Idyllic Lake Fulmor

Relaxing at Lake Fulmor Near Idyllwild

High up in the hills near Idyllwild, quaint and charming Lake Fulmor—not too big, not too small—is just right for relaxing in the cool, quiet shade. It’s not a place to go to be super active. There’s no boating. No swimming. Nothing to distract you from enjoying peace and quiet at this lake nestled in the San Bernardino National Forest.

If you’re looking for a little bit of action, you can stroll the approximately 1-mile loop around the 3-acre lake, maybe pausing on the observation pier to watch ducks play in the water. Much of the shore of Lake Fulmor is lined with picnic tables and grills, but you can also pack a picnic blanket and find a more secluded spot across the lake. Love fishing? The lake is stocked with trout, and you can pull up a chair anywhere you like along the lake shore to toss a line. Watch dragonflies dart around the water and listen to the sounds of Steller’s jays as you enjoy the idyllic scenery that surrounds you.

The lake is just 20 minutes from beautiful little Idyllwild should you need a “city” fix. But sometimes just a day of doing absolutely nothing in the beauty of nature beside a placid lake is exactly what the doctor ordered.

Lake Fulmor is located off CA-243 between Banning and Idyllwild. From the I-10, take Exit 100 onto 8th St. (CA-243), and continue 14.8 miles toward Idyllwild. Lake Fulmor Day Use Area parking lot is on the right, and the lake is directly across the road. Adventure Pass required. Lake Fulmor is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dog-friendly!

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