Lake Arrowhead
About Lake Arrowhead
Lake Arrowhead is a man-made reservoir completed in 1922, originally known as Little Bear Lake. Built to support water needs and encourage real estate development in the mountains, it quickly grew into a premier resort destination. Today, it spans approximately 780 acres with nearly 14 miles of shoreline, all framed by luxury cabins, lodges, and forested mountain slopes.
Unlike most public California lakes, Lake Arrowhead is privately owned and managed by the Arrowhead Property Owners Association (APOA). This unique setup means the lake is reserved for property owners and their guests, ensuring a quiet, well-maintained environment. Visitors without lake rights can still enjoy scenic boat tours, lakefront dining, hiking in the surrounding San Bernardino National Forest, and a host of mountain activities that make Lake Arrowhead a four-season destination.
Key Features
Quick facts (at-a-glance)
Lake Arrowhead Vacation Homes For Rent
What you can do there
Scenic Boat Tours: Non-property owners can board the Arrowhead Queen, a narrated paddlewheel boat that cruises the lake daily. It offers close-up views of luxury estates and historic points around the shoreline.
Lake Arrowhead Village: The commercial hub of the region features boutique shops, galleries, restaurants, and entertainment. Seasonal attractions include the summer concert series, Oktoberfest, and holiday festivities.
Hiking & Nature Trails: The surrounding San Bernardino National Forest offers trails for all skill levels. Favorites include the Heart Rock Trail, with its naturally carved heart-shaped rock, and the Heaps Peak Arboretum with family-friendly interpretive trails.
Fishing (with Access): Property owners and guests can enjoy stocked rainbow trout, bass, and catfish. Fishing is best from private docks or small boats.
Picnicking & Forest Leisure: Numerous picnic sites surround the lake and nearby forest roads, providing quiet spaces to relax among the pines.
Winter Recreation: In colder months, nearby Snow Valley Mountain Resort and Snowdrift Snow Tubing Park make Lake Arrowhead a four-season attraction with skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.
Wildlife Viewing: The area is home to bald eagles, hawks, mule deer, and even the occasional black bear. Seasonal eagle-watching tours are offered by local nature groups.
Access, marinas & ramps
Lake Arrowhead is not a public lake; water access is restricted to members of the APOA (property owners) and their guests.
Marinas: Several marinas provide docking and boat services, including Lake Arrowhead Village Marina and North Shore Marina. Slip rentals are available only for lake-right properties.
Boat Tours: The Arrowhead Queen tour boat offers a public way to experience the lake from the water.
Nearby Alternatives: For visitors without private access, Lake Gregory Regional Park (15 minutes away) offers public swimming beaches, fishing, and watercraft rentals.
Safety & regulations
Gallery
Nearby highlights & suggested day trips
Events & community
The Lake Arrowhead community is vibrant and event-driven, offering activities for both residents and visitors. In the summer, the Lake Arrowhead Village Summer Concert Series draws big crowds with free performances by tribute and touring bands. Oktoberfest transforms the Village into a Bavarian-style celebration with beer gardens, music, and dancing. Winter ushers in holiday lights and festivities, including themed shopping and village events. The community also hosts farmers markets, art fairs, and cultural festivals throughout the year, showcasing the unique mountain culture of the region.
Lake Location
Lake Details
© 2025 Best of the Lake, All Rights Reserved.