Big Bear Lake, Pacific Crest

Big Bear Lake is Southern California’s year-round mountain lake haven, with a history stretching back to the indigenous Serrano people, who called it Yuhaviat, meaning “Pine Place.”  They thrived on the abundant resources of the mountains and the lake.

European settlers later named the area after encountering a grizzly bear, and the Gold Rush brough prospectors to nearby Holcomb Valley.  Logging followed, and the construction of Bear Valley Dam created Big Bear Lake, quickly turning it into a popular destination.

As the crown jewel of the San Bernardino National Forest, the area is home to black bears and mule deer, while bald eagles circle the skies above towering Ponderosa pines.  The bell-shaped clusters of manzanita flowers add a splash of color, and their edible berries are deliciously sweet when ripe.

With year-round activities, there is no shortage of fun – from fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding in the summer to snowboarding and skiing in the winter.