by Jason Medina

Created on: November 25, 2007   Last Updated: November 26, 2007

Nestled nearly 7,000-feet high in the lush San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California, approximately 35 miles east of downtown San Bernardino, California, surrounded by towering mountain peaks and crystal blue skies, lies the largest and most popular fresh water lake in Southern California: Big Bear Lake. A popular "getaway" location for many Southern Californian's, Big Bear Lake offers a wide variety of outdoor activities.

Due to its high elevation, Big Bear Lake receives a substantial amount of snowfall during the Winter months. It's not uncommon for the snow depths to reach 2 feet or more in the Big Bear Lake area, and weekends are generally teeming with snow boarders, sledders, and skiers enjoying the fluffy white powder. Snow Summit, a large, fully-functional ski resort at Big Bear Lake, is one of the most popular ski destinations in all of Southern California. With over 231 skiable acres, 31 trails, and 14 chair lifts, Snow Summit is a major Big Bear Lake attraction. Although the Big Bear Lake area averages over 100-inches of snowfall per year, Snow Summit has state-of-the-art snow making machines that ensure the area is ski friendly well into the Spring. If skiing is not one of your favored activities, there are many other outdoor adventures to partake in.

Boating and fishing are two extremely popular activities at Big Bear Lake. With a total length of 7 miles, and with an average width of just over a mile, Big Bear Lake has plenty of surface area in which to enjoy. The lake is routinely stocked with an assortment of fresh water fish: rainbow trout, bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. Due to the lake's high altitude and cool waters, an environment that trout flourish in, there have been an assortment of record-setting trout catches over the years. Fishing can be done from various areas along the shore or from a number of spots around the lake via boat and/or kayak. Motor boats, paddle boats and jet ski's can all be rented for enjoyment on the pristine waters of Big Bear Lake. If water sports are not to your liking, the Big Bear Lake area offers an assortment of land-based adventures.

Hiking and backpacking are by far two of the most popular activities to engage in around Big Bear Lake. From hiking along the lake's immense shoreline to exploring the various nooks and glens surrounding the lake, hiking and backpacking around Big Bear Lake is an adventure. For the more enthusiastic and bold hiker and backpacker, there are numerous trails leading high up into the surrounding San Bernardino National Forest and San Gorgonio Wilderness, many which offer stunning views of Big Bear Lake and the surrounding forests and meadows. Just south of Big Bear Lake, Mt. San Gorgonio, the highest mountain in all of Southern California at 11,499 ft, is the crown jewel of the San Gorgonio Wilderness. Popular with hikers all over the country, numerous trails traverse the ridges and slopes leading to its summit, and the ambitious hiker is rewarded with a stunning view and the satisfaction of having bested Ol' Greyback as San Gorgonio is often called, the true rooftop of Southern California.

No matter what your sport or activity of fancy, Big Bear Lake and its surroundings offer an unprecedented array of outdoor adventures and activities. With its crisp, clean air, lush, green forests, and towering mountain peaks, Big Bear Lake is a true outdoor paradise!

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