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Big Bear Valley was first occupied by the Serrano Indians approximately 3,000 years ago. In 1845, while in pursuit of Indians, Benjamin D. Wilson discovered and named Bear Valley because "the place was alive with bears!" In 1860, William Holcomb was hunting bear and discovered gold instead! What followed was Southern California's largest gold rush.
Big Bear's first dam, completed in 1884, was soon followed by the Valley's first hotel in 1888. In 1949,
the first ski resort opened, and Big Bear Lake soon became Southern California's favorite mountain getaway.
Hollywood also has a history in Big Bear. Since the filming of "The Call of the North" in 1914, so many motion pictures have been shot in Big Bear Valley that it has been called "Hollywood's back lot."
"Paint Your Wagon," "The Parent Trap," "Bonanza," "Kissin' Cousins," "Yukon Gold" and "Dr. Dolittle" are just a few of the memorable films that have been shot on location in Big Bear Valley.
Big Bear Lake is a unique mountain resort community located 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles and surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest. About 21,000 residents make their home here full-time.
Altitude ranges from 6,750 to 9,000 feet. There are over 300 days of sunshine each year. Summer temperatures average around 80 degrees during the day and 45 degrees at night. Winter brings about 100 inches of snowfall and temperatures average in the low 40's during the day and mid 20's at night.
Pine and oak forests flourish in Big Bear's alpine environment. The area provides a natural habitat for approximately 30 wintering bald eagles and 29 species of rare plants, ten of which are indigenous to the area.
Our lake is a fresh water lake seven miles long. The average width is 1/2 mile with a maximum depth of 72 feet and over 22 miles of shoreline.
Our community is full of recreational opportunities such as fishing, water sports, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, tours, and winter sports. It's home to one of the nation's only alpine solar observatories. Big Bear also features a public zoo, a nine-hole golf course, seven public campgrounds, great restaurants, entertainment, and lots of shopping. Big Bear's airport is open 24 hours every day and is equipped for night landings. AirTaxi/Charter service is available.
ACTIVITIES
Recreation room with pool table, radio, and television
Workout room
Skiing, Snowboarding, Summer Ski Lift Rides for
spectacular views
Fishing, Water Skiing, Parasailing, Sail Boating
Horseback and Bike riding
Hiking trails, Nature Walks
Many Fine Restaurants; just ask our Desk people for
Help
Shopping, Shopping, and More Shopping
Historical sites - Pioneer cabins, Gold mines, and the
Big Bear Museum
Moonridge
Zoo see some of the local wildlife.
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