Big Bear Lake is
a reservoir in the San Bernardino Mountains in San Bernardino County, California,
United States.
The primary approach to Big
Bear is via Highway 330 out of San Bernardino through Running Springs where
it intersects Highway 18. Highway 18 proceeds past Arrowbear and Snow Valley,
over 7,200 ft (2,190 m) Lake Vista Summit and across the 15 mi (24 km)
"Arctic Circle" for a total distance of 33 mi (53 km). Big Bear Lake can
also be accessed by Hwy 38 (referred to as 'The Backside') at the San Bernardino
(10) Freeway near Redlands, and takes a 52 mi (84 km) mile route that passes
through Big Bear City on the east. From north of Lucerne Valley, it can
be accessed by Highway 18 over the pass into Baldwin Lake and through the
north side, into Big Bear City.
Big Bear Lake provides an
attractive setting for many outdoor activities, including fishing (trout,
bluegill, crappie, catfish and largemouth bass), pleasure boating, and
water skiing. Because of the very cold water and the presence of underwater
obstacles near the shorelines, swimming is discouraged. The lake is patrolled
by the BBMWD Lake Patrol.
Many lakeside residents have
private docks, and visiting boaters obtain mooring in several of the marinas
found on both shores. Big Bear Municipal Water District (a special district
of the State of California) provides public launches on the east end and
west end of North Shore. Local marinas rent various sport and pleasure
boats, and parasailing is available. |