Big Bear Lake is a city in San Bernardino County, California, located in the San Bernardino Mountains along the south shore of the lake and surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest. It is about 25 miles northeast of San Bernardino, with a permanent population of around 5,046 (2020 census), but the population can exceed 100,000 during busy weekends due to tourism.
The area was originally inhabited by the Serrano people for over 2,000 years. European exploration began with Benjamin Wilson, and the population grew during the Southern California gold rush (1861–1912). Grizzly bears, which gave the area its name, disappeared by 1908, and black bears were introduced in 1933.Transportation improvements, including the first bus line from San Bernardino to Big Bear Valley, helped the area grow into Southern California’s first mountain recreation destination. Big Bear beCAme known for its lake recreation and natural hot springs. The Pan Hot Springs Hotel opened in 1921, attracting Hollywood celebrities, and by 1924, the city had 44 resorts. Fires and black bear introductions in 1933 marked key events in the city’s history.









