Little Bear Spring, Fawnskin, CA

## Overview Little Bear Spring is a natural spring tucked into the forested mountains near Fawnskin, California, on the north side of Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino National Forest. Situated at roughly 7,000 feet in elevation, the spring sits in a rugged, wooded setting along the Pacific Crest Trail corridor — making it a welcome water source for PCT thru-hikers and day hikers alike. The surrounding landscape features mixed conifer forest with Jeffrey pine, white fir, and manzanita, and the area is home to the Little Bear Spring Trail Camp, a primitive backcountry campsite used by trail users. Visitors have historically reported the water to be fresh and pleasant-tasting, and the spring has long served as a drinking water source for hikers passing through. However, as with any backcountry water source, conditions can vary seasonally and water quality cannot be guaranteed. ## Directions 1. From the town of Fawnskin (on the north shore of Big Bear Lake), head north on Rim of the World Drive. 2. Turn onto **Coxey Road** (Forest Road 3N14) and follow it into the mountains. The road is unpaved and can be rough — high-clearance vehicles are recommended. 3. Continue on Coxey Road until you reach the trailhead area near the **Pacific Crest Trail** crossing or the **Little Bear Spring Trail Camp** access point. 4. From either trailhead, hike on foot to the spring. The corrected GPS coordinates for the spring are approximately **34.29742, -116.97458**. 5. **Do not attempt to drive all the way to the spring itself** — the terrain and vegetation make vehicle access impractical, and you risk getting stuck. ## What to Expect Little Bear Spring is a backcountry water source, not a developed facility. Expect a short hike through dense mountain vegetation to reach the spring from the nearest trail or road. The brush can be thick and somewhat challenging to navigate, so wearing long pants and sturdy footwear is advisable. There are several natural water outlets in the area, and flow can vary — you may need to explore a bit to find an outlet with a steady, usable flow. Water output tends to be best in spring and early summer following snowmelt, and may diminish significantly by late summer or during drought years. The setting is scenic and peaceful, surrounded by tall conifers and the quiet of the San Bernardino high country. The Little Bear Spring Trail Camp nearby offers a flat area suitable for primitive camping if you're planning an overnight trip. **A few important notes:** - Avoid visiting after sunset, as the terrain is uneven and remote. - It's best not to visit alone — the area is isolated and cell service is unreliable. - The spring is located in the San Bernardino National Forest; a National Forest Adventure Pass may be required for parking at trailheads. - PCT hikers should note that water sources in this section of Southern California can be seasonal and unreliable — check recent trail reports before depending on Little Bear Spring as your sole water source.