Big Bear Eagle Cam

Big Bear Valley is located in the San Bernardino Mountains in Southern California and has a rich and varied history. The area was originally inhabited by the Serrano people, who referred to the valley as Yuhaviat, meaning "pine place." The Serrano were a semi-nomadic tribe who lived off the land, hunting and gathering wild plants and seeds.

In the mid-1800s, the valley was discovered by fur trappers, and by the 1860s, it had become a popular destination for gold prospectors. The discovery of gold in Holcomb Valley in 1860 sparked a gold rush, and the area was soon overrun with miners seeking their fortunes.

After the gold rush died down, Big Bear Valley became a popular spot for recreational activities such as camping, fishing, and hunting. The first tourists began to arrive in the 1880s, and the valley quickly developed into a thriving tourist destination. The first hotel was built in 1888, and by the turn of the century, the valley was home to several resorts, including the famous Bear Valley Hotel, which was visited by many Hollywood stars.

During World War II, Big Bear Valley was used by the military as a training ground for troops. The area's high altitude and rugged terrain made it an ideal location for mountain warfare training.

Today, Big Bear Valley remains a popular destination for outdoor recreation, with skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and fishing among the most popular activities. The valley is also home to several historic sites, including the Big Bear Valley Historical Museum, which showcases the area's rich history, and the Big Bear Solar Observatory, which has been studying the sun since 1969.

Big Bear Valley Top Tourist Attractions

Big Bear Valley is a popular tourist destination in Southern California and offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in the area:

• Big Bear Lake: The lake is the centerpiece of the valley and offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, kayaking, and swimming.
• Snow Summit and Bear Mountain Ski Resorts: These two ski resorts offer some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Southern California, with a combined total of over 400 acres of skiable terrain.
• Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain: This attraction features two 1,800-foot-long bobsled tracks, offering visitors an exhilarating ride down the mountain.
• Big Bear Village: The village is the heart of the town and offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries.
• Big Bear Discovery Center: The center offers educational programs and exhibits about the area's natural history and wildlife.
• Moonridge Animal Park: This zoo is home to over 85 animals, including bears, wolves, and mountain lions, and offers visitors a chance to see these animals up close.
• Castle Rock Trail: This hiking trail offers stunning views of the valley and is a popular spot for hiking and mountain biking.
• Big Bear Solar Observatory: This facility is dedicated to the study of the sun and offers visitors a chance to learn about solar physics and astronomy.

Overall, Big Bear Valley offers something for everyone, whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, scenic beauty, or cultural attractions.

Big Bear Valley Climate

Big Bear Valley has a unique mountain climate that is characterized by four distinct seasons. Summers are mild with warm temperatures during the day and cool temperatures at night, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities. Average temperatures in the summer range from the high 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (25-27°C) during the day and the mid-40s to low 50s Fahrenheit (7-11°C) at night.

Fall is a beautiful time to visit Big Bear Valley as the trees change color, and the temperatures become cooler. Average temperatures in the fall range from the low 60s to high 70s Fahrenheit (15-25°C) during the day and the mid-20s to mid-30s Fahrenheit (-4 to 1°C) at night.

Winter in Big Bear Valley is cold, and snow is common, making it a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities. Average temperatures in the winter range from the low 40s to high 50s Fahrenheit (4-15°C) during the day and the low 20s to low 30s Fahrenheit (-6 to -1°C) at night.

Spring in Big Bear Valley is a beautiful time of year when the snow melts, and the wildflowers begin to bloom. Average temperatures in the spring range from the low 50s to low 70s Fahrenheit (10-21°C) during the day and the mid-20s to mid-40s Fahrenheit (-4 to 7°C) at night. Overall, Big Bear Valley's climate offers visitors a chance to experience a range of seasonal activities and beautiful scenery throughout the year.

Big Bear Valley Geography

Big Bear Valley is located in the San Bernardino Mountains in Southern California and covers an area of approximately 16 square miles (41.4 square kilometers). The valley is surrounded by mountain peaks that rise to over 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) in elevation.

The valley itself sits at an elevation of around 6,750 feet (2,057 meters) above sea level and is home to Big Bear Lake, a reservoir created by the construction of a dam on the Big Bear Creek. The lake is approximately 7 miles (11 kilometers) long and has a maximum depth of 72 feet (22 meters).

The valley is primarily forested, with a mix of pine, cedar, and oak trees, and is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and bald eagles. The area's rugged terrain and natural beauty make it a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, skiing, and snowboarding.

Overall, Big Bear Valley's unique geography offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty and diversity of Southern California's mountain landscape.

Big Bear Valley Culture

Big Bear Valley has a rich and diverse culture that has been shaped by its history and natural environment. The area has been home to Native American tribes for thousands of years, and their influence can still be seen in the local art, music, and cuisine.

In the late 1800s, Big Bear Valley became a popular destination for miners and ranchers, and the area's rugged terrain and natural beauty also attracted artists, writers, and other creative types. Today, the valley is home to a vibrant arts community, and visitors can find galleries, studios, and museums showcasing the work of local artists.

The valley's natural environment has also played a significant role in shaping its culture, and outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and fishing have become an important part of local life. The area is also known for its music festivals and cultural events, such as the Big Bear Lake International Film Festival and the Big Bear Renaissance Faire.

Overall, Big Bear Valley's culture is a unique blend of history, art, and outdoor adventure, offering visitors a chance to experience the best of Southern California's mountain lifestyle.

San Bernardino County

San Bernardino County is located in the southern part of the state of California and is the largest county in the United States by area, covering over 20,000 square miles (52,000 square kilometers). The county is home to a diverse population of over 2 million people and is one of the fastest-growing regions in California.

The county's economy is diverse and includes industries such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and tourism. The area is home to several large employers, including Amazon, Kaiser Permanente, and Stater Bros. Markets.

San Bernardino County is also known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. The county is home to several national parks and forests, including Joshua Tree National Park, Mojave National Preserve, and San Bernardino National Forest. These areas offer visitors a chance to experience the unique desert landscape of Southern California, including sand dunes, canyons, and rock formations.

The county is also known for its rich history, which dates back to the early Native American tribes that inhabited the area. Visitors can explore historic sites such as the Route 66 Museum, the California Route 66 Mother Road Museum, and the San Bernardino County Museum.

Overall, San Bernardino County offers visitors a chance to experience the best of Southern California, with its natural beauty, diverse economy, and rich history.

San Bernardino National Forest

The San Bernardino National Forest is a federally protected forest area located in southern California, United States. It covers an area of over 800,000 acres and is managed by the United States Forest Service. The forest spans across the San Bernardino Mountains, which are a part of the Transverse Ranges in southern California.

The San Bernardino National Forest is known for its diverse wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, mule deer, and a variety of bird species. The forest also has many hiking trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, and scenic drives that offer visitors a chance to enjoy its natural beauty. Some of the most popular areas within the forest include Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead, and the San Gorgonio Wilderness.

The forest is also home to several historic sites, including the Santa Ana River Trail, which was used by Native Americans and early settlers, and the Forest Chapel, a historic church that was built in 1909. In addition to its natural and cultural resources, the San Bernardino National Forest provides important ecosystem services, such as clean air and water, and plays a crucial role in mitigating the effects of climate change.

Overall, the San Bernardino National Forest is a beautiful and important natural resource that provides opportunities for recreation, education, and conservation.