Where to See Bald Eagles in Big Bear Lake

Seeing Jackie and Shadow, Big Bear’s resident bald eagles, in real life is a rare and unforgettable experience. Each winter and spring, visitors and locals alike look to the skies hoping for a glimpse of these famous birds soaring above the lake. While their exact nesting location isn’t shared publicly, there are still plenty of places where you can safely and respectfully see bald eagles in Big Bear.

A Nest Worth Protecting

Jackie and Shadow’s nest sits high in a Jeffrey pine on the north side of Big Bear Lake. It’s not necessarily a secret — us locals and long-time birdwatchers generally know where it is — but out of respect for the eagles, the exact location isn’t published.

This helps keep curious visitors, vloggers, and photographers from approaching too closely or disturbing the birds. The area around the nest is closed during nesting season, typically December through July, under U.S. Forest Service protection. This ensures the eagles have peace and space to raise their chicks successfully.

Where to Look for Eagles Around the Lake

Even if you can’t visit the nesting area, there are many places where you can see the eagles flying, perching, or hunting over the lake — especially during early morning or just before sunset.

Dana Point Park (North Shore)

From Dana Point Park, look west across Grout Bay with a pair of binoculars or a zoom lens. On a clear day, patient watchers can sometimes spot the nest high in the pines — though it’s distant and tricky to find. This is one of the safest, most reliable viewing angles.

Out on the Water

Rent a pontoon boat or kayak and cruise slowly along the north shore. Many visitors have seen bald eagles gliding overhead or even swooping down to catch fish from the surface.
Remember to stay well offshore and avoid approaching the nesting area by boat — the eagles’ safety always comes first.

Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk

Eagles are often seen flying over Stanfield Marsh or resting on the tall trees nearby. It’s one of the best spots for photography, especially in winter, when snow frames the mountains and the eagles’ white heads stand out against the blue sky.

Alpine Pedal Path

Running along the north side of the lake near the Discovery Center and the Observatory, the Alpine Pedal Path gives walkers and cyclists a good chance to see eagles up close to the waterline. Many sightings happen near the eastern end of the trail, where the open lake provides great visibility.

Tips for a Successful Eagle Sighting

• 🦅 Bring binoculars or a camera lens — your phone camera won’t be enough to see the nest clearly.
• 🕊️ Be patient and quiet. The best time to watch is early morning or late afternoon.
• 🚫 Don’t attempt to approach or find the nest. Even quiet footsteps can cause stress or abandonment.
• 🌲 Respect closures. If a trail, road, or shoreline area is blocked off during nesting season, it’s for the eagles’ protection.
• ♻️ Leave no trace. Take everything you bring, and stay on designated paths.

Year-Round Residents

Unlike many bald eagles that migrate, Jackie and Shadow are year-round residents of Big Bear Lake. You might spot them soaring high even in summer or early fall, often fishing or circling near the dam or Baldwin Lake. Visiting in winter, however, gives the best chance of seeing them — and sometimes other migrating eagles that pass through the valley.

A Shared Responsibility

Big Bear’s bald eagles are a community treasure. Keeping their nest location low-profile isn’t about secrecy — it’s about respect. Every person who chooses to admire them from a distance helps ensure they can continue nesting here for generations to come.