10 Fun Big Bear Lake Facts

What should you know about Big Bear Lake?

• What it is: A picturesque mountain town nestled around Big Bear Lake in Southern California, offering both relaxation and adventure.
• Why it matters: Known for its outdoor activities, scenic views, and year-round attractions, Big Bear Lake is a prime destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and families.
• Key highlights: Skiing in winter, hiking in summer, and a variety of water sports all year-round.
• Best time to visit: Winter for skiing or summer for hiking and boating.
• Audience: Ideal for families, couples, and groups seeking a mix of adventure and relaxation.

What are the best things to do in Big Bear Lake?

• Winter Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing at Snow Summit and Bear Mountain.
• Summer Adventures: Hiking, biking, and water sports on Big Bear Lake.
• Year-Round: Exploring the Village, shopping, dining, and enjoying local festivals.

Big Bear Lake

10 Fascinating Big Bear Lake Facts: History, Hollywood & Hidden Gems (2026)

Why Is It Called Big Bear?

1). In 1845 Benjamin Wilson came to the area looking for Native Americans who had been raiding ranches in Riverside.  He and his 22 men found and killed grizzly bears that used to call the valley their home.  At the time, the natural water reservoir now known as Baldwin Lake was filled and Wilson named the area “Big Bear Lake.”  The Serrano Indians called the area Yahaviat, or “Pine Place.” Logging became an important industry for building cabins in Big Bear Lake.  Unfortunately, grizzly bears quickly became extinct, but brown bears still roam the area.

Was Big Bear Part of the California Gold Rush?

2). Gold was first discovered in the mountains in 1850, but mining in Big Bear Valley didn’t begin until 1859 at Starvation Flat and continued into the 1920’s.  Bill Holcomb started Southern California’s largest gold rush in 1860 with a mining camp, increasing the area’s population to over 1,000.  The first road into Holcomb Valley was completed a year later and started near Hesperia.

Was Big Bear Lake Always a Lake?

3). It might look natural, but Big Bear Lake was created by human ingenuity. In 1884, a rock-fill dam was built to provide water for the citrus groves in Redlands. In 1912, a new multiple-arch dam was constructed, tripling the lake’s capacity. If you take a boat tour today, you can actually see the remains of the old dam submerged beneath the water line near the current bridge.

Was Big Bear Lake Always Called Big Bear?

4).The area wasn’t always called Big Bear Lake. The first major resort area was known as “Pine Knot.” By 1925, over 200 resorts were operating in the valley. Today, Pine Knot Avenue remains the heart of The Village, where visitors enjoy local boutiques and fine dining.

Big Bear Lake Damn

What Was the First Movie Filmed in Big Bear?

5). The first motion picture was filmed and completed in Big Bear Valley in 1911.  Five large wagons were used to haul sets and scenery up the mountain from the railroad.  The production company stayed for two months.  Since then many major motion pictures have been filmed here, including scenes from Gone With The Wind, Old Yeller, War Games and Better Off Dead.

When Did Schools First Open in Big Bear?

6). The first school opened in 1919.  Big Bear Lake now has two elementary schools, a middle school and high school.  A new K-12 charter school is also enriching the town’s youngest citizens.

How Did Big Bear Become a Four-Season Mountain Resort?

7).  In 1920 about 100 people stayed in the area through the winter.  In 1925 skiing was introduced to the Big Bear Valley.  In 1938, the first toboggan run on “Lynn Hill” was completed with a sling lift that could drag up to 10 people to the top of the hill.  Winter activities allowed lodges and cabins in Big Bear Lake to stay open all year.  Big Bear Lake became known as a 4 season resort town.

Winter fun in Big Bear Lake

How Busy Does Big Bear Get During Peak Seasons and Holidays?

8). The population of Big Bear Lake ranges from just over 5,000 people to over 100,000 people depending on seasonal events and activities.  Fourth of July is one of the most popular holiday’s.  Big Bear Lake relies heavily on tourists for income, with the winter resorts being the most popular reasons to visit the area.

Why Do Athletes Train in Big Bear?

9). Thanks to it’s elevation at over 7,000 feet, as well as it’s proximity to major cities like Los Angeles and Las Vegas, Big Bear Lake is a popular place for athletes to train.  In the 1990’s it was a famous place for boxing champions like Oscar de la Hoya and Mike Tyson.  Today, MMA fighters like Tito Ortiz frequent the area, as well as professional bike riders. Big Bear Lake will host a portion of the timed trials for the Amgen Tour in 2015.

Why Is Big Bear Weather So Comfortable Year-Round?

10). Big Bear Lake has some of the best weather in Southern California.  Average temperatures range from 21 degrees at night to 82 degrees during the day, with July typically being the warmest month.  The highest temperature recorded was 94 degrees back in 1998.  Most vacation rentals in Big Bear Lake do not have air conditioning and feature fireplaces for added warmth on chilly nights.

Big Bear Lake’s history is part of what makes the area feel different from other Southern California mountain towns. From its early Gold Rush roots and Hollywood filming history to its transformation into a year-round resort destination, Big Bear continues to evolve while still keeping its mountain character.

Today, visitors come to Big Bear for:

• Lake activities and watersports
• Hiking and outdoor recreation
• Snow season and winter sports
• Local events and festivals
• Wildlife experiences, including bald eagle sightings
• Relaxing cabin getaways near the lake and The Village

Browse Destination Big Bear’s luxury, pet-friendly, lakefront, and family cabin rentals to stay close to everything Big Bear is known for year-round.

FAQs about Big Bear Lake

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