John Cletheroe's
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Big Bear Lake, California

Location

In the San Bernardino National Forest, east of Los Angeles, on California State Highway 18, the Rim Of The World Drive.

Description

Both the lake and the town of Big Bear Lake are located at a fairly high altitude. The lake runs roughly east-west, with the town on its southern shoreline.

The northern shoreline of the lake is largely undeveloped. California State Highway 38 runs along this shore and is well worth the drive. The views are even better than on the southern side. There is also an excellent National Forest visitor centre on this road (free entrance). A couple of large, paved boat ramp areas provide convenient parking facilities. A causeway across a narrow part of the lake allows a means of rapidly returning back to the town.

I was very impressed with the town of Big Bear Lake. Despite being a town with tourism as its main economy, it has plenty of accommodation and restaurants charging normal prices.

When we visited in early April it was cold, especially at night, but being a dry cold it was certainly not unpleasant. I imagine that in the heat of summer this area provides a very pleasant relief from the heat, smog and congestion of Los Angeles.


California

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Most recently modified 25-May-01