Overview
The South Fork Trail to Dollar Lake is the best introduction to the San Gorgonio Wilderness for hikers not ready to commit to the 17-mile summit push. Starting from the South Fork Trailhead at 6,800 feet on Highway 38, the trail climbs steadily through Jeffrey pine forest to the wilderness boundary, continues to South Fork Meadows at 8,200 feet, and reaches Dollar Lake at 9,300 feet after 5.7 miles. The lake sits in a high basin ringed by lodgepole pines with views toward the San Gorgonio massif above. It's a strong day hike and an excellent first overnight for backpackers in San Bernardino National Forest, and one of the more accessible high-country wilderness experiences in California.
At 11.4 miles round trip with 2,926 feet of gain, this falls in the moderate-hard range. The elevation gain is distributed relatively evenly rather than concentrated in a brutal final pitch. The trailhead starts at about 6,800 feet and Dollar Lake sits at 9,300 feet, a 2,500-foot net gain. The trail is well-maintained with good signage throughout. For overnight backpackers, the trip divides naturally: camp at South Fork Meadows (about mile 4) the first night, push to Dollar Lake or beyond the second day, and exit on day three.
The Route
Miles 0 to 2.5: Lower South Fork Trail. The trail begins in open Jeffrey pine and white fir forest, climbing at a moderate and consistent grade. The forest is pleasant and partially shaded. You'll cross the wilderness boundary at about mile 2.5. Signs mark the entry point.
Miles 2.5 to 4: Approach to South Fork Meadows. Above the wilderness boundary, the trail continues climbing through increasingly open terrain. South Fork Meadows appears around mile 4 at 8,200 feet. This is a broad, grassy meadow with a creek and designated campsites nearby. The meadow is often green and lush through summer. If you're camping, this is the main overnight option on the lower portion of the route.
Miles 4 to 5.7: South Fork Meadows to Dollar Lake. From the meadow, the trail forks. Go west toward Dollar Lake (the signs are clear). The terrain opens further as you climb the last 1,100 feet to the lake basin. Dollar Lake appears at 9,300 feet, a small, shallow lake that can be partially dry by late summer in drought years. The surrounding basin offers good views toward the ridge above. Camping near the lake requires keeping at least 200 feet from the water's edge.
When to Visit
June through early July: The South Fork route typically clears of snow a bit earlier than the higher Vivian Creek approaches, given the trailhead's higher starting elevation (6,800 feet). The meadow creek and Dollar Lake are at their fullest in early summer. Wildflowers, including shooting stars and lupine, bloom at South Fork Meadows in late June and peak through July.
Late July and August: Peak season with reliable trail conditions. South Fork Meadows wildflowers peak in late July. Plan for afternoon thunderstorms, which build quickly over the San Gorgonio massif. Be off exposed terrain and below timberline by 1 PM in summer months. Permit competition is highest in August; reserve well in advance.
September and October: The best months for backpacking. Permit slots open up after Labor Day. Afternoon storms become less frequent. The meadow grasses turn gold in September and early October. Dollar Lake can be quite low or partially dry by late summer in dry years; check conditions with the Big Bear Ranger Station if water at the lake is critical to your plan.
Winter and spring: The wilderness above 8,000 feet holds snow from November through May in most years. Day hikers can enjoy the lower Jeffrey pine forest in winter, but the lake and meadow sections require snow travel skills and appropriate gear.
What to Bring
- Water (2 to 3 liters, plus filter): The meadow creek at South Fork Meadows is reliable through summer. Dollar Lake may be low in dry years. All water must be filtered or treated before drinking.
- Bear canister: Required for overnight trips. Bears are present throughout the wilderness. Designated campsites at South Fork Meadows see regular wildlife activity.
- Layers for Dollar Lake: Even in summer, the lake basin at 9,300 feet can be cold and windy in the afternoon. A lightweight shell is essential above 9,000 feet.
- Trekking poles: Helpful on the return descent from the lake, particularly if legs are tired from a long day or overnight haul.
- Insect repellent: Mosquitoes are active at South Fork Meadows from June through early August, particularly in the morning and evening. This is more of an issue here than on higher, drier trails.
- Warm sleeping gear: If camping at the lake, temperatures drop into the 30s or below on clear nights even in July and August at 9,300 feet.
Practical Details
Parking: The South Fork Trailhead has a large paved lot at 6,800 feet on Highway 38. An Adventure Pass or Interagency Annual Pass is required. The lot fills on summer weekends; arrive by 7 AM for a space. A vault toilet is at the trailhead. This lot is shared with the San Gorgonio South Fork Trail and other routes departing from this trailhead.
Permits: A free wilderness permit from the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association (sgwa.org) is required for all day hikes and overnight trips. Quotas for this trailhead are lower than for Vivian Creek, making permits somewhat easier to obtain, but peak summer weekends still fill up. Reserve online up to 90 days in advance. For step-by-step guidance, see the national forest camping permit guide.
Dogs: Not permitted in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. No exceptions.
Water: The meadow creek at South Fork Meadows is generally running through summer. Dollar Lake itself can be shallow or partially dry in drought years. All water must be filtered or treated.
Fees: Adventure Pass or Interagency Annual Pass for trailhead parking. No separate day-use fee.
Cell service: None on the trail. Download offline maps and check permit confirmation before leaving the trailhead.
Camping rules: Use only designated campsites at South Fork Meadows and near Dollar Lake. Camp at least 200 feet from water sources. Pack out all waste, including human waste (wag bags recommended).
Getting There
From Redlands or San Bernardino, take Highway 38 east into the San Bernardino Mountains. The South Fork Trailhead is approximately 31 miles east of Redlands, on the south side of Highway 38, about 6 miles west of the junction with Jenks Lake Road near Angelus Oaks. The large paved parking lot at 6,800 feet is clearly marked. From the forest headquarters area, the drive takes about 50 minutes. From downtown Los Angeles, allow 2 to 2.5 hours.
Beyond Dollar Lake
For those ready to extend the trip, the trail continues past Dollar Lake to Dollar Lake Saddle at 10,500 feet and on to the summit of San Gorgonio Mountain. See the San Gorgonio Mountain via South Fork Trail guide for the full summit route. The bear canister requirements guide covers the specific food storage rules for overnight trips in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. Dollar Lake is the right objective for hikers wanting a genuine high-country wilderness experience in San Bernardino National Forest without the 19-mile summit commitment.