Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Stanfield Marsh offers a completely different feel from Big Bear’s forest trails, with wide-open views and a quieter, more peaceful setting.

• Wetland and marsh views with seasonal water reflections
• Open skies with mountain backdrops
• Calm, slow-moving water that attracts birds and wildlife
• Expansive views looking across the east end of Big Bear Lake
• Depending on water levels, the marsh can look lush and reflective or more open and grassy — giving it a slightly different look each time you visit.

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.

Birdwatching

This is one of the best spots in Big Bear for birdwatching. Bring binoculars and visit early in the morning — locals sometimes spot bald eagles fishing in the marsh or nearby shoreline.