Anyone have Big Bear experience

[lovemyultra]

I was in Big Bear on the bike last week it was a great place ,how about cabin rentals on the lake with a dock attached ,also what is the deal with the lake is it a fun place to go for a couple days or do they not welcome outsiders too much ? Thanks for any info
DJ

[blackcloud75]

"Ride the Mountain Rally"?????
Lived there for 8 years......very open to outsiders and visitors.
There are many different options for rentals up there. Just beware that as the summer moves on,lakeweed grows quick due to elevation/UV and lake levels drop quick for the same reason. As for lake activities, mornings are great for skiing/wakeboarding and afternoons get blown out due to the "sundowner" breezes.

[Riverkid]

My in laws have a nice place up there. We spent the weekend on the lake with them over Memorial. Big Bear is a beautiful lake. 35 mph limit, you need a weekend use permit ($25) or an annual for $75... You should try it, you'll like it. We are headed back up there for the Fourth.
Like anywhere else, watch out for the rental lake licers. They tagged our boat last year on the fourth, sitting still...
Sitting out on the deck watching the sun go down up there never gets old.

[jbone]

Can you swim there? If so, is it too cold.
Are there beaches or anything to pull up to.
J

[RitcheyRch]

Can only imagine that the water is cold.

[Moe_Havi]

You shouldn't have any trouble with water levels. It is full to the very top right now. Tow your boat up the back way (through redlands) not through Running Springs. Front way is pretty steep climb. It is best if your boat has EFI because they run like sh*t with carbs. Mix is too rich. And finally, when you go down, use low gear. It's real easy to burn up those breaks. Oh yea, water right now is about 60.
Moe

[Riverkid]

Can you swim there? If so, is it too cold.
Are there beaches or anything to pull up to.
J
I got in over Memorial, but yes, it was cold. No real beaches or beaching going on. Everybody pretty much pics a cove (usually by the dam) and drops the hook. The water in the coves warms up in the shallower areas as it gets later in the season. Just watch out for the lake weed when that happens. Definitely run up and down the back way towing, as mentioned.

[Water Romper]

We make several trips a year up there both winter and summer. We stay at the Northwood’s Resort (Reservations: 800-866-3121)
The boat (outboard) runs like crap :cry: the high altitude tanks it. I usually putt around the lake and then anchor it by the “Chinese house” near the dam. The water level is high and cold :220v: but nice (I do not water ski up there, to crowded) The ‘lice can be trying as well…people drinking at 8 thousand feet can’t handle the beer :2purples:
If you stay at the Northwood’s Resort, you can walk to all the restaurants, shops and watering holes (Chad’s is one of the more popular night clubs. They have pool tables as well plus as live band at night)
If the wind picks up, drop the boat in the hotel parking lot and go look at the "gold country" Lucky Baldwin's gold mine is up there and other interesting stuff to look at as well. This is located in Holcomb Valley. North/East of the lake. A truck is the best way to get there however I have seen some cars, suv's etc...
Can be a fun getaway. :crossx: :crossx:

[lalhc]

All info noted on this thread is very accurate. I live up in Lake Arrowhead where the conditions are pretty similar compared to Big Bear Lake.

[Outnumbered]

All sounds good except the elevation part. The lake is about 6,700 elevation. If your boat runs rich and its carbed it will run even worse up there. I used to have no problems running at the river and then on Lake Arrowhead at about 5,200 feet with a carbed BBF. The trick is if you have a "Ski Prop" use it. In otherwords prop down if you don't have EFI and dont take your boat up there if it already runs rich to begin with.