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Big Bear
Lake
A couple of hours drive
from the center of downtown Los Angeles lies the famous mountain resort
of Big Bear Lake. High in the San Bernardino National Forest,
this area has been part of the Southern California scene of 100
years. In fact, the lake did not become a lake until 1885
when a dam was built across a small creek running through the mountains.
While its neighbor a few valleys away, Lake Arrowhead, always got a lot
more publicity, Big Bear Lake has almost been the better place to spend
some time. I know. I speak from experience.
I can remember as a kid back in the 1960's going with my parents to Big
Bear. In fact, they loved so much that they bought a cabin in one of
the local communities of Fawnskin, to which they eventually retired.
What do you want in a mountain vacation spot? In the summer,
Big Bear Lake is a boaters dream. The fresh water lake is
seven miles long and approximately one mile across at its widest
point. It has a maximum depth of 72 feet and over 22 miles of
shoreline. Lake activities include fishing, water-skiing, jet
skiing, sailing, swimming and boating. In fact, one of the
attractions is a solar observatory in the middle of the lake.
Winter brings about 100 inches of snowfall and temperatures in the low
40s during the day and mid 20s at night. Numerous Big Bear
Lake ski resorts cater to all winter sports enthusiasts. And
the best thing is, after skiing for the weekend, you are back home in a
very few hours.
But there are many other sports available at big Bear Lake.
Trekking and hiking is great with places that can accommodate families
with kids and well as the experienced 'mountain climber".
Watch bald eagles soar above the mountain tops. Horse back
riding does not get any better than this. A few minutes into
the words, and you think you are Benjamin Davis Wilson (Los Angeles's
first mayor) who 'discovered' Big Bear. You can even pan for
gold since Big Bear had its own gold rush back in 1860.
Accommodations at Big Bear Lake suit everyone's requirements and
budget. There are campgrounds and parks where you can hook up
your RV. Cabins for a family and luxurious hotel suites for
the honeymooners at an elegant European chateau-style furnished with
antiques. Many personal family homes are available for rent
as well as several bed and breakfast locations. And you will
be pleasantly surprised at how well you budget will also be treated no
matter what style of lodging you choose.
Big Bear Lake fully lives up to its motto: "It really is a breath of
fresh air" and with style.