Top 20 Lakes in San Bernardino National Forest

The lakes offer a wide range of activities. Big Bear Lake is excellent for fishing, boating, paddle sports, jet skiing, and wakeboarding. Lake Gregory features swimming, fishing, and a seasonal inflatable water park. Silverwood Lake is popular for motor boating, jet skiing, and waterskiing, while Lake Hemet is ideal for fishing and camping. For a quieter experience, Green Valley Lake is perfect for fishing, swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking without motorboats.

Yes, several lakes are great for families. Lake Gregory in Crestline is particularly family-friendly, offering swimming, picnic areas, and a seasonal water park with waterslides and a splash pad. Big Bear Lake also provides a wide range of activities suitable for all ages, from water sports to winter activities. The Wooden path Stanfield Marsh is an easy, family-friendly boardwalk for wildlife watching.

The best time depends on your preferred activities. Summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day) is ideal for water sports and swimming, especially at Lake Gregory with its water park. Big Bear Lake is a year-round destination, offering water activities in summer and skiing/snowboarding in winter. The cooler mountain temperatures make the lakes an attractive escape from city heat during summer. For hiking and wildlife viewing, spring and fall offer pleasant weather.

You'll find a variety of hiking trails. Near Big Bear Lake, the Cougar Crest Trail offers fantastic views. Silverwood Lake features extensive hiking trails, including a 7-mile section of the Pacific Crest Trail. For an easy, scenic walk, the Wooden path Stanfield Marsh boardwalk is great for wildlife watching. The trail around Bluff Lake Reserve is also easy and surrounded by pines.

Absolutely. A must-see spot is Awesome views of Big Bear Lake, which provides stunning vistas of Big Bear Lake and the San Gorgonio Wilderness area, including San Gorgonio Mountain. Many hiking trails, such as the Cougar Crest Trail near Big Bear Lake, also offer panoramic views as you ascend.

Beyond water activities, the region offers excellent opportunities for cycling, running, and hiking. You can find various cycling routes like the 'Big Bear and Baldwin Lake loop' or the 'Cougar Crest Trailhead – Wooden path Stanfield Marsh loop'. For running, trails like 'San Jacinto Peak via Round Valley Trail' are available. Hiking options include 'San Jacinto Peak and Round Valley Loop' and 'Icehouse Canyon Trail'. You can explore more routes on the cycling, running, and hiking guide pages for San Bernardino National Forest.

Yes, the Wooden path Stanfield Marsh boardwalk is dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful stroll with your pet. Lake Gregory also features two dog parks, making it a good option for visitors with canine companions.

Yes, camping is a popular activity. Lake Hemet offers spacious campsites with plenty of shade, making it a prime destination for camping. Silverwood Lake also provides camping facilities at Old and New Mesa campgrounds, allowing visitors to extend their stay and enjoy the natural surroundings.

The lakes are rich in wildlife. At Wooden path Stanfield Marsh, you can enjoy fantastic wildlife-watching opportunities, with sightings of birds such as ducks, geese, herons, and even bald eagles. Lake Hemet is also known for its diverse wildlife, including eagles and hawks. Silverwood Lake is a great spot for birdwatching, with ducks, geese, and herons commonly seen.

Lake Arrowhead is a private lake, so direct access to the lake itself is restricted for non-residents. However, visitors can still enjoy the charming Lake Arrowhead Village, which offers shopping, dining, and events. Activities like hiking, bicycling, and attractions such as SkyPark at Santa's Village are available in the surrounding area. The Arrowhead Queen Boat Tour provides a historical overview of the lake from the water.

Yes, Green Valley Lake is considered a hidden gem, offering a more secluded and serene experience. Tucked away between Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake, it's ideal for those seeking a quiet mountain getaway, as motorboats are not allowed, contributing to its calm atmosphere. Hidden Lake is another tranquil spot, though it's a vernal pool that may dry up in summer.

Fishing is a major draw at many of the lakes. Lake Gregory is regularly stocked with rainbow trout, exotic lightning trout, and bass. Lake Hemet is also stocked with rainbow trout, bluegill, and largemouth bass. Silverwood Lake is stocked with rainbow trout, crappie, catfish, carp, bluegill, and largemouth bass, offering a diverse fishing experience. Green Valley Lake is also a good spot for fishing.