Green Valley Lake Day Trip: San Bernardino Mountains

Nestled amid the San Bernardino Mountains at 7,200 feet, Green Valley Lake is perhaps one of the Inland Empire’s best-kept secrets. This “hidden gem” is a small human-made lake covering just nine acres and does not allow motorized boats, making it a perfect spot for swimming and fishing.

And because the lake is fed by rain and snow and has no year-round river flowing in or out, there is no worry of floating downstream, making it safer for the entire family.

Created from the Green Valley Dam in 1926, the lake can be used for any outdoor recreation, from hiking to taking the kids out for a spin on the paddle boats. But the lake is most famous for fishing.

Rimmed in a pine forest, cedar trees, and grassy meadows, Green Valley Lake has plenty to do for those who want activities off the water. A swimming beach area, basketball courts, jungle gyms, and even a miniature skate park exist. There are also plenty of trails for biking and off-road adventures.

Fishing Green Valley Lake

Fish are stocked twice a month from May to August, and the lake is known for its exceptional trout fishing. However, because of low temperatures, the lake is frozen in the wintertime until late spring. And while trout are the main action, there are also bass, catfish, and crappie in the lake.

There are, however, minimal concessions around the lake, so packing a picnic lunch is a good idea. There are plenty of tables. Canoes, pedal boats, or paddleboats can be rented to explore the quaint shoreline for a reasonable price at the boathouse.

Camping Green Valley Lake

If you plan to stay for more than a day, there are plenty of overnight accommodations in the area, including private lakeside vacation rentals and a family campground. The Green Valley Campground is one mile east of Green Valley Lake, at the end of Green Valley Lake Road.

Surrounded by a lush meadow and tall pines, this campground features 36 camping sites — 22 suitable for tents or campers and 13 for trailers or RVs. Nine sites are on a first-come, first-served basis, and the rest are by reservation only. Paved forest roads easily access the campground and are the main artery for numerous other trails, which are great for mountain biking and scenic driving.

Green Valley Lake Store

There are limited dining options available at the Lake. The local market is the only choice, which offers a variety of grocery-type items, including freshly baked cookies. It’s the only place in the area to get basic needs by providing a nice assortment of things. This way, residents and visitors don’t have to drive down the hill or to Big Bear Lake to stock up on itmes.

Getting to Green Valley Lake is easy.

The lake is a short drive from Los Angeles and Orange County and less than an hour from the Inland Empire. Green Valley Lake is also close to the nearby resort towns of Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear. Take the 210 Freeway to 330 north. Then head east on SR-18 from Running Springs, 2.7 miles. Turn left on Green Valley Lake Road and drive 3.5 miles. Winter driving conditions may require snow chains or 4WD to reach the lake.

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