Big Bear Discovery Center

Your Gateway to Adventure and Discovery!The Discovery Center is an educational and informational portal to the San Bernardino National Forest and is located within the heart of the Big Bear Valley. This nearby mountain retreat is a one- to three-hour drive from anywhere in Southern California. Our goal is to ensure your visit to the Big Bear Discovery Center heightens your awareness on how to become a more responsible caretaker of a National Forest while increasing your enjoyment and knowledge of California’s most recreated forestland, the San Bernardino National Forest. Let our experts help you plan your next adventure.

Our services include:Adventure PassesHiking & Biking MapsCamping InformationMaps of Forest Roads & Off-highway Vehicle AdventuresForest Service PermitsNaturalist-led Tours and Interpretive ProgramsEnvironmental Education ~ School & Scout groups

Hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 5 days/week. Closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays. Located at: 40971 North Shore Drive/ Hwy 38, Fawnskin CA 92333Phone: (909) 382-2790

The Big Bear Discovery Center is co-managed by the non-profit Southern California Mountains Foundation and the U.S. Forest Service. Entrance is free and the facility is pet friendly.