Anderson Peak and San Bernardino Peak via Forsee Loop in San Bernardino National Forest, CA

Hike Anderson Peak and San Bernardino Peak via Forsee Loop San Bernardino National Forest, CA

Class 1 16.7 miles 4800 gain 6-8 hrs Loop Dec 7, 2017
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Anderson Peak and San Bernardino Peak via Forsee Loop GPX Track

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After lots of research, I decided this combination of trails seemed like the best loop in order to see the area. You get to traverse Anderson Peak, San Bernardino East Peak, and San Bernardino Peak. Starting at the Forsee Trailhead, follow the Forsee Creek Trail up a pretty trail that skirts the mountainside via switchbacks. Eventually you'll get some views of Anderson Peak and the canyon formed by Forsee Creek flowing down from the base of Anderson Peak. Soon, the trail starts to head west without summiting Anderson Peak, so I decided to go off-trail on easily manageable terrain to the summit before heading back down and joining the San Bernardino Peak Divide Trail, which then hits the east and west summits of San Bernardino Peak. The trail gets progressively nicer as the day goes on, and in my opinion, the highlight was a wide open section with bright green shrubs and incredible views coming down from San Bernardino Peak. Eventually, you hit a junction with the Johns Meadow Trail, which weaves up and down little hills for what seems like no reason at all except to make the trail longer. Anyway, there are some interesting sections to the Johns Meadow Trail before it heads back into the trees and completes the loop.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Anderson Peak
10840 ft
840 rise
2
San Bernardino East Peak
10691 ft
171 rise
3
San Bernardino Peak
10649 ft
209 rise
4
Washington Monument
10290 ft
n/a rise

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Shortly after leaving the trailhead, you get to the junction that forms this hike as a loop. I went to the left first, and I definitely recommend going left, because it makes the way coming down very scenic.
Shortly after leaving the trailhead, you get to the junction that forms this hike as a loop. I went to the left first, and I definitely recommend going left, because it makes the way coming down very scenic.
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The trail switchbacks up the mountain for a while with a moderate grade.
The trail switchbacks up the mountain for a while with a moderate grade.
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Eventually the trail gets out of the thicker foliage and you get some nicer views, though you really don't see very much until the summits, unfortunately.
Eventually the trail gets out of the thicker foliage and you get some nicer views, though you really don't see very much until the summits, unfortunately.
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Off-trail for a short time to reach the Anderson Peak summit.
Off-trail for a short time to reach the Anderson Peak summit.
Anderson Peak summit looking toward San Bernardino Peak.
Anderson Peak summit looking toward San Bernardino Peak.
Anderson Peak summit looking toward Mt. San Antonio.
Anderson Peak summit looking toward Mt. San Antonio.
Anderson Peak summit looking toward Big Bear Lake.
Anderson Peak summit looking toward Big Bear Lake.
Continuing toward San Bernardino East Peak.
Continuing toward San Bernardino East Peak.
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San Bernardino East Peak looking toward Anderson Peak and Mt. San Gorgonio.
San Bernardino East Peak looking toward Anderson Peak and Mt. San Gorgonio.
San Bernardino East Peak looking toward Mt. San Gorgonio and Mt. San Jacinto in the distance.
San Bernardino East Peak looking toward Mt. San Gorgonio and Mt. San Jacinto in the distance.
San Bernardino East Peak looking toward San Bernardino Peak.
San Bernardino East Peak looking toward San Bernardino Peak.
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Almost at San Bernardino Peak.
Almost at San Bernardino Peak.
Looking back along the ridge toward Anderson Peak.
Looking back along the ridge toward Anderson Peak.
San Bernardino Peak looking south-ish.
San Bernardino Peak looking south-ish.
Heading down from San Bernardino Peak.
Heading down from San Bernardino Peak.
Looking back toward San Bernardino Peak.
Looking back toward San Bernardino Peak.
Approaching the Washington Monument, not pictured.
Approaching the Washington Monument, not pictured.
Lots of switchbacks down the mountain.
Lots of switchbacks down the mountain.
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Entering an open area with great views.
Entering an open area with great views.
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Junction with the Johns Meadow Trail. This photo is looking back the way I came.
Junction with the Johns Meadow Trail. This photo is looking back the way I came.
Johns Meadow has lots of winding trails and few views, but it's still pretty interesting.
Johns Meadow has lots of winding trails and few views, but it's still pretty interesting.
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I guess this is Johns Meadow?
I guess this is Johns Meadow?
Crossing over Forsee Creek.
Crossing over Forsee Creek.
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Back into the forest for the last few miles to complete the loop.
Back into the forest for the last few miles to complete the loop.

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Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!