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.

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. Taking the Stage: Tyler Ranch

    Hike the recently opened Tyler Ranch Staging Area in Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, with 18 miles of new trails. This 6.5-mile loop up Sunol Peak is a challenge and rewards with exceptional views of seasonal iridescent hills.

    View
  2. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunset Hike (and Manly Lake Vista!) at Dante's View

    It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. On clear days you get views of both the highest and lowest points in the contiguous U.S. 

    View
  3. Swing into Spring

    Swing into this 7.1-mile hike in the hills of Half Moon Bay! It’s got gorgeous views, fields of spring wildflowers, and a hidden rustic tree swing.

    View
  4. The Carson Show

    Carson Falls is ready for primetime. This three-tiered, 100-foot stunner is hidden back in a canyon outside of Fairfax and reached on a 3.25-mile (round-trip) hike.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Lava Lava

    Once a land of volcanic activity, Mojave National Preserve shares plenty about its past via a quick yet adventurous hike to the Lava Tube in the Cima Dome Volcanic Field.

    View
  2. Kelso Dunes

    The hike to the top of Kelso Dunes in the Mojave National Preserve is only 3 miles (out and back), but you’ll feel like you’ve hiked much farther by the time you’re done.

    View
  3. William Kenyon Overlook

    Some of the best vistas of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are easily accessible via a short and sweet 1.25-mile (round-trip) hike just off the CA-78. Enter your next favorite desert viewpoint: the William Kenyon Overlook.

    View
  4. Beaudry Bountiful

    There are no cars allowed on Beaudry Loop, but this 6-mile hike takes you on a wild ride. You’ll be climbing 1,500 feet up the southern Verdugos along a chaparral-lined trail with gorgeous mountain and urban vistas every step of the way.

    View