Oak Glen is located on the border of San Bernadino and Riverside counties. It is nestled in the San Bernadino Mountains next to San Gorgonio mountain. From Los Angeles on the 10 heading east take the Oak Glen Road exit and turn left (north) through Yucaipa and enjoy the gentle climb up the country road. From Palm Springs and points east, head west on the 10 and exit on Beaumont Avenue. Turn right (north) continuing through Beaumont on a gentle climb up a delightful country road to Oak Glen. Known for its loop road through the valley and its “U Pick” apple farms Oak Glen is a trip to savor slowly. The forests are full of California native trees. Some of them greet Autumn with wonderful colors. I went on a Tuesday not expecting any crowds and probably empty roads. My assumption was correct and I was able to meander through town. Most of the stores and restaurants were closed waiting for the weekend tourists to arrive again. I did find Mom’s Country orchards open and to my delight sampled and purchased some local homemade fruit and nut butter delicacies.
The Oak Glen Preserve is a wonderful park with a Children’s forest trail noting all wildlife and native trees in the area. I was delighted to see the variety of animal life and learned which native trees thrived here. Ringtails, Weasels, Squirrels, Coyotes, Grey Foxes, Badgers, Rabbits, Bobcats, Mule Deer, Skunks and Mountain Lions are all in the San Bernadino Mountains.
There is an easy-moderate trail past the parking lot. Like with other trails throughout the Inland Empire wildlife coexists with hikers. Be aware of mountain lions, rattle snakes and bears. The trail is steep at times but well maintained. The California native trees along the trail are: CA Sycamore, Cedars, Sequoias, CA Black Oak and some scrub oaks.
Driving through town there was evidence of mudslides due to the burn scars on the mountains. Recent isolated Summer storms washed down debris and the town is quick to clean up and restore roads temporarily closed by the muddy hubris. Some restaurants are closed from damage sustained in the recent floods. Oak Glen website.
Oak Glen is nestled in the San Bernadino Mountain range and in Winter can get some decent snow.
