Emerald in the Woods

Camping and Paddling at Green Valley Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains

Psst. Can you keep a secret? Green Valley Lake, nestled at 7,000 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains right between Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead, has all the watery charm of those popular bodies of water, just on a smaller scale, and decidedly without crowds—or motorized boats. It's also got camping, including first-come, first-served options.

Start your day off by renting a kayak, a canoe, or a stand-up paddleboard from the beachfront boathouse. Tour the shoreline while you enjoy the crystal-clear water, gentle breeze, and brilliant blue skies.

Then take to the woods. Dog-friendly Little Green Valley Trail, located on the north side of Highway 18 between the two entrances of Snow Valley ski area, is the perfect way to explore the surrounding forests. The 2.4-mile loop trail is short and sweet but offers a lot of bang for your buck. The ascending path may have you huffing and puffing as you enjoy the colors of blooming wildflowers such as golden yarrow, coyote mint, giant lupine, and Indian paintbrush. As you reach the meadow near the halfway point, keep your ears open for the summer tunes of plentiful bird species.

Ready to cool down? Drive back to the lake and head to the partitioned beach and swimming area ($5 adult entry) and enjoy the lake’s refreshing water and surrounding warm sand.

To reach Green Valley Lake, take SR-18 to Green Valley Lake Rd. Turn north and continue 3.7 miles. Then turn left on Lakeside Dr., right on Yukon Dr., and straight on Wild Rose Dr. Daytime parking is free. For campsites—some are first-come, first-served; others can be reserved through Recreation.gov.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View