Note: An Adventure Pass may be required.

Once again Jan and I set out to brave the wilds of backwoods Southern California in the San Bernardino National Forest. Today we're attempting to make the trek from the north shore of Big Bear Lake to the old mining district in Holcomb Valley. I've promised Jan that this one really is easy.

Holcomb Valley was "discovered" in 1859 by a bear hunter, Bill Holcomb. While tracking a wounded Grizzly bear he found a gold-bearing quartz vein, and the rush was on. At one time the town of Belleville, which grew there, was nearly as large as Los Angeles and was considered for the County seat. Miners didn't fare well in the Bear Valley -- the main gold vein was reputedly never found -- and eventually gave it up. By around 1875 Belleville was a ghost town. Weekend miners can still find gold in the area, however. The Valley now holds a large Boy Scout camp, on the site of the old Hitchcock Ranch, so drivers should be alert for wandering Scouts.

Frankly folks, depending on the particular road/trail you take, this particular drive can be done in the family sedan, at least in the summer. It's a good "family trip" that won't make passengers or 4-wheelin' newbies nervous.

Mainly, the Holcomb trip provides a good jumping-off point for other trails with at least some challenge to them, and there's a decent campground there to use as a staging area if a small group (Holcomb is considered a "family" campground) is heading out to do some more interesting trail rides. Larger groups should stay at Buttercup, Boulder or Deer group campgrounds on the south side of Big Bear Lake or at Big Pine Horse Camp somewhat north of the lake.

From North Shore Drive (California 38) at Big Bear lake, take Polique Canyon Road about ? mile west of the new National Forest Visitor Center if you have any sort of vehicle with decent ground clearance.

Note: The road labeled "Holcomb Valley Road" is no longer the way to Holcomb Valley. It's private and gated closed only about 50 yards off the main road.

It's a bit rutty and rough for the first little bit, but after that not difficult at all. If you are gonna do it in the family sedan or other low-clearance vehicle, take the route in through Fawnskin. It's longer, but the road is better.

Once you're in the Holcomb Valley area, you'll find most of the roads are graded and an easy drive, even for the squeamish. Holcomb Valley itself is mostly level, and ranges from tall pine forest to open meadow.