Hiking Trails
Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk
The Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk is an easy, scenic walk on the east end of Big Bear Lake, offering peaceful wetland views and some of the best birdwatching in the area.
Distance
Stanfield Cutoff
Difficulty
Easy
Elevation Gain
Minimal
Dogs
Yes
Stanfield Marsh is easy to find and just a short drive from most parts of Big Bear Lake.
From Big Bear Village:
Drive east on Big Bear Blvd (Hwy 18) toward the east end of the lake.
Turn left onto Stanfield Cutoff and follow the road toward the lake.
The parking lot and boardwalk entrance will be clearly visible along the road.
From the North Shore (Hwy 38):
Drive along North Shore Drive and turn onto Stanfield Cutoff.
Continue toward the lake — the boardwalk and parking area will be on your right.
Because it sits right along a main roadway, this is one of the easiest outdoor spots in Big Bear to access without navigating remote or hard-to-find trailheads.
Directions
Getting There
Overview
About the Trail
The Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk is one of Big Bear Lake’s most peaceful and underrated walks. Located on the east end of the lake near Stanfield Cutoff, this short boardwalk crosses a protected wetland with wide-open views, seasonal reflections, and excellent birdwatching opportunities. The boardwalk itself is flat and easy, making it accessible for children, dogs, and anyone looking for a low-effort walk.
This is a go-to spot for locals who want a quiet walk away from crowded trails. It’s especially popular with families, dog owners, photographers, and anyone looking for an easy, scenic outing.
The Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk offers a completely different experience from Big Bear’s forest trails.
Instead of hiking through trees, you’re walking across an open wetland with wide views of water, sky, and surrounding mountains. It’s quiet, peaceful, and slower-paced.
Water levels change throughout the year. In drier periods, the marsh may appear grassy and open. In wetter seasons, it fills with water, creating reflections and attracting more birds. Many visitors also use it as a starting point to connect to the Alpine Pedal Path.
Trail Details
Distance & Elevation
The Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk is a short, easy walk rather than a long-distance trail.
- Boardwalk Length: Roughly a few hundred yards (out-and-back is about 0.2–0.4 miles total)
- Extended Walk Options: Continue along Stanfield Cutoff or connect to the Alpine Pedal Path for a longer outing
- Elevation Gain: Minimal— Relatively flat
This is one of the most accessible walks in Big Bear, making it ideal if you want scenery without the effort of a hike.
Trail Details
Terrain
The Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk is flat, stable, and easy to navigate.
- Surface: Wooden boardwalk with railings
- Additional Walking: Paved roadside path along Stanfield Cutoff if you extend your walk
- Elevation: Completely flat with no incline
It’s suitable for strollers, kids, and anyone looking for a smooth, low-effort walk. In winter, sections can become icy, so use caution.
Directions
Connecting & Nearby Trails
One of the best things about Stanfield Marsh is how easy it is to turn a short walk into a longer outing.
Stanfield Cutoff Walk
After crossing the boardwalk, you can continue along Stanfield Cutoff for additional lake views and a longer, easy walk.
Connect to the Alpine Pedal Path
If you keep heading north on the Stanfield Bridge, you’ll reach the Alpine Pedal Path — a paved lakeside trail perfect for walking or biking. This adds distance, beach access, and more scenic shoreline views to your outing.
This flexibility makes Stanfield Marsh a great starting point whether you want a quick stop or a longer, more relaxed walk along the lake.
The Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk is located on the east end of Big Bear Lake at Stanfield Cutoff. Access is straightforward, with a main parking area and a few backup options if it’s full.
Main Parking Lot
The primary lot sits right next to the boardwalk entrance, making it the easiest place to start your walk. It includes restrooms (which may be closed seasonally). This lot can fill up quickly during weekends, holidays, and around sunset.
Additional Parking
If the main lot is full or closed, there are usually a handful of roadside parking spots available across Stanfield Cutoff. From there, it’s just a short walk to the boardwalk entrance.
Year-Round Access
Even when the main lot or restrooms are closed, the boardwalk itself typically remains open and accessible. This makes it one of the more reliable, easy-access walks in Big Bear during winter and shoulder seasons.
Parking
Trailhead & Parking Information
Plan Your Hike
Location
Stanfield Cutoff
Best Time of Year
May-June
Parking
At Trailhead
Nearby Trails
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Dog-Friendly Doesn’t Always Mean Dog-Friendly for Every Dog
Many Big Bear trails allow dogs, but mountain conditions can still be challenging. Hot summer temperatures, rocky terrain, elevation, wildlife, and limited shade can make some hikes difficult for certain dogs. Bring extra water, keep dogs leashed, and know your pet’s limits before heading out.
Need a Trail Map?
Visit the Big Bear Discovery Center on the North Shore to speak to a ranger, learn about trail conditions and access trail maps.
Do you Have an Adventure Pass?
Learn more about when an Adventure Pass is required to be displayed and where you can purchase one.
Plan Ahead
Before you Hit the Trail
Late spring through fall offers the most reliable trail conditions. Morning hikes are usually cooler and less crowded during summer.
Big Bear sits above 6,700 feet elevation, and the dry mountain air can dehydrate hikers faster than expected.
Many trails include rocky terrain, loose dirt, roots, and uneven sections that can become slippery after rain or snow.
Weather, closures, snow, and trail conditions can change quickly in the mountains, especially during winter and spring.
Trail conditions, accessibility, distances, elevation, and pet policies can change without notice. Always check official sources for current weather, trail status, and regulations before visiting. Discover Big Bear Lake provides this information for general reference only and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, safety, or any injuries, damages, or losses that may occur while using or visiting these trails.