A Local's Favorite Hike in Big Bear with Lake Swimming Experience

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours

Mobile ticket

This is really a local's favorite hike in Big Bear that goes to one of the least known scenic lake viewpoints in Big Bear.

What is the best time to do after a sweaty summertime hike? Swim off a dock in the beautiful Big Bear Lake Harbor! The lake water is actually warmer to swim here than in the middle of the lake. One thing a lot of travelers don't know, if you rent a boat on Big Bear Lake (Very pricy) you can not swim off the rental boats. This is a great summertime experience after a hike on a hot day to get to cool off in alpine Big Bear Lake

If my guests would like to picnic off the boat afterwards they can bring lunch, beer, drinks. I will bring an ice chest for them to put their lunch in while we are hiking. I will even walk to a nearby fantastic restaurant in the village (As a foodie, I know all the best restaurants in Big Bear) & pickup to-go lunches for my hikers to enjoy on the boat after the hike if requested (For this service, hikers must Venmo me to pay for their meals)

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Kids under 13 years old they must wear a life jacket while on the dock or swimming per California law.

You can also bring fishing gear if you wish to fish off of our dock.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Life jackets

Parking fees at dock included

Boat to lounge on

What To Expect

You will be taken on a fantastic hike up to see some of the best views Big Bear has to offer. This is a very pretty easy hike through the pine forest. In my opinion, this is one of the prettiest hikes in the Big Bear Valley. After we get sweaty on the 2-mile hike up to the lake viewpoint, I will give you directions to get to the dock, very close by, and we will go for a swim off the dock in the Harbour. Feel free to bring lunch to enjoy on the boat. I will provide an ice chest in my car for you to stash your lunch or cold drinks in if you request it in advance. We will spend about an hour swimming and relaxing at the boat. This hike is a little hard on the first hill. We do gain about 300 feet elevation gain on the hike so you will more than likely be sweating. It’s a great workout before the relaxing part of our experience at the lake!

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A Local's Favorite Hike in Big Bear with Lake Swimming Experience

Reviews

5.00

25 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Beautiful scenery and a wonderful guide!
Debbie D,
Jul 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We came up to Big Bear from Palm Desert and wanted to hike but didn't want to go alone. Amber is an excellent guide and has a wealth of local knowledge. The hiking trail was absolutely gorgeous and halfway through we had a stunning view of the lake!
Nature and It's Beauty
Trek393515,
Jul 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
While trying to decide on the type of hiking experience my family and I wanted to do while in Big Bear, I came across the Hungry Mountaineer website. Amber was very helpful and communicative in helping us plan. She took us on a hike that most tourist would not be able to get to unless you know the area. It was an easy hike and Amber educated us on the plethora of plants, trees, butterflies, and birds along the way. The hike takes you to an area overlooking Big Bear Lake and the views were incredible. After the hike, we drove a short distance to Pine Knot Marina where Amber's boat is docked. Being on the boat was very relaxing and the cool breeze on the lake was enjoyable. We had a charcuterie platter and added on two salads that were delicious which Amber curated herself using fresh ingredients, some from her garden. We were hoping for a longer hike and less time on the boat but regardless, it was a memorable experience, and Amber was a wonderful host and very friendly!
A time to enjoy the outdoors
jeffreykP5161QU,
Jun 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amber was the best at showing us the a wonderful time possible. The hike was gentle. The boat was a nice place to have lunch and cool down. We will be coming up to Big Bear again and will definitely have Amber be our guide.
Excellent Hike, Great All-Around Experience
T5366CFsarahw,
Jul 29, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Had a lovely time hiking with Amber! I booked the experience because I wanted to hike while in the area, but was unsure about doing it solo. Amber was so friendly, communicative from the start, and flexible when I had a slight change of plans. As a solo female, I felt very comfortable and safe before and during the experience. She took me on a hike that had gorgeous views both towards LA and towards Big Bear Lake. She also gave great local recommendations. It checked every box for me, and I’d definitely book with her again.
Mountain Hike and Getaway
813isish,
May 20, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I enjoyed the abundance of knowledge that Amber had about the surrounding area! The picnic on a boat also makes for some great photos and relaxation time!
Loved the hike
597candices,
Jul 27, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We loved our hike; it was absolutely beautiful. Amber was very easy going, informative, and communication was a dream. Would definitely recommend and will book with her again.
Great on a hot day
J1309QVnicos,
Jul 24, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Awesome time swimming off the boat on a hot day! The hike was really pretty and we never would have found this hidden hike on our own.
The best part of our trip to Big Bear
KikiJoeYes,
Jun 2, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was our second experience with the Hungry Mountaineer and the best thing we did while on holiday in Big Bear! The hike was great but relaxing on the boat was amazing! I highly recommend booking this during the week when it is quiet. It was so peaceful relaxing on the boat in the harbor with a book. Our guide even let us stay longer than the three hours! We are booking this every summer.
Excellent Private Hike Guide
marilynnlara,
May 31, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amber you were absolutely perfect! Your knowledge of flowers, birds, hiking trails, and other fun facts about Big Bear was greatly appreciated. Thank you for introducing us to your dog Carly and allowing us to enjoy lunch on your fabulous boat. Lunch was absolutely delicious ( pulled pork sandwich from Bone Yard restaurant ). This private hike exceeded our expectations and we look forward to hiring you again in the near future. Thank you again!
Loved swimming in the harbor after the hike
itsmybirthday931,
May 30, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This is the second outdoor experience we have done with the Hungry Mountaineer hiking guide. My kids absolutely love the hike and it was easy enough for them to do. The tour guide even knew a hike that we could do with a stroller which was so helpful! My kids really enjoy swimming in the lake after the hike. The water in the harbor was not very deep so it was a really great experience for them and not to overwhelming.