This past weekend we went on a relaxing and enjoyable drive, rich with beautiful scenery and panoramic views. We traveled up the San Bernardino Mountains where we visited Arrowbear, Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead. The weather was perfect with white puffy clouds in clear blue skies. The temperature was in the low 50’s which, though cold, was bracing and invigorating—as long as I didn’t stay outside for too long!
I had never been there and I enjoyed the ride and the day. The towns were a mix of quaint architecture, which added to the delight of the experience, as well as aging commercial stretches that definitely detracted from it. The city of Big Bear is located about 25 miles northeast of the city of San Bernardino, and immediately west of the unincorporated town of Big Berar City. The population was approximately 5,019 at the 2010 census, down from 5,438 at the 2000 census.
I was saddened to see how much the water level in Big Bear lake has receded. According to the Big Bear Municipal Water District, the lake level was down more than 16 feet, but has recently gained about 2.5 feet. The east end of the lake is completely dry leaving many of the once waterfront homes and docks without even a hint of water. Boulder bay was almost dry and many homes were for sale.
Lake Arrowhead, on the other hand, looked full and appeared to have no loss of water. The lake itself is beautiful, but again the commercial center detracted from its beauty, in my opinion.
The unincorporated city of Lake Arrowhead surrounds the Lake Arrowhead reservoir. Lake Arrowhead actually consists of 6 communities including Lake Arrowhead, Twin Peaks, Blue Jay, Cedar Glen, Sky Forest, and Rim Forest. The population was estimated at 12,424 in the 2010 census. It was formerly called "Little Bear Lake", until around 1920, when a group from Los Angeles, the Arrowhead Lake Company, bought the lake and the land surrounding it, and changed its name to Arrowhead Lake.
I look forward to going back up the mountains in winter to see how snow changes the look and feel. I recommend visiting. The views are truly spectacular.
