Stanfield Preserve Boardwalk
Walking path · Big Bear Lake, California
A flat boardwalk out over Stanfield Marsh — prime birding and big lake views.
- Distance
- 1.5 mi round trip
- Elevation gain
- 26 ft
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- 0.5–1 hr
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Type
- Out-and-back

An easy, flat out-and-back on the boardwalk through the Stanfield Marsh Wildlife & Waterfowl Preserve, at the quiet east end of Big Bear Lake. The walkway carries you right out over the water and reeds — one of the best birding spots in the valley, with herons, egrets, ospreys, and waterfowl, plus wide-open views across the lake to the peaks. Popular with runners and dog walkers, and short enough for anyone.
Trail conditions, closures and parking requirements change with weather and season, and this valley sits at about 6,750 feet — check current status with the San Bernardino National Forest before you drive to the trailhead.
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