The Champion Lodgepole Pine and Bluff Lake
In the forest not too far from Big Bear Lake, California is a tree called the Champion Lodgepole Pine. So why does the pine tree have this designation? Well follow along a hike we took and you will find out. We also explored the nearby beautiful and peaceful Bluff Lake.
The trailhead is at an altitude of about 7600 feet. The trail starts out following a seasonal stream. We saw a few wildflowers including this Indian Paintbrush.
And some pretty yellow flowers.
One boulder was resting on two others.
There was a burned area which can be caused by lightning strikes. However in this case it was part of a prescribed burn in May 2021 by the Forest Service. These help create safe spaces for firefighters to be placed should a wildfire occur.
This meadow had quite a few Corn Lilies. This plant is toxic to humans and animals. Native Americans used the juice to poison darts for warfare.
The meadow also borders one side of the Champion Lodgepole Pine which is the tallest tree in the center of the picture. The tree is estimated to be over 460 years old, has a height of 110 feet, diameter of 74.9 inches, and a circumference of 19.7 feet. Lodgepole Pines seldom grow taller then 70 feet so in 1963 this tree was declared to be the largest of its kind.
This is the base of the tree and it is hard to judge the size but according to the informational sign by the tree it would take a family of 5 to hold hands all the way around.
In addition to Lodgepole Pines there are also Jeffrey Pines and White Firs.
This is a smaller Lodgepole Pine where the full tree is visible.
Continuing on to Bluff Lake this is a view of the lake from the inlet end. The lake is part of the eighty-acre Bluff Lake Reserve on land purchased by The Wildlands Conservancy in 2000.
After acquiring the land the Wildlands Conservancy drained the lake to kill non-native catfish in order to restore the aquatic ecosystem to its original state.
The rocks are outcrops of quartz monzonite and these just had to be explored.
Near this end of the lake is a log cabin from the 1890s. At that time it was a stop for stagecoaches and burro pack trains for early visitors coming to Big Bear.
Going around to the opposite side of the cabin shows how it is sitting on rocks.
Near this cabin was another which burned down in the 1950s leaving only its large fireplace, chimney and foundation.
Parts of Disney’s 1961 The Parent Trap movie was filmed in the Bluff Lake area. For 50 years there was a YMCA camp near the lake. Now there is Camp Gilboa which is a Jewish camp and the land there is private property.
The view from the other end of the lake (outlet) with some nice reflections.
The water is very tranquil which can be very relaxing.
If you look closely there is a duck making its way across the lake.
We leave you with two panoramas of the lake.
One final note if you plan to visit, the last mile of the road to the Champion Lodgepole Pine trailhead is a bit rough and the Forest Service recommends a height clearance vehicle. We made it in a minivan but it took a little maneuvering in several places. If you do go it is well worth it for the taking in the majestic trees and the serene lake.
More Information:
The Wildlands Conservancy information on Bluff Lake Reserve
U.S. Forest Service information on the Champion Lodgepole Pine Trail
