This picnic area is on Highway 38, about 3.5 miles northeast of the Mill Creek Ranger Station. This is one of the best bird-watching areas on the Forest, with over 200 species seen here. Look in the incense cedars at the picnic area and in the alders growing along the creek: yellow warblers, and Lawrence’s goldfinch, scrub jays, hooded orioles, and northern orioles. Many of the birds are using the trees as a resting place while migrating to and from Central and South America.

There is a large pavilion to provide shade over several picnic tables at Thurman Flats.  BBQ grills are also provided.  Please call the Mill Creek Ranger Station for current fire restriction information (909) 382-2882. 

Directions

Hwy 38 east of Bryant Avenue, right hand side of the highway, adjacent to Mill Creek

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 34° 6′ 14.1912″ N

Longitude 117° 0′ 45.3924″ W

Includes Idyllwild, Pine Cove, Garner Valley and San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains.

Directions

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 33° 44′ 48.9480″ N

Longitude 116° 42′ 51.2784″ W

This 3.5 mile wild and scenic river system finds its source on the heights of San Jacinto Peak in the Mount San Jacinto State Game Preserve and Wilderness Area. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail crosses its upper reaches. Above the confluence of Fuller Mill Creek and the North San Jacinto River is a picnic area and fishing access location. Hike upstream from here to see lovely waterfalls.

This area supports habitat for many at-risk species, including mountain yellow-legged frogs, California spotted owls, the rubber boa, and the San Bernardino flying squirrel.

While there is no camping on the river, there are four campgrounds nearby.

Directions

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 33° 47′ 51.5760″ N

Longitude 116° 44′ 51.0864″ W

15.2 mile road open to OHV vehicles that runs from the Cleghorn off-ramp on Interstate 15 in Cajon Pass over Cleghorn ridge to State Highway 138 at Lake Silverwood.   Excellent desert and mountain views along the route. This route is rated Green Circle “easiest”

Note:  Non- street legal vehicles cannot continue beyond either end of this route.

Topo map

Directions

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 34° 17′ 59.0280″ N

Longitude 117° 27′ 22.4676″ W

This loop road is just under a mile in length and runs from Arrastre Creek OHV Road 2N02 to OHV Road 2N69Y in the Rose mine / Tip Top Mountain area, northeast of Big Bear.

Directions

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 34° 14′ 0.9024″ N

Longitude 116° 41′ 13.7472″ W

Located on State Highway 38 just east of the community of Mountain Home Village, this overlook offers views to the east of the San Gorgonio Wilderness and Sand to Snow National Monument. The view to the south is Yucaipa Ridge, above Mill Creek. Open all year.

Directions

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 34° 5′ 48.3288″ N

Longitude 116° 57′ 54.8208″ W

Tahquitz was a working fire lookout until the end of the 1993 fire season and reopened October 1998 staffed by volunteers. The hike to the lookout, through the San Jacinto Wilderness offers some of the most beautiful vistas in Southern California including the Salton Sea. 

Tahquitz Peak Lookout at its elevation of 8,846 feet is the highest lookout in the San Bernardino National Forest. It is also the forest’s longest continuously operated station, serving some 77 years, and is the only lookout located inside a Wilderness area.

In the San Jacinto Wilderness, all work must be done with regular hand tools. Due to its wilderness location no power tools, not even cordless, are allowed.

The origin of Tahquitz’s name is derived from the Cahuilla god Tahquish who believe the peak to be the god’s home.

Directions

The trail to Tahquitz Peak Lookout is a 4.5-mile hike via either Devil’s Slide or South Ridge trails. Both require recreation pass page.

“>Wilderness permits. Devil’s Slide requires an Adventure Pass. Adventure Passes are $5/day or $30/year. Interagency Passes also accepted. For more information, please visit our recreation pass page.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 33° 45′ 19.4688″ N

Longitude 116° 40′ 37.3512″ W

Located east of Running Springs on Highway 18 in the community of Arrowbear. This 3,400-acre site at 7,000 feet in elevation, is a virtual outdoor classroom where kids and adults can learn and use land management practices along with an understanding of forest ecology. Youth Naturalists lead weekend hikes on the Exploration and Interpretive Trails originally designed by 6th grade to high school youths. Children’s Forest attracts a variety of recreational forest users such as rock climbers, hikers, campers, and families interested in interpretive and educational offerings. Closed in Winter.

Directions

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 34° 12′ 28.9620″ N

Longitude 117° 2′ 34.7388″ W

The Willow Bypass runs from the Pinnacles OHV Staging area east for 1.3 miles over a challenging ridge to rejoin the Crab Flats OHV Road 3N34.  The Bypass and Crab Flats OHV Road 3N34 are also known as the "Willow Creek Jeep Trail".   This bypass can have significant ruts.

Directions

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 34° 17′ 54.3624″ N

Longitude 117° 11′ 49.2360″ W

This single remote camp site offers an isolated scenic location ideal for tent and car camping or a relaxing picnic far from the crowds. This site is within a short driving distance of the Santa Ana River and Deer Creek.  Other than a ring for campfires, this site does NOT contain the amenities found at developed campgrounds. There is no water, no restrooms nearby, and no trash containers. Please pack it in – pack it out! Site is first-come, first-served.

Campfire permits are required for any type of fire use – campfires, charcoal BBQ's, or stoves. Campfires may not be allowed certain times of the year. Contact the Mill Creek Ranger Station for current fire restriction information and road conditions. (909) 382-2882 (closed Tues)

This yellow post site is reached via Forest Road 1N64, approximately 1/2 mile past the junction of 1N54 and 1N64.  This is a dirt road and high-clearance vehicles are recommended.  Please refer to the yellow-post site map available for free at the Mill Creek Ranger Station.

Directions

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 34° 11′ 2.3928″ N

Longitude 116° 58′ 38.2440″ W