A Little About Lake Arrowhead

The first white man ever to set foot in Little Bear Valley (now known as Lake Arrowhead) was a fur trader, who was a partner of Jedediah Smith, in 1826. At that time, about 40 Paiute Indians, a warlike tribe, used the mountains for their hunting grounds. They lived in the high desert area. Many were finally killed in a fight with the white men of Little Bear Valley, resulting from the Indians setting fire to one of the white men’s cabins.
At the same time, a more peaceful tribe of Indians, the Serranos, lived very near Bear Valley, in an area now known as Rock Camp, on the north side of the mountain. They did not bother the settlers until one of the white men made advances to an Indian maiden, which caused a skirmish killing both Indians and white men.

The Serrano Indians lived in the San Bernardino mountain range occupying Little Bear Valley. They would take their old and sick to Arrowhead Hot Springs for rejuvenation and healing. They hunted in the beautiful and bountiful valley and lived relatively peaceful, somewhat nomadic lives descending to the desert highlands and warmer inland valleys during the winter months.

The first so-called “Mormon Road” up the mountain was built in 1852. In the 1860’s, the main attraction for the white man at Little Bear Valley was logging, lumber and cattle, and there were several saw mills in and around the Valley. White man in the Little Bear Valley was first interested in the lumber. The trees were tall and straight and cut lumber could be hauled down to San Bernardino on a road constructed through the west end of the range.

The “Daley Canyon Road” was built in 1870. Summers were productive in the Valley, but everything stopped in the winter. A few families remained during the winter months and their only diversion was to snow shoe to their neighbors (usually miles away) to visit.

In the early 1890’s Little Bear Valley was chosen as a location for a reservoir. The dam would supply water to the lowlands in the San Bernardino Valley. Work on the reservoir started in 1893. Camp I in the north end of the valley was built to house the workers.

The land at what would be the bottom of the lake was cleared to prevent decay from becoming a problem and fouling the water. The dam, a semi-hydraulic fill dam was to be 200 feet high, 720 feet wide, and 1,100 feet thick at the base. In 1912 the dam was 80% complete. Work continued several more years, but legal problems rendered the dam’s diversion of water illegal. The lake behind the dam had partially filled with water, however the project was abandoned. The Company was stopped from continuing with its plan to transport water to the areas south of the mountains, and even though the lake was filling with water.

In 1891, three Ohio businessmen chose Little Bear Valley as a likely spot for a reservoir, to supply water to the southern lowlands. Land was purchased and water rights were obtained. The Arrowhead Reservoir Company was formed. In 1890, a tramway, (a cable powered device) was built from Waterman Canyon up the mountain for the purpose of transporting supplies for the building of the dam. However, engineering problems rendered it unsuccessful. Consequently, supplies and machinery were transported via the switchback road. Construction of the dam for the reservoir started in 1893. “Camp 1” on the north slope of the valley served as living quarters and mess halls for the workers.

In 1905, the property was transferred to a new corporation — Arrowhead Reservoir and Power Company — because the idea of utilizing the water for power had been conceived. The dam is what is known as a semi-hydraulic, fill dam, 200 feet high, 720 feet long and 1,100 feet thick at the base. It has a steel reinforced concrete core wall, embedded 20 feet in bed rock. The trees and brush were removed from what was to be the bottom of the lake, so that decay would not be a problem. The lake filled slowly from runoff.

By 1912, the dam was 80% complete, and work continued for several years after that. The plans called for over 60 miles of water conveyances and tunnels. However, only 6 1/2 miles of tunnels were completed, when it became known that the State ruled in favor of the ranchers on the upper desert side of the mountains, who relied on the water from the northward facing watershed, and passed laws which prevented the diverting of water from its natural watersheds for other than domestic use.

The Arrowhead Lake Company, a Los Angeles syndicate, bought Little Bear Lake and surrounding land (approximately 4,800 acres) in 1920, and changed the name to Lake Arrowhead, (deriving the name from the rock formation in the form of an Arrowhead on the face of the San Bernardino Mountain, near Arrowhead Hot Springs, which is rooted in Indian legend). Their plan was to develop the valley and lake behind the dam into a resort community. By 1923 the dam was completed and a road built along part of the north shore. A Norman style village complete with pavilion, outdoor movie theater, restaurant and beach were constructed. Three hotels were built: the Arlington Lodge, Village Inn and North Shore Tavern as well as the 9 hole golf course.

Some of the lakeside land was subdivided and sold for private homes and secluded north shore estates. Many Hollywood stars stayed at the hotels during that era, and some purchased homes in the resort. The studios frequently used the area for locations for making films.

A domestic water system, pumping water from deep in the lake, supplied the homes, and the structures were connected to a very efficient sewer system. Strict restrictions and conditions affecting the use of land and the buildings erected in Arrowhead Woods were recorded with each tract, including the removal of trees.
During the war years, Lake Arrowhead Village was a popular rest and recuperation area for service men. Because of gas rationing, tourists were scarce.

In spite of lot sales, financial troubles developed and the Arrowhead Lake Company went into receivership. In 1946, the Los Angeles Turf Club (owners of Santa Anita Race Track) purchased the lake and surrounding properties, know as Arrowhead Woods.

Several million dollars were spent by the Turf Club, within the first few years of their ownership, in improving the properties. There were no lots sold to speak of during the Turf Club ownership, however they made several donations of land to various organizations, such as the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, San Bernardino County, churches, Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, (the builders of the hospital), and they also donated $50,000 toward the construction of the hospital. The famous North Shore Tavern was donated to the University of California and is now a popular conference center.

In 1960, the Lake Arrowhead Development Company was formed by three developers from Los Angeles. They built the present day 18 hole golf course and club house over the old 9 hole course and subdivided 18 residential tracts. In 1967 the Lake Arrowhead Development Company merged with the Boise Cascade Corporation and additional subdivision of properties were created.

In 1971, Lake Arrowhead was purchased by seven businessmen from Chicago. In 1973, Boise Cascade was forced to re-acquire Lake Arrowhead through foreclosure. The Chicago group retained some of the properties not mortgaged by Boise, including some un-subdivided acreage. At the time Boise re-acquired the property, they were faced with the problem of building a new dam or lowering the lake 70 feet, due to a study required by the State to be made of all dams in California following the Van Norman Dam incident in the 1971 Sylmar earthquake.

The study found Arrowhead dam would probably be unsafe if an earthquake of 6.5 magnitude were to occur in this area. However, Boise felt that the building of a dam should be shared by all property owners in Arrowhead Woods, and legislation was passed to permit a bond issue to be voted on by property owners to finance the building of a new dam downstream. A bond for seven million dollars was passed in 1974 and a new earth fill dam was built. A small lake was formed between the two dams, named by a local resident — “Papoose Lake.”

The property owners in Arrowhead Woods bought Lake Arrowhead in October, 1975 from Boise, and Boise sold their remaining holdings in Lake Arrowhead to Metropolitan Advertising Agency in 1977. In 1978, a group of investors, headed by developer George Coult, bought the Village  and Lodge  properties. In April of 1979, the Burn To Learn  exercise was conducted by the Lake Arrowhead Fire Protection District with the San Bernardino County Fire Departments and the Air Corps taking part. All structures in the Village were burned except the original dance pavilion building, the post office, bank and real estate office.

The beautiful new Village was built in much the same architecture as the old Village, and the dance pavilion was restored as the Theme building, which now houses the Papagayos Restaurant.

Lake Arrowhead Village is the area’s main commercial hot spot for both visitors and locals. With a variety of unique fashion boutiques, outlet stores, restaurants, and a supermarket, The Village provides excellent shopping and dining before heading back to your cozy lodging. Also home to a FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES on CENTER STAGE, from May through September, Lake Arrowhead Village entertains thousands at more than forty free concerts each Friday and Saturday night and on holidays, throughout the summer.

The Village includes a complete convenience shopping center providing many professional services, and offers many culinary delights, from lake view restaurants and cafés to ice cream and chocolate confections. Shopping possibilities are varied and rich, with factory outlets, galleries, boutiques, gift and specialty shops.

Attractions include Family Go-Carts on the beach, McKenzie Ski School, the oldest continually operating ski school in the country, a playground with play stations for ages 5-12, and spectacular lake tours on the Arrowhead Queen, a stately 60-seat paddle-wheeler.

The Village celebrates many special events throughout the year- Easter, the 4th of July, Oktoberfest and Christmas, to name a few, and enjoys live music and activities throughout the Village on most weekends.

Lake Arrowhead is not only a popular recreational area for visitors, it is also a beautiful year round Alpine residential community at 5000 feet elevation. Come up and enjoy the seasons, the fresh mountain air and beautiful vistas that are Lake Arrowhead…

Four Beautiful Seasons
One of the most prized assets of the area is that it truly experiences four distinct seasons. Our weather offers residents and visitors alike the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities.

SPRING in Lake Arrowhead brings mild temperatures and bright colors as the area bursts with life. Blooms flower, wildlife babies emerge from their winter hideaways, and the sounds of chirping birds fill the Lake Arrowhead air, as people visit for a romantic get away from Los Angeles, Orange County, and from faraway places.

Hiking is a popular spring activity here. There are many hiking trails, with a favorite being the Pacific Coast Trail, located about seven miles away from the Lake, and running from the Mexico border to Canada.

Anglers everywhere know that spring is the best time of the year to land a big fish, which brings pros and novices alike to Lake Arrowhead lodging establishments. Whether you’re looking to snag a big one or just want to enjoy the experience with a little catch and release, you can cast your jig or bait in the lake or in nearby public Lake Gregory for Bass, Carp, Catfish, Crappie, Kokanee Salmon, Sunfish, and Trout.

SUMMER in Lake Arrowhead is warm and cozy, without being hot and humid, and the air is CLEAN!! The gentle breeze from the lake provides just the right amount of cool during this time of year when water sports are at their most exciting and sunbathing is at its most relaxing. Swimming, water skiing, boating, dock parties, fishing, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, and more take place during the summer on our lake and in our beach clubs. Those visiting Lake Arrowhead resort properties can make full use of this beautiful private lake and anyone staying at a Lake Arrowhead lodging can take part in water activities at nearby Lake Gregory. And, don’t forget that Lake Arrowhead is home to a FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES on CENTER STAGE, from May through September, Lake Arrowhead Village entertains thousands at more than forty free concerts each Friday and Saturday night and on holidays, throughout the summer.

When visiting during the summer, remember to take the Lake Arrowhead Queen Paddleboat Tour, which lasts about an hour and takes you around the perimeter of Lake Arrowhead. The notoriously hilarious tour guide has a great reputation for his jokes and one-liners and always has the entire boat in stitches as he points out celebrity homes and tells stories and fun facts about the area. For example, did you know that there have been 120 movies filmed in Lake Arrowhead, including Heidi, The American President, Space Jam, Next, and the 1998 remake of The Parent Trap?

FALL in Lake Arrowhead brings out the red, gold, and orange colors of the mountains, and provides the perfect backdrop for camping in Lake Arrowhead. One of the most popular campgrounds is the North Shore Campground. Only three miles from The Village, this beautiful campground features modern Lake Arrowhead lodging amenities for campers, like running water and restrooms. San Bernardino National Forest also provides outdoor activities in the forest with equestrian trails and trails for mountain biking and off road vehicles. With cool evenings and warm days, fall is glorious in Lake Arrowhead!!

WINTER brings fluffy white snow that transforms Lake Arrowhead into an unbelievably beautiful, peaceful winter wonderland. No traffic, crystal clear sky’s, perfect quiet… Skiing and snowboarding are favorite winter activities at our mountain ski resorts, Snow Valley, Bear Mountain, and Snow Summit. The Big Bear Ranger Station and Discovery Center hosts a snowshoe tour, and several groups offer guided winter hikes, and you can ice skate at one of the world’s most beautiful outdoor skating rinks.

While outdoor activities abound, there is still plenty to do in Lake Arrowhead if you’re not an outdoor person at heart. The area is teeming with shopping, dining, culture, cozy Lake Arrowhead lodging, Lake Arrowhead resort spas, and fun events that boost the reputation of the area as a perfect family vacation spot.

The Annual Lake Arrowhead Home Tour takes participants on a tour of some of the most remarkable homes in the community. Whether a historic log cabin with a significant story to tell, or a modern and high tech lakefront mansion, this tour can provide you with a look at the finest architecture and décor Lake Arrowhead has to offer.

The Lake Arrowhead Yacht Club, which began operations in 1932 in Lake Arrowhead, has over 350 members and a fleet of over 35 sailboats and The Annual Antique and Classic Wooden Boat Show features historic wooden boats from manufacturers of the past.

Lake Arrowhead is home to the Ice Castle International Training Center, an Olympic training facility for figure skaters, and The University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), operates the UCLA Conference Center near Lake Arrowhead, a full service conference facility with excellent lodging and plenty of meeting space.

As a romantic get away from Los Angeles, Orange County, or anywhere else for that matter, Lake Arrowhead’s community has a strong sense of local pride. The economy is mostly dependent on tourism, including lodging, dining, resorts and spas. The primary tourism industries include real estate, lodging, dining, skiing, recreation, resorts, spas, and retail sales.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic get away, a relaxing family escape, or a thrilling outdoor adventure, Lake Arrowhead offers a perfect destination for individuals, couples, families, groups of all sizes.

Information compliments of: http://www.lakearrowhead.com/lahistory.html