Big Bear Discovery Center Lot
The easiest parking on Big Bear's north shore — on the right day. The Discovery Center's lot is free, holds 50+ cars, and has restrooms inside during center hours: Mon/Thu/Fri 9am–4pm, Sat–Sun 8:30am–4:30pm, closed Tuesday & Wednesday — call (909) 382-2790 to confirm. From here the paved Alpine Pedal Path reaches the Cougar Crest trailhead in a flat 0.6-mile walk, and the Center sells Adventure Passes, maps, and advice.
The facts
- Trail served
- Alpine Pedal Path, Cougar Crest via Pedal Path (0.6 mi), Woodland Interpretive Trail (0.25 mi west)
- Cost / pass
- Free
- Lot size
- 50+ spaces, paved
- When it fills
- Rarely a problem
- Overflow option
- Rarely needed
- Tow / citation risk
- Low — proper lot; respect center hours
- Restrooms
- Inside the center during open hours
- Road to the lot
- Paved lot off North Shore Drive (Hwy 38) in Fawnskin
- Busy season
- Year-round on open days — Mon/Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun; closed Tue & Wed
Getting there
40971 North Shore Drive (Highway 38), Fawnskin, CA 92333
Get directions →Why start here
The Discovery Center is the San Bernardino National Forest's visitor hub on Big Bear's north shore, and its free 50+ space lot quietly solves the area's worst parking problem: instead of fighting for one of Cougar Crest's 10–15 spaces with an Adventure Pass on the dash, park here free and walk the paved Alpine Pedal Path through the tunnel under Highway 38 — about 0.6 flat miles to the trailhead.
Inside (during open hours): restrooms, free trail maps, Adventure Pass sales, and staff who know current trail conditions. The catch is the schedule: the Center is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays (open Mon/Thu/Fri 9am–4pm, weekends 8:30am–4:30pm — confirm at (909) 382-2790). On closed days, or for an alpine start, don't build your plan around this lot — use the trailhead lot early instead.
Frequently asked questions
Is parking free at the Big Bear Discovery Center?
Yes — 50+ paved spaces, no Adventure Pass required. It's one of the best free parking options in Big Bear.
How far is the walk from the Discovery Center to the Cougar Crest trailhead?
About 0.6 miles on the paved Alpine Pedal Path, which passes through a tunnel under Highway 38 — a flat 10–12 minute walk.
Facts on this page last verified July 18, 2026. Fees, hours, and access rules change seasonally — confirm with the official source before a long drive.