You can enjoy wildlife watching in the San Bernardino National Forest any time of the year. Early morning and early evening are usually the best times to catch a glimpse of birds and mammals, especially on hot summer days. Watch for lizards and snakes during the heat of the day. Hawks can be seen almost anytime.

The listing below includes some convenient roadside pull-offs and short trails where you are most likely to see animals. Most are good for viewing year round, though in the higher elevations winter snow can hamper viewing of some species. CLICK HERE FOR THE HABITAT CHART

CAJON
Mountain Top  |  Heaps Peak Arboretum  |  Big Bear Lake

SAN GORGONIO
Santa Ana River  |  Thurman Flats

SAN JACINTO
Indian Vista  |  Lake Fulmor  |  Alandale Fire Station  |  Lake Hemet

Lake Hemet

Eight miles south of Idyllwild on Highway 74 is Lake Hemet. The picnic area is
the best place to view wintering bald eagles, Canada geese, white pelicans, and
other waterfowl. In the summer, see great blue herons, violet green swallows, and
Caspian terns. Coyotes, deer, and bobcat are sometimes seen along the shore.