Johns Meadow
Difficulty Level:
Quick Stats
Mileage
4 miles to campsite; ~8 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain
+500'
Location
San Gorgonio Wilderness, San Bernardino National Forest
Permit Requirements
Wilderness permit required from the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association (swga.org). Group size limited to to 12 people.
Map Information
Paper Maps
San Gorgonio Wilderness (Tom Harrison maps)
AllTrails.com Link
Caltopo.com Link
Trek Description
This trek takes you into the San Bernardino mountains, so is a good one for the warmer months in late spring, summer, and early fall. The trailhead is at Forsee Creek, near Barton Flats off the 38 on the way to Big Bear.
Overall elevation is light, only about 500 ft gain to the campsite. You'll find yourself hiking through the pines with open views down to the valley below. Foresee Creek typically has water ... though make sure to check at the Mill Creek ranger station on current conditions.
After crossing Forsee Creek via a light log hop you'll come to Johns Meadow. The campground has ample room for a lot of backpacking tents, and is a great location for scouts to goof off, explore, wave sticks, and do what scouts do.