Boardwalking Bliss

Stroll the Boardwalk at Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve in Big Bear

12.11.2024

The Stanfield Preserve Boardwalk Trail traverses 1.6 miles of beautiful Big Bear Lake, giving you a chance to get up close to the lake without needing a boat. You’ll also enjoy some peaceful wildlife watching. The walk parallels Big Bear Boulevard, right in between the road and the lake in the Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve.

Things are quiet on the lake without all the boats of summer. The stillness makes the lake’s surface glassy—perfect for catching amazing sunset views.

As you stroll along the mostly flat boardwalk, be sure to keep your eyes open for a variety of waterfowl who call this marsh home (please don’t feed them—this is a preserve). The 145-acre oasis is located at the far eastern corner of Big Bear Lake, in an area known as Baker’s Pond.

The marsh might be dry during certain times of year or during droughts, but right now there is plenty of water, making this an ideal time to explore this part of Big Bear. The trail continues for a bit after the boardwalk ends, or you can just make your way down to the lakeshore for a closer vantage. There are a few benches throughout this area to absorb the serenity and quietness of the lake during winter.

After you’ve had your fill of time by the lake, head back the way you came.

HOLIDAY BONUS: Christmas in the Village is the perfect way to end your day in Big Bear. The streets are decorated for the holidays, including a giant Christmas tree,and you can meet Santa during the weekends (from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Things are especially pretty at night when all the holiday lights come on. Grab food at one of the local restaurants, pick up some gifts for yourself or others, indulge in holiday treats … Big Bear is truly magical this time of year!

Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve is located in Big Bear. Dog-friendly (on a leash). Parking is free in the lot at the corner of Big Bear Blvd. and Stanfield Cutoff, where the trailhead is located. Christmas in the Village is located in the Big Bear Village. Hours vary depending on shop/restaurant.

Stories and photos by Natalie Bates, @wanderwithnatalie

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Waterfalls and Wine Pours

    Cooler temps, green hills, and the return of our magnificent waterfalls! This family-friendly 2-mile hike at Uvas Canyon County Park in Morgan Hill is a great way to get the most out of a short hike post-rain.

    View
  2. Woman hiker is climbing up the ladder in the Steep Ravine section of the Dipsea Loop Trail on Mount Tam

    Misty on Mount Tam

    Mount Tam’s 3.9-mile round-trip Steep Ravine and Dipsea Trail Loop weathers the wets and wilds with some confidence, sheltered in parts by redwoods, and wowing with a waterfall.

    View

  3. Mile-Long Cataract Club

    In winter after heavy rains, the north flank of Mount Tam glows with flows. The nearly mile-long series of waterfalls—Cataract Falls—transforms into a supercharged spectacle. Starting at Alpine Dam, a 1.6 mile (one-way) narrow trails threads through redwoods and ferns along Cataract Creek.

    View

  4. Hidden Long Ridge

    After heavy rains, the rolling headwaters of Peters Creek in Long Ridge Open Space Preserve pulsate along the forest floor via a series of small waterfalls that cut grooves in sandstone boulders. See it on a 4.5-mile loop hike starting from the Grizzly Flat parking lot.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Peace Labyrinth

    Hidden in LA’s historic West Adams district, the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is a welcome respite from the norms of urban noise.

    View

  2. Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

    View
  3. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View
  4. People gathered around a tree at an LA Park as part of the Tree Tour led by Stephanie Carrie

    LA's Tree Tour

    Los Angeles is famous for its iconic palm trees but did you know that LA is home to one of the most diverse urban forests in the world? With over 1,000 different tree species lining its streets, LA offers a unique urban canopy waiting to be explored. One of the best ways to discover it is by joining a Tree Tour

    View