A Stunning Picnic Spot

So many of us live up here, travel up and down the mountain and go back and forth across the rim. Sure, we see plenty of things as we pass, but how many hidden treasures are around us that we don’t even know about.

Everybody can see the big radio and cell towers from Strawberry Peak. They’re visible from most most of the mountain roads and almost all of the Inland Empire. Interestingly, there’s also an amazing picnic spot there.

Strawberry Peak sits at 6,165 feet above sea level. It was named after a local strawberry farm from the late 1800’s. As you walk around the paved parking area and for a short distance down the access road, you get stunning views of everything from Santiago Peak in Orange County, Catalina Island, the deserts, a bird’s eye view of the mountain communities and most of the Inland Empire. The public access area is surrounded by cell towers, radio towers, the fire lookout, a water tank and something most people wouldn’t expect… a picnic table.

Yes, a picnic table sits at the peak of the highest point on this side of the San Bernardino Mountains. The best thing about it? There’s a paved road that leads right to it. Any vehicle can pull right up and park right next to it. It’s a fantastic place to take the family. Simply stop by a local deli, grab some sandwiches, and have meal with one of the greatest views our local mountains have to offer. Pair this with a tour of the fire lookout tower (Usually opens around memorial day) and you have a great, low cost family afternoon.

Things to remember when you visit this spot:

• Bring a camera – Don’t miss out on capturing your family memory with that 100 mile view in the background.
• Bring a leash for your fur buddy – The leash law still applies, even in the forest.
• Bring a jacket – Even when it’s not windy in town, the peak can sustain some pretty good gusts even on a warm day.
• Bring binoculars – Take a look at your community from high above, find your house and get cool pics. Plenty of wildlife to see as well, squirrels, foxes, coyotes, birds and even low flying jets.

Also, be kind to our mountain. Remember the principles of “Leave No Trace“:

Plan Ahead: Bring a trash bag – Of course for your own trash but take a few seconds to give back to our mountain by picking up any loose trash you might find.

Tread Lightly: Drive on Paved Surfaces and Hike on Trails Only – The Forest Service has signs posted to remind visitors to drive and park on paved surfaces only. They do issue tickets and actively enforce this law. If you go exploring, there are obvious worn footpaths you can follow. Don’t break branches, Smash bushes or step on plants.

Impact Minimally: Leave what you find and Take what you brought – Don’t disturb rocks, dead fall or flowers. Pack your trash out when you leave.

Respect Wildlife: Remember, we are visitors in their home.

Be considerate of others: As a mountain community it’s up to each of us to leave the area in a manner that allows others to enjoy it as well.

To get to Strawberry Peak (GPS Coordinates: 34.232074, -117.234530):

Take Bear Springs road from either Twin Peaks or Rimforest. As you’re driving, watch for the fire lookout signs. You’ll turn on the paved access road and follow it to the top. Once you get to the end (In and amongst the towers) look to your right and you’ll see the picnic table.