Big Bear’s Famous Eagles Just Had Babies — and Everyone’s Watching

If you haven’t heard, Big Bear’s beloved bald eagle pair Jackie and Shadow just welcomed not one — but two brand-new eaglets into the world. The first chick hatched on the night of April 4th after a remarkable 36-hour process, with the second following just hours later on the morning of April 5th.

If you’re visiting Big Bear this spring, you can tune into the Eagle Nest Cam live on YouTube at youtube.com/@FOBBVCAM. Want to learn more in person? Check out Big Bear Alpine Zoo, which combines wildlife education with a beautiful mountain setting — a perfect family outing while the eaglets are growing.

Please note: the San Bernardino National Forest maintains a protective closure around the nesting area (including the Gray’s Peak Trailhead area) to keep the eagles undisturbed. Respect this closure and enjoy the cam from your cozy cabin!

Restaurant Week Is ON — The Biggest Dining Event in the Valley’s History

Big Bear Restaurant Week is running April 5th through April 12th, 2026, and it’s being called the largest dining event in the valley’s history, hosted by the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce and Visit Big Bear.

This is the perfect excuse to explore the local dining scene with special menus, curated dishes, and deals at some of Big Bear’s most beloved restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy mountain brunch, lakeside dinner, or a lively Village bistro, this week has something for every palate.

Come hungry and treat it like a culinary tour of the valley. Many restaurants are offering multi-course prix fixe options at special pricing, giving you a reason to try somewhere you’ve always driven past but never stopped in.

The Lake is OPEN — Fishing, Kayaking, Boating & More

One of the most anticipated moments of every Big Bear spring is when lake activities officially kick off — and we’re there. Boating Opening Day has returned, bringing back the full range of water activities that make Big Bear Lake one of Southern California’s premier destinations.

Here’s what’s open and waiting for you on the water:

Fishing: Spring is widely considered the best season for fishing on Big Bear Lake. Rainbow trout are especially active, and the cool, clear water makes for excellent conditions. Bring your gear or book a charter fishing guide for a guided experience. The lake also just kicked off the new Countin’ Carp Tournament, a great community event that helps control the lake’s invasive carp population while giving anglers a unique competition experience. Later in May, the Fishin’ For 50K Trout Tournament is a must for serious fishing enthusiasts.

Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Glide across the glassy surface of the lake as the pine-covered mountains reflect in the water around you. Rentals are available at several marinas around the lake. If you’re bringing your own kayak or paddleboard, you’ll need to pick up a lake permit from BBMWD first.

Boating: From peaceful pontoon cruises to jet ski rentals, Big Bear Lake is ready for all kinds of boating adventures. Several marinas offer full-service rentals for groups of all sizes. Nothing beats cruising the lake on a sunny April afternoon with snow-capped peaks in the background.

The lake is one of Big Bear’s crown jewels, and spring is one of the most beautiful times to enjoy it — before the summer crowds arrive and while the surrounding mountains still show hints of their snowy winter.

Farmers Markets Are Back — Two Ways to Shop Fresh

Spring in Big Bear means the return of fresh, locally grown produce, artisan foods, and the kind of community market vibe that makes a mountain weekend feel complete. And this year, you’ve got two markets to choose from.

Tuesday Morning Market — Big Bear Convention Center: Big Bear’s longest-running certified farmers market is back for the season, running every Tuesday from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the Big Bear Lake Convention Center (42900 Big Bear Blvd) through September. Expect seasonal fruits and vegetables, eggs, fresh herbs, jams, honey, baked goods, flowers, and artisan crafts from trusted California growers and small-batch producers.

Friday Evening Market — Meadow Park (Lakeside!): New and already a community favorite, the Friday Farmers Market at Meadow Park (41220 Park Ave) runs from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM through late October. With the lake as your backdrop and the sun setting over the mountains, this market is an experience in itself. Find everything from sourdough bread and local honey to salsas, jerky, tacos, and BBQ — plus handmade soaps, art, and goods from local artisans. Bring a light jacket as evenings cool down quickly by the water.

Bear Mountain Golf Course Opening Day: April 18th

Golfers, mark your calendars. Bear Mountain Golf Course is officially opening for the 2026 season on April 18th, and the driving range opens the same day. Tee times run from 9 AM to 5 PM, the Pro Shop is open from 8:30 AM, and the Clubhouse Grill will be serving breakfast and lunch.

Located at the base of Bear Mountain Resort at 7,000 feet elevation, this 9-hole, par-35 alpine course is unlike anywhere you’ve played before. Surrounded by towering Ponderosa pines and sweeping mountain views, every hole feels like a postcard. The course is accessible to all skill levels, and the on-site pro shop has everything from club rentals and apparel to expert lessons from PGA-trained professionals.

The Driving Range (905 Club View Drive) features a 300-yard practice area, chipping and bunker zone, and a putting green — perfect for warming up before your round or just spending a relaxed afternoon swinging clubs with a mountain backdrop. Tokens are required for the range and can be purchased at the Clubhouse.

More Spring Fun: Maifest, Polar Plunge, Dark Sky Week & Hiking Season

Big Bear Polar Plunge — April 18th: On the same day golf opens, the brave souls of Big Bear will be running into the icy waters of the lake for the annual Polar Plunge, supporting Special Olympics Inland Empire. For a minimum $50 donation, you can join the fun — or simply cheer from the shore. Either way, it’s one of the liveliest, most spirited days on the Big Bear calendar.

Dark Sky Week — April 13–20: Big Bear sits high above the Southern California light pollution belt, making it one of the best spots in the region for stargazing. Dark Sky Week brings a series of events centered around the night sky, including guided Hike & Stargaze outings and the Trek the Dark Brew Trail — a creative evening adventure that pairs night hiking with local brews. During the same week, the Plein Air Art Competition brings artists outdoors to paint the landscape live, with a public gallery show and awards reception.

Maifest — May 16th, 23rd, 24th & 30th: Big Bear’s beloved spring festival returns with its Oktoberfest-in-spring spirit — German food, live music, dancing, and mountain-town festivity. May 23rd is America’s Heroes Weekend with free general admission for U.S. military, law enforcement, and firefighters. The Free Big Bear Trolley provides rides to the convention center on event days.

Hiking & Wildflowers: Lower-elevation trails are blooming with spring wildflowers, and the San Bernardino National Forest is coming alive with green. Classic favorites like Castle Rock Trail, Woodland Interpretive Trail, and the lakeside Alpine Pedal Path are perfect right now, with crisp air, quieter trails, and stunning scenery. Remember to bring an Adventure Pass (available at the Visitor Center) for some trailhead lots.

Earth Month — All of April: Big Bear takes its natural environment seriously. April’s Earth Month programming includes community trail cleanups, educational forest experiences, and volunteer opportunities. A great way to give back while enjoying the mountains.

Stay Close to It All — Private Cabins for Every Group

The best way to experience a Big Bear spring is to wake up inside it. Big Bear Vacations offers a wide selection of private cabin rentals — from cozy getaways for couples to spacious mountain homes for families and groups — all just minutes from the lake, trails, golf course, and The Village.

Many of our homes feature:

• Hot tubs perfect for unwinding after a day on the lake
• Fireplaces for cool spring evenings in the mountains
• Game rooms and entertainment areas for the whole family
• Scenic decks surrounded by pines and mountain views
• Fully equipped kitchens — ideal for farmers market cooking

Big Bear is just 2–3 hours from Los Angeles and the Inland Empire, making it one of the most accessible mountain escapes in Southern California. Spring is also Big Bear’s shoulder season, which means fewer crowds and some of the best cabin rates of the year. Don’t wait too long — Restaurant Week weekends and golf opening weekend are already booking up.