North Shore Recreation Trail
A solid half-day forest hike without the crowds. About 4 miles out-and-back with ~775 ft of gain, starting behind North Shore Campground off Hospital Road (Hwy 173). Adventure Pass required to park at the trailhead. Mostly shaded, dog-friendly, and quiet even on weekends.
The facts
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Distance
- 4 miles out-and-back
- Elevation gain
- ~775 ft
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Pass required
- Adventure Pass ($5/day, $30/yr) or Interagency pass
- Parking
- Small trailhead area by North Shore Campground, Hospital Rd
- Dogs
- Yes, on leash
- Restrooms
- In the campground (seasonal)
- Cell coverage
- Decent near the trailhead, fades in the drainages
- Best season
- Spring–fall; snowy stretches in winter
Getting there
North Shore Campground, Hospital Rd off Hwy 173, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352
Get directions →The hike
This National Recreation Trail starts just behind North Shore Campground (enter from Hospital Road, off Highway 173 near Mountains Community Hospital) and works downhill through Jeffrey pine, oak, and dogwood toward Hook Creek and Crab Flats Road, with stretches along a creek drainage. It's a genuine forest walk — shady, green in spring, and noticeably less trafficked than anything with a famous rock on it.
Because it descends first, budget energy for the climb back to the trailhead. Mountain bikers use it too; it's wide enough that sharing is easy.
Trailhead and parking
Park near the campground entrance area on Hospital Road with an Adventure Pass displayed. Space is limited but rarely full — this is one of the few Arrowhead trailheads where parking is not the hard part. The campground restrooms are available in season.
The same trailhead area serves the Little Bear Creek Trail, so it's easy to combine both for a longer day.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the North Shore Recreation Trail start?
Behind North Shore Campground on Hospital Road, off Highway 173 near Mountains Community Hospital in Lake Arrowhead. Display an Adventure Pass in your car.
How hard is the North Shore Recreation Trail?
Moderate — about 4 miles round-trip with roughly 775 feet of gain, most of it on the way back since the trail descends from the trailhead. Fit kids handle it fine.
Can you see Lake Arrowhead from the trail?
Only in glimpses — this is a forest trail, not a lake-view trail. For water views, the public options are the Village waterfront or the Arrowhead Queen boat tour.
Facts on this page last verified July 17, 2026. Fees, hours, and access rules change seasonally — confirm with the official source before a long drive.