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Welcome to the San Bernardino National Forest
San Bernardino National Forest
From the arid deserts to the tallest alpine mountains in Southern California, our forest is recognized as a top destination for people escaping the urban grind for a peaceful retreat in nature.
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Impact of Tropical Storm Hilary
Personnel of the San Bernardino National Forest are conducting surveys and assessments of damage to sites and areas on the forest due to Tropical Storm Hilary’s landfall, Aug. 20-21. The storm dropped large amounts of rain on all three districts of the forest resulting in damage to roads, recreation sites, facilities and permitted areas.
Fire Restrictions
As of 9/17/2023 the San Bernardino NF has implemented elevated fire restrictions. With these restrictions, recreational shooting is temporarily prohibited and campfires are limited to specific areas listed in Exhibit A of current forest order. Please check our Current Fire Restrictions for the official forest order.
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Fire Restrictions
Effective June 29, 2023 the Fire Danger Rating will be increased to High
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Road Closures
Please make sure the forest roads you're planning on exploring are indeed open before you go on your next adventure.
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Outdoor Safety
The beauty and peacefulness of the forest may make you feel carefree, but you must remain vigilant for potentially dangerous situations.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Some of the questions people ask the most are answered here, or links are provided to more detailed information.
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Digital Passes For Adventure Pass Fee Sites Now Available
The San Bernardino National Forest is now offering digital passes for recreation fee sites! Purchase a day use digital pass prior to your visit or onsite at one of our fee locations (cell coverage dependent).
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Resolve your Notice of Required Fee (NRF)
The San Bernardino National Forest is now offering an easier way to resolve your Notice of Required Fee. You can now book an appointment to resolve your Notice of Required Fee over the phone.
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Explore Where to Go!
Explore Where to Go by area on the San Bernardino National Forest.
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Researching visitation dynamics in Southern California national forests
The Forest Service wants to find out what motivates visitors to go to these forests. What barriers do people of color and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds face to visiting forests? How do people respond when their chosen site or activity is unavailable? And how are visitors getting information about forests, particularly important safety updates?
Features
Fire from the sky
Senior Firefighter Isaac Abdala chronicles his experience at Fishlake National Forest to become qualified to support helitorch missions for prescribed fires on the San Bernardino National Forest.
Souvenirs available: if you put some muscle into it!
The San Gorgonia Wilderness Association hosted the 2023 Forest Festival at Barton Flats Visitor Center in the San Bernardino National Forest, Aug. 19. The beloved partner of the forest is a non-profit organization staffed by volunteers, who help conserve the San Gorgonio Wilderness within the forest’s boundary. But on that Saturday, the organization’s volunteers came in from the trails to put on a show that has been a staple of the forest (except during the Covid-19 pandemic) and a public favorite for approximately 40 years.
Spotlights
Is There Anything They Can’t Do?
Volunteers of the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association cleared sections of trees that had fallen on a trail leading to John's Meadow during National Public Lands Day, Sept. 23.
Partners clear a path through the forest
No chainsaws here; just crosscut saws, wedges and pure grit. Those were the tools for a recent crosscutting project in the San Jacinto Wilderness, where motorized equipment is not permitted.
Managing Wildfires
Successfully managing wildfires is a year-round job that requires action before they start, while they are burning, and after they are out.
Every Kid Outdoors Program and Pass
We are proud to help launch the Every Kid Outdoors program, as part of President Obama’s commitment to ensure that every American has the opportunity to visit and enjoy public lands.