About Us

The Big Bear Discovery Center opened in May of 1998 and is a prototype for urban forest Visitor Centers around the country. In a unique partnership with the US Forest Service, the non-profit San Bernardino National Forest Association manages this state-of-the-art Visitor Center and educational facility.

The Big Bear Discovery Center is your gateway to adventure and discovery in the great outdoors. The 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 oasis 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 Passes
- Hiking and biking maps
- Camping information
- Maps of forest roads and off-highway vehicle adventures
- Forest Service permits
- Naturalist-led interpretive programs and events
- Customized group tours and events for private parties and school groups.