Where Is Big Bear Lake In California?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Big Bear Lake, California County

San Bernardino
Incorporated November 28, 1980 Government • Type Council/Manager

Where in California is Big Bear Valley?

Big Bear Valley is a valley in

San Bernardino County

, California, United States. The valley, in the San Bernardino Mountains, includes Big Bear Lake, Big Bear City, Fawnskin, Holcomb Valley, Sugarloaf, Erwin Lake, Baldwin Lake, Bluff Lake and Lake Williams.

What is Big Bear famous for?

Located in the heart of Southern California – and an easy drive from Phoenix and Las Vegas – Big Bear Lake is the jewel of the San Bernardino National Forest and known for

excellent fishing, snowboarding and skiing, hiking, mountain biking

and so much more!

Is Big Bear Lake nice?

Big Bear Lake is

a nice place to raise a family

. The quaint town has lots of activities in the village, nearby hiking, a lake to enjoy, and snow play during the winter. It is extremely safe and family friendly. The village offers an enjoyable nightlife and there are other fun activities around town.

What happened Big Bear Lake?

Big Bear Lake has

receded 15 feet down from normal levels

and is exposing 800 acres of land that used to be submerged in the lake.

What county is Big Bear CA in?

San Bernardino County

Is Big Bear Lake a natural lake?


Big Bear Lake is actually Man-Made

!

But one thing you may not have known about Big Bear Lake is that it’s actually a man-made lake, and was created in the late 19th century to hold water to supply the citrus farms in Redlands.

Can you swim in Big Bear Lake?


In the summer months, swimming is permitted in Big Bear Lake at your own risk

! There are NO lifeguards on duty and swimmers must stay within 50 feet of the shore or within 20 feet of a private dock. Swimming within the means of participating in water sports is also permitted with a life vest!

Is Big Bear Lake Worth Visiting?


Found Big Bear Lake to be barely worth the trip up from Los Angeles

. On paper, it seems like an amazing location. Up in those distant mountains, that, when the smog relents, offer promises of wild nature and scenic grandeur situated around a pristine mountain lake.

Does Big Bear Lake freeze?


In the winter months, the Lake sometimes freezes over

, and although it is beautiful to look at, it is dangerous and the public is prohibited from playing on the ice. The newer Boulder Bay Park on the west end of the lake has become a popular area for visitors to play by the water, fish, kayak, canoe and picnic.

Where does Big Bear Lake get its water?

Big Bear Lake’s water almost exclusively comes from

snow melt from the surrounding mountains

! In 1884, the orange growers of Redlands were looking to establish a reservoir for their groves.

Who owns Big Bear Lake?

Elevation at the surface is 6,750 ft (2,060 m), but this level fluctuates according to annual snowmelt and runoff.

Big Bear Municipal Water District

acquired the dam and other assets from the Mutual Water Company in 1977.

What celebrities live in Big Bear CA?

It’s rumored that

Brittney Spears

has a vacation home here, and Mel Blanc (the voice of Bugs Bunny), Roy Rogers, and Max Factor have all lived here at one time or the other.

Is Big Bear Lake Safe?


Most of Big Bear Lake has tested safe for public use

, however recent testing by State and Regional Waterboards have shown the presence of harmful bacteria in a sample collected in the Stanfield Cutoff area. Because algae can grow or move locations, it is advised to use caution in all areas of the lake.

How long does it take to drive around Big Bear Lake?

The 29 mile drive takes about

45 minutes to an hour

to conquer on a non-snow day and may take hours when snow is on the ground and chains are on your tires. You will be traveling among drivers that take the mountain daily and cruise along with ease.

Why is Big Bear Lake so dirty?

Big Bear Lake has been listed as a “

mercury impaired

” reservoir by state health and water authorities. Mercury is absorbed by bacteria and transformed into an organic form known as methylmercury.

Is Big Bear Lake dried up 2021?

PUBLISHED: September 23, 2021 at 10:22 a.m. | UPDATED: September 23, 2021 at 10:36 a.m.

There are signs of drought all over in Big Bear Lake

. Grout Creek, one of the lake’s feeders, is dry. On a recent weekday, some boats and docks sit in fields around the shore instead of in water.

Is Big Bear Lake bigger than Lake Arrowhead?


Big Bear Lake is much bigger in surface area but much more shallow than Lake Arrowhead

. Big Bear’s lake is just over 3000 acres in area and has a maximum depth of 72 feet while Lake Arrowhead is 782 acres with a maximum depth of 185 feet.

What towns are near Big Bear?

  • Sugarloaf, CA.
  • Moonridge, CA.
  • Woodlands, CA.
  • Minnelusa, CA.
  • Doble, CA.
  • Baldwin Lake, CA.
  • Big Bear Lake, CA.
  • Fawnskin, CA.

What is the difference between Big Bear City and Big Bear Lake?

Not to be confused with Big Bear City, which is immediately east of Big Bear Lake,

the City of Big Bear Lake is comprised of the geographic area along the south shore of Big Bear Lake

. Big Bear City is part of the unincorporated areas that make up the surrounding areas of Big Bear Lake in the Big Bear Valley.

Do you have to be vaccinated to go to Big Bear?

Vaccination Requirements

At this time,

proof of vaccination is not required

to visit Big Bear Mountain Resort.

Why is it called Big Bear Lake?

Coming from a Serrano Native American phrase meaning pine place, however apt the original name was, when Benjamin Davis Wilson swarmed into town with a small group of men determined to get their stolen livestock back, they discovered a place that was swarming with grizzly bears, and the name Big Bear and Big Bear Lake …

Are there bears near Big Bear Lake?

Bears –

Any bear you encounter in Big Bear Lake will be a black bear

and like rattlesnakes, they tend to avoid humans. It’s rare that you should encounter a bear.

Why is Big Bear Lake so low?

Fowler says the

lack of rain and snow

this winter has lowered the lake level 13.5 feet below full capacity. The low water level is having a dramatic effect on all marinas because boat docks have to be pushed farther and farther into the lake — otherwise, they end up useless on dry land.

Can you have dogs at Bear Lake?

Bear Lake is

absolutely dog friendly

and can be a great Utah vacation location for you and your dog. The crystal clear water is a picturesque place to swim with your dog and many area restaurants welcome dogs on their patios.

Can you drink alcohol on Big Bear Lake?

While

it isn’t illegal to drink alcohol on a boat

, it is against the law to operate a vessel while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs. The blood alcohol limit for boating is the same as that for driving a car – 0.08%.

How hot does it get in Big Bear CA?

In Big Bear City, the summers are warm, arid, and mostly clear and the winters are very cold, snowy, and partly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from

22°F to 82°F

and is rarely below 14°F or above 88°F.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.