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Champion Lodgepole Pine Trail
🌲 Forest Trail
0.5 mi
easy

Champion Lodgepole Pine Trail

South Shore
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family
💎 Hidden Gem
🦌 Wildlife

A short, easy walk to one of the world's largest known lodgepole pines — over 400 years old and tucked into a south-shore meadow.

The Champion Lodgepole Pine Trail is a short, mostly flat walk that leads to the Champion Lodgepole Pine — one of the largest known lodgepole pines in the world, estimated to be over 400 years old. The tree sits in a wet meadow at high elevation, surrounded by old-growth forest. The route is gentle, family-friendly, and feels like a hidden corner of the San Bernardino National Forest.

🌟 Why Locals Love It

It's a quiet, almost-sacred spot. The tree is genuinely impressive, and the meadow setting is unique.

What to Expect

An easy walk through forest to a meadow with a marked giant tree. Boardwalks protect sensitive wetland areas.

💡 Good to Know Before You Go

Forest road access — check road conditions. Stay on the trail to protect the meadow.

📍 Local Tip

Pair it with a stop at Bluff Lake for a full hidden-gem south-shore afternoon.

Best Time to Visit

Summer.

Notable Features

400+ year-old champion lodgepole pine
Wet meadow ecosystem
Boardwalk sections

Practical Info

South Shore Forest Roads, Big Bear Lake, CA
50 ft elevation gain

Amenities

Parking
Trails
Interpretive Signs
Verified Official Source
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