President Benjamin Harrison, in response to local sentiment, set aside 737,280 acres in 1893 to stop the depredations of sheep and the ravages of forest fires which were destroying the mountain watershed. Forest rangers were not appointed until 1898. Plenty of it. Since the San Bernardino is so close to a major urban center, recreation is emphasized. Hiking is supreme, with over 500 miles of trail, including 195 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail .
Mountain bikes haul out over the forest roads, as well as many of the forest's single track trails.
The forest's lakes and streams are especially precious to anglers and boaters . And yes, there is skiing and other snow sports in sunny southern California. Of course, this wouldn't be LA without some form of internal combustion-based recreation. So in getting to where you're going, take a winding drive that has a little more scenic and historic interest than that straight-ahead interstate. The movement to preserve wilderness areas nationally culminated with the passage by Congress of the Wilderness Act in 1964.