North Shore National Recreation Trail Hike Guide
North Shore National Recreation Trail is a 1.9-mile hike near Lake Arrowhead in Southern California, rated intermediate to difficult. Winding downhill along seasonal Little Bear Creek, it showcases the rugged beauty of the San Bernardino National Forest and the lasting effects of the 2003 Old Fire, drought, and bark beetle infestations.
Tucked behind the North Shore Campground off Highway 173, this out-and-back trail offers an up-close look at regenerating landscapes. It is well-suited for adventurous hikers seeking a short but challenging trek with scenic creek views and forested surroundings.
Trail Details
| Trail Type | Out-and-Back |
| Difficulty | Intermediate to Difficult |
| Length | 1.9 miles |
| Elevation Gain/Loss | 775 feet |
| Trailhead Coordinates | 34.267040, -117.162913 |
| Location | Near Big Bear Lake, CA |
| Information Number | 1-909-382-2790 |
Getting to North Shore National Recreation Trailhead
From Los Angeles or Orange County, take Interstate 10 East toward Redlands. Merge onto Highway 210 North, then connect to Highway 18 North into the Big Bear area. At the town of Lake Arrowhead, follow signs to reach Highway 173. Look for Hospital Road just behind the North Shore Campground—this marks the trail’s starting point.
If you’re coming from the Inland Empire, travel north on Interstate 215 until you can merge onto Highway 18 going east. Continue along Highway 18 into the Big Bear/Lake Arrowhead region, then transition to Highway 173. Turn onto Hospital Road behind the North Shore Campground, which has limited parking near the trailhead.
The Trail
Beginning just behind North Shore Campground on Hospital Road, the trail quickly immerses you in a regenerating forest, a landscape that vividly illustrates the damage from the 2003 Old Fire.
The path descends gently at first, paralleling Little Bear Creek, which often flows in winter and spring but can dwindle to a trickle during the dry summer months. This section offers glimpses of the forest’s slow but steady recovery, marked by young saplings and undergrowth thriving among fire-scarred trunks.
About a mile into the hike, the trail meets Forest Service Road 2N26Y. If you continue left on 2N26Y for another mile, you’ll eventually reach Splinter’s Cabin Trailhead, a favorite launching point for more extensive treks in the area.
Though short, this route features narrow passages and rocky terrain in sections, demanding careful footing. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as squirrels, chipmunks, and the occasional woodpecker tapping away at standing snags, a testament to the bark beetle’s impact on the forest.
The beauty of this trail lies in its dynamic landscape: charred remains of old-growth pines stand next to pockets of flourishing greenery, showcasing the forest’s resilience. Depending on recent weather conditions, you may also experience muddy or damp sections near the creek, so consider wearing sturdy footwear.
Hikers looking for a quick but challenging outing can opt for a straightforward out-and-back turnaround at the junction with FS Road 2N26Y, while those craving more mileage can press on toward Splinter’s Cabin before retracing their steps to the trailhead.
Camping
For those seeking an overnight stay, the North Shore Campground is conveniently located at the trail’s starting point. Sites here provide access to basic amenities like restrooms and picnic tables. You can also check out the nearby Serrano Campground, which sits closer to Big Bear Lake and offers more camping spots with additional facilities.
Contact the Mountain Top Ranger District or the Big Bear Discovery Center at 909-382-2790 for current conditions, reservations, and any seasonal restrictions. Whether you’re looking for a primitive or developed campsite, this corner of the San Bernardino National Forest has options to accommodate most camping styles.
