton Peak to the curious, stargazers and solitude-seekers…
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Rim of the World Dr
Big Bear is on the scenic Rim of the World Dr, a panorama-filled road that climbs, curves and meanders through the San Bernardino National Forest for about 87 miles from the town of San Bernardino. Past Big Bear it plunges back down through canyons and chaparral to Redlands. Views are spectacular on clear days and downright depressing on smoggy ones. The forest is hugely popular with weekend warriors, but from Monday to Thursday you'll often have trails and facilities to yourself and can also benefit from lower accommodation prices.
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Butler Peak
A fun backcountry destination is Butler Peak a mountain top crowned by a historic fire lookout tower, from where you have tremendous panoramic views. You'll need a mountain-bike or high-clearance vehicle to get there, or join a guided tour.
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Alpine Slide
Great for families is the Alpine Slide, a small fun park with a water slide, wheeled downhill bobsled ride, go-cart track and miniature golf course.
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