The forest is divided into two large areas or tracts on
United States Geological Survey maps, a northern and southern portion. The west border of the forest adjoins
Angeles National Forest and runs north-south about ten miles west of
Interstate 15. At its widest parts, the northern portion of the forest runs about on an east–west dimension. It runs about on a north–south dimension. This portion of the forest encompasses the
San Bernardino Mountains. The area extends west of Mount San Antonio and
Wrightwood in
San Bernardino County. The eastern portion of the forest extends about ten miles east of
Big Bear City and includes the
San Gorgonio Wilderness. The southernmost portion is bisected by the
Riverside County line and borders the
Morongo Indian Reservation north of
Cabazon. At its widest point, the southern portion is about on a north-south dimension and about on an east-west dimension.
Toro Peak and the
Santa Rosa Indian Reservation are near the south extent. At the north is Snow Creek Village and the Morongo Indian Reservation.
Mount San Jacinto State Wilderness is carved out of the southern portion. The community of
Idyllwild is surrounded by national forest lands. While most National Forests include lumber resources, these two areas also include: • Residential communities and resorts • Indian resources such as historically important caves and
pictographs The two tallest waterfalls in Southern California, Big Falls and
Bonita Falls, are located in the San Bernardino National Forest.
Lost Lake, a sag pond created by tectonic activity associated with the San Andreas Fault as it runs through the Cajon Pass area, is located in the San Bernardino National Forest.
Wilderness areas There are seven official
wilderness areas lying within San Bernardino National Forest that are part of the
National Wilderness Preservation System. One extends into neighboring
Angeles National Forest and three into land that is managed by the
Bureau of Land Management (as indicated). •
Bighorn Mountain Wilderness (mostly BLM) •
Cahuilla Mountain Wilderness •
Cucamonga Wilderness (partly in
Angeles NF) •
San Gorgonio Wilderness (partly BLM) •
San Jacinto Wilderness •
Santa Rosa Wilderness (mostly BLM) •
South Fork San Jacinto Wilderness ==Firefighting==