Big Bear Blogs

Big Bear Lake Village

Three delightful mountain communities are located near the shores of Big Bear Lake, and they serve as “home base” for the many different kinds of activities which are found here year round. The Big Bear City area, located just east of the lake, is primarily a residential area. But it also has recreational facilities; in season, skiing and horseback riding are popular with visitors and residents alike. Pleasant accommodations, shops, and services are conveniently located. This quiet community is only minutes away from any of the area’s recreational facilities, and it is a favorite with those who prefer its restful and relaxing approach.

Entrance to Big Bear City

Fawnskin is the hub of activities along the north shore of the lake, with additional resort facilities extending along highway 38 almost as far as Big Bear City. A number of the areas most popular public campgrounds are also nearby. Meals, accommodations, groceries and gasoline are among the variety of supplies available locally. There are several legends concerning how Fawnskin got its name; the one we like the best goes back to the days of the Indians. Blooming in the meadow was a large patch of flowers, shaped in the form of a fawn’s skin. Seeing the outline of this large patch of flowers from their camp at Butler Peak, the Indians named the area Fawnskin.

Fawnskin, CA

Another area contributes much to the legends and history of the area; Fawnskin is also the gateway to the fascinating Holcomb Valley region. Space limitations here prevent an adequate discussion of its interesting past, but the outstanding points of interest have been marked by the Forest Service, and a drive through this absorbing makes a delightful outing during any of the warmer months. Whether your interests include fishing, hunting, winter sports or just relaxing in the mountains, Fawnskin and the north shore resort area have much to offer.

Big Bear Lake Village is the largest of the resort communities along the inviting southern shoreline of the lake, and it’s the hub of the recreational activities here. Snow Summit is one of the major winter sports centers in the mountain area; together with Moonridge, and Snow Forest, this community offers outstanding opportunities for skiing, and there are also smaller facilities nearby. In season, golfers may enjoy the fine course at Moonridge, and there’s a large ice skating rink near the center of town. The fishing at Big Bear Lake is outstanding, due to the two independent planting programs which have been developed in recent years.

A number of riding stables make trail riding in the pines most enjoyable; there’s also bowling and a host of other specialized attractions waiting for you. In fact, Big Bear Lake and Fawnskin and Big Bear City take only one backward step each year – when the Old Miners Days celebration turns summer into a bedlam of beards and burros, topped off by the colorful parade that highlights these special activities.

Big Bear Lake -- Early Skiing