Big Bear Lake, California

{{Short description|City in California, United States}}
{{about|the incorporated city|the lake|Big Bear Lake|the adjacent unincorporated town<!--not CDP, because that is ambiguous, and awkward-->|Big Bear City, California}}
{{distinguish|Great Bear Lake}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name                     = Big Bear Lake, California
| native_name              = Yuhaviat<ref>[http://www.bigbearlake.net/about-big-bear/history Big Bear Lake California History - History of Big Bear Lake]</ref>
| named_for                = [[Big Bear Lake]]
| settlement_type          = [[List of municipalities in California|City]]
| image_skyline            = Big Bear Valley, California.jpg
| image_caption            = Looking east at Big Bear Valley from Butler Peak lookout tower in the [[San Bernardino National Forest]]
| image_seal               = Seal of Big Bear Lake, California.png
| image_map                = File:San Bernardino County California Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Big Bear Lake Highlighted 0606434.svg
| mapsize                  = 250x200px
| map_caption              = Location of Big Bear Lake in San Bernardino County, California
| pushpin_map              = USA
| pushpin_relief           = 1
| pushpin_map_caption      = Location in the United States
| coordinates              = {{coord|34|14|38|N|116|54|41|W|region:US-CA|display=inline,title}}<!-- coords per GNIS -->
| subdivision_type         = Country
| subdivision_name         = United States
| subdivision_type1        = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_name1        = [[California]]
| subdivision_type2        = [[List of counties in California|County]]
| subdivision_name2        = [[San Bernardino County, California|San Bernardino]]
| established_title        = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
| established_date         = November 28, 1980<ref>{{Cite web
 |url=http://www.calafco.org/docs/Cities_by_incorp_date.doc 
 |title=California Cities by Incorporation Date 
 |format=Word 
 |publisher=California Association of [[Local Agency Formation Commission]]s 
 |access-date=August 25, 2014 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103002921/http://www.calafco.org/docs/Cities_by_incorp_date.doc 
 |archive-date=November 3, 2014 
 |df=mdy 
}}</ref>
| government_type          = Council/Manager
| leader_title             = City Manager
| leader_name              = Erik Sund
| leader_title1            = [[Mayor]]
| leader_name1             = Perri Melnick
<!-- Area------------------>
| unit_pref                = Imperial
| area_footnotes           = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{cite web|title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_06.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=October 30, 2021}}</ref>
| area_total_km2           = 16.64
| area_total_sq_mi         = 6.42
| area_land_km2            = 16.16
| area_land_sq_mi          = 6.24
| area_water_km2           = 0.47
| area_water_sq_mi         = 0.18
| area_water_percent       = 2.88
| elevation_m              = 2058
| elevation_ft             = 6752
| population_footnotes     = 
| population_total         = 5046
| population_as_of         = [[2020 United States Census|2020]]
| population_density_km2   = 312.17
| population_density_sq_mi = 808.52
| timezone                 = [[Pacific Time Zone|PST]]
| utc_offset               = −8
| timezone_DST             = PDT
| utc_offset_DST           = −7
| postal_code_type         = [[ZIP Code]]
| postal_code              = 92315
| area_code                = [[Area code 909|909]]
| blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
| blank_info               = {{FIPS|06|06434}}
| blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info              = {{GNIS 4|1652673}}
| website                  = {{URL|citybigbearlake.com}}
| pop_est_as_of            = 
| pop_est_footnotes        = 
| population_est           = 
}}

'''Big Bear Lake''' is a small city in [[San Bernardino County, California]], located in the [[San Bernardino Mountains]] along the south shore of [[Big Bear Lake]], and surrounded by the [[San Bernardino National Forest]]. The city is about {{convert|25|mi|km}} northeast of the city of [[San Bernardino, California|San Bernardino]], and immediately west of the [[Unincorporated area|unincorporated town]]<!-- not CDP, because that is ambiguous, and awkward --> of [[Big Bear City, California|Big Bear City]]. The population was approximately 5,019 at the 2010 census, down from 5,438 at the 2000 census. However, as a popular year-round resort destination, the actual number of people staying in or visiting the greater Big Bear Valley area regularly surges to over 100,000 during many weekends of the year.

==History==
[[Big Bear Lake]] was inhabited by the indigenous [[Serrano people]] for over 2,000 years before it was explored by [[Benjamin Davis Wilson|Benjamin Wilson]] and his party. Once populated by only the natives and the [[California grizzly bear|grizzly bears]], from which the area received its name, the population of the Big Bear Valley grew rapidly during the Southern California [[gold rush]] from 1861 to 1912. Grizzly bears were not found in the region after 1908.<ref name="A Natural History of California" /> Black bears have been in the region since their introduction in 1933,<ref name="A Natural History of California">{{cite book | url= https://books.google.com/books?id=SY3Kfe3FmVsC&pg=PA386| title= Ibid, p. 386| publisher= University of California Press| access-date=February 26, 2011| isbn= 9780520909915| date= 1992-12-16}}</ref> and they are sometimes sighted in residential areas.

A trip to Big Bear Lake from [[San Bernardino, California|San Bernardino]] took two days on horse-drawn coaches. Kirk Phillips was a local who took a trip to New York City and saw the world's first bus line. This inspired him to create the world's second bus line from San Bernardino to Big Bear Valley using white trucks with several rows of seats. This made it possible for the villages to grow and for Big Bear Lake to become the first mountain recreation area in [[Southern California]].<ref name="Early Big Bear Valley Resorts">{{cite web | url= http://www.bigbearhistory.org/resorts.htm| title= Early Big Bear Valley Resorts| publisher= Big Bear Valley Historical Society| access-date=May 5, 2009}}</ref>

Many people traveled to enjoy recreation on the lake. However, another major draw was the natural hot spring. Emile Jesserun bought {{convert|40|acre|ha}} of land that included the hot spring and built the first major resort in Big Bear, the Pan Hot Springs Hotel, in 1921. This resort was followed with others that strove to be the best by creating a country club atmosphere, complete with the amenities required to lure the Hollywood celebrities of the time including [[Cecil B. DeMille]], [[Shirley Temple]], and [[Ginger Rogers]]. By 1924, Big Bear was populated with 44 resorts and a constant stream of vacationers. The Pan Hot Springs Hotel, like many of the other resorts and hotels in Big Bear, was extensively damaged by fire in 1933.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.bigbearhistorysite.com/big-bear-historical-articles/big-bear-city-lodges/ | title=BIG BEAR CITY RESORTS &#124; Big Bear History Site | access-date=2017-10-06 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171007120014/http://www.bigbearhistorysite.com/big-bear-historical-articles/big-bear-city-lodges/ | archive-date=2017-10-07 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

In 1933, the California Fish and Game Commission transported around 27 black bears from [[Yosemite National Park]] to Southern California, releasing them near Big Bear.<ref name="A Natural History of California" /> Sightings of the newly released bears in cities stoked fear among residents. J. Dale Gentry, chairman of the Fish and Game Commission, resigned shortly after.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-01-07 |title=Those black bears you see in Southern California, this is how they arrived |url=https://www.sbsun.com/those-black-bears-you-see-in-southern-california-this-is-how-they-arrived/ |access-date=2024-03-30 |website=San Bernardino Sun |language=en-US}}</ref> 

For Hollywood's film industry, the area has been a popular place for shooting on location since the silent era. In late November 1915, [[Universal Studios]] filmed there for its [[Film reel|three-reel]] production of ''John o' the Mountains'' starring [[Sydney Ayres]] and [[Louella Maxam]].<ref>[http://archive.org/stream/movpicwor26chal#page/n451/mode/2up "Ayres Producing 'John o' the Mountains'"], ''[[The Moving Picture World]]'' (New York, N.Y.), December 18, 1915, p. 451. Retrieved June 12, 2019.</ref> The 1920 version of ''[[The Last of the Mohicans (1920 American film)|Last of the Mohicans]]'' was filmed there as well, as were some scenes for the 1936 film ''[[Daniel Boone (1936 film)|Daniel Boone]]'', ''[[Gone with the Wind (film)|Gone with the Wind]]'', 20th Century Fox's 1960 film ''[[North to Alaska]]'', Disney's ''[[Old Yeller (film)|Old Yeller]]'', the 1969 musical film ''[[Paint Your Wagon (film)|Paint Your Wagon]]'', the 1983 movie ''[[WarGames|War Games]]'', and the 1985 "dark comedy" ''[[Better Off Dead (film)|Better Off Dead]]''. Many television series have filmed sequences there too, including opening sequences in 1969 for the [[NBC]] children's program ''[[H.R. Pufnstuf]]''.

Winter activities are also popular in Big Bear. The first ski jump in Big Bear was erected in 1929 and quickly claimed a world ski jump record. More jumps were built in Big Bear Lake and the Viking Ski Club of Los Angeles began to use them for competition and events. The move to a winter resort town was solidified in 1952 when Tommy Tyndall opened a resort in Big Bear Lake, now known as [[Snow Summit]].<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.bigbearhistory.org/wntrsport.htm| title= Winter Sports| publisher= Big Bear Valley Historical Society| access-date=May 5, 2009}}</ref> In some winters the area gets little snow, but [[snowmaking|snow machines]] keep the resorts in business.

In the summer of 1968, [[California Institute of Technology|Caltech]] began construction of [[Big Bear Solar Observatory]] (BBSO) located on the north shore of Big Bear Lake. Due to extensive rain and snow, the lake rose several feet and BBSO was surrounded by water at the time construction was completed using makeshift barges in May 1970. BBSO, now operated by the [[New Jersey Institute of Technology]], is still a major Big Bear Lake landmark connected to the north shore by a dirt and rock causeway.

Since 1970, Big Bear Lake has held an annual [[Oktoberfest]]. The Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest sports the highest [[beer garden]], by elevation, in the United States. Big Bear Lake was incorporated as a city on November 28, 1980.

During the 1990s, the city became famous as a training spot for [[boxing]] champions. [[Oscar De La Hoya]], [[Mike Tyson]], [[Fernando Vargas]], [[Gennady Golovkin]], and [[Shane Mosley]] are among the famous boxers who have trained at Big Bear.

In February 2013, a major manhunt occurred in the Big Bear Lake area to find [[Christopher Dorner shootings and manhunt#Suspect|Christopher Dorner]], who by that point had killed three people. A standoff ended in nearby [[Angelus Oaks, California|Angelus Oaks]].

==Geography==
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|6.5|sqmi|km2}},  {{convert|6.3|sqmi|km2}} of which is land and {{convert|0.2|sqmi|km2}} of which (2.88%) is water. It is located {{convert|25|mi|km}} northeast of the city of [[San Bernardino, California|San Bernardino]], and immediately west of [[Big Bear City, California|Big Bear City]].

Big Bear Lake is at an official elevation of 6,752&nbsp;ft (2,058 m) above sea level.

The [[California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment]] has issued a safety advisory for any fish caught in Big Bear Lake due to elevated levels of [[Mercury (element)|mercury]] and [[Polychlorinated biphenyl|PCBs]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://oehha.ca.gov/advisories/big-bear-lake|title=Big Bear Lake|last=Admin|first=OEHHA|date=2018-01-30|website=OEHHA|access-date=2018-11-06}}</ref>

===Climate===
{{stack|[[File:Big Bear Lake2.jpg|thumb|right|View from Boulder Bay Park]]}}
According to the National Weather Service, the warmest month at Big Bear is July, with a daily average temperature of {{convert|65.1|°F|1}}. The coolest month is February, with a daily average temperature of {{convert|34.7|°F|1}}. (January and December are nearly tied, at {{convert|34.8|F|C|1|disp=semicolon}}.) There are an average of 1.3 days each year with highs of {{convert|90|°F|abbr=on}} or higher. Freezing temperatures have occurred in every month and occur on an average of 176.2 days each year, on average from September 24 to June 4. With a period of record dating back to only 1960, the highest temperature recorded was {{convert|98|°F|abbr=on}}, recorded on June 30, 1994, while the lowest was {{convert|-15|°F|abbr=on}} on November 19, 1964.

Due to the {{convert|6750|ft|m}} elevation<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.freemaptools.com/elevation-finder.htm|title=Elevation Finder|publisher=FreeMapTools|access-date=2021-07-27}}</ref> of the weather station, precipitation is greater than in the lowlands of southern California, averaging {{nowrap|{{convert|19.98|in|abbr=on}}}} a year. The maximum 24-hour precipitation was {{nowrap|{{convert|9.43|in|abbr=on}}}} on December 6, 1966.  Measurable precipitation normally occurs 43.3 days a year. Mountain thunderstorms can produce heavy rainfall, even in midsummer (when most southern California lowland locations are quite dry). Big Bear Lake's climate is ''Csb'' ([[Mediterranean climate#Warm-summer Mediterranean climate|Warm-summer]] [[Mediterranean climate|Mediterranean]]) under the [[Köppen climate classification]], bordering a [[humid continental climate]] (''Dsb''); it lies within USDA plant [[hardiness zone]] 7a.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.plantmaps.com/interactive-california-2012-usda-plant-zone-hardiness-map.php|title=California 2012 USDA Hardiness Zone Map|website=plantmaps.com|access-date=2021-07-27}}</ref> Big Bear Lake is the highest and coldest incorporated city in southern California.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.totalescape.com/destin/townelevations.html#.YxT4EnbMIaQ|title=California Towns Listed by Elevation|publisher=Total Escape|access-date=2022-09-04}}</ref>

In contrast to most of southern California, the Big Bear Lake region normally receives significant winter snow because of its high elevation. Snowfall, as measured at lake level, averages {{convert|58.6|in|cm|abbr=on}} per season; upwards of {{convert|100|in|cm|abbr=on}} can accumulate on the forested ridges bordering the lake, at elevations above {{convert|8000|ft|abbr=on}}. In February 1990, {{convert|59.5|in|cm|abbr=on}} of snow were recorded. The most snow in 24 hours was {{convert|27.0|in|cm|abbr=on}} on March 27, 1991. The greatest snow depth was {{convert|58|in|cm|abbr=on}} on February 3, 1979.  Snow has fallen in every month except July and August. There are normally 16 days each year with measurable snow of {{convert|0.1|in|cm|abbr=on}} or more.
<section begin=weatherbox />{{Weather box
| single line = y
| location    = Big Bear Lake, California, (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1914–present)
|Jan record high F = 71
|Feb record high F = 72
|Mar record high F = 80
|Apr record high F = 82
|May record high F = 87
|Jun record high F = 98
|Jul record high F = 94
|Aug record high F = 93
|Sep record high F = 90
|Oct record high F = 85
|Nov record high F = 74
|Dec record high F = 70
|year record high F = 98
|Jan avg record high F = 60.1
|Feb avg record high F = 60.3
|Mar avg record high F = 65.1
|Apr avg record high F = 72.2
|May avg record high F = 78.4
|Jun avg record high F = 85.8
|Jul avg record high F = 88.7
|Aug avg record high F = 86.5
|Sep avg record high F = 82.1
|Oct avg record high F = 75.5
|Nov avg record high F = 68.3
|Dec avg record high F = 61.8
|year avg record high F = 89.8
| Jan high F = 46.1
| Feb high F = 45.7
| Mar high F = 51.2
| Apr high F = 57.3
| May high F = 65.8
| Jun high F = 75.1
| Jul high F = 79.7
| Aug high F = 78.7
| Sep high F = 73.0
| Oct high F = 63.4
| Nov high F = 53.5
| Dec high F = 46.2
| year high F =

|Jan mean F = 34.8
|Feb mean F = 34.7
|Mar mean F = 39.1
|Apr mean F = 44.2
|May mean F = 51.5
|Jun mean F = 59.3
|Jul mean F = 65.1
|Aug mean F = 64.1
|Sep mean F = 58.5
|Oct mean F = 49.2
|Nov mean F = 40.6
|Dec mean F = 34.8
|year mean F =

| Jan low F = 23.6
| Feb low F = 23.7
| Mar low F = 27.0
| Apr low F = 31.0
| May low F = 37.2
| Jun low F = 43.5
| Jul low F = 50.5
| Aug low F = 49.5
| Sep low F = 44.0
| Oct low F = 35.0
| Nov low F = 27.8
| Dec low F = 23.5
| year low F = 
|Jan avg record low F = 9.1
|Feb avg record low F = 9.8
|Mar avg record low F = 14.1
|Apr avg record low F = 20.1
|May avg record low F = 27.0
|Jun avg record low F = 33.4
|Jul avg record low F = 40.2
|Aug avg record low F = 39.3
|Sep avg record low F = 32.5
|Oct avg record low F = 24.5
|Nov avg record low F = 15.4
|Dec avg record low F = 10.1
|year avg record low F = 4.9
|Jan record low F = -25
|Feb record low F = -16
|Mar record low F = -12
|Apr record low F = -7
|May record low F = 15
|Jun record low F = 22
|Jul record low F = 28
|Aug record low F = 28
|Sep record low F = 19
|Oct record low F = 10
|Nov record low F = -15
|Dec record low F = -14
|year record low F = -15
| precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation inch = 4.51
| Feb precipitation inch = 4.39
| Mar precipitation inch = 2.37
| Apr precipitation inch = 0.78
| May precipitation inch = 0.42
| Jun precipitation inch = 0.15
| Jul precipitation inch = 0.69
| Aug precipitation inch = 0.82
| Sep precipitation inch = 0.40
| Oct precipitation inch = 0.79
| Nov precipitation inch = 1.35
| Dec precipitation inch = 3.31

| Jan snow inch = 13.4
| Feb snow inch = 14.3
| Mar snow inch = 11.7
| Apr snow inch = 3.0
| May snow inch = 0.6
| Jun snow inch = 0.0
| Jul snow inch = 0.0
| Aug snow inch = 0.0
| Sep snow inch = 0.0
| Oct snow inch = 1.2
| Nov snow inch = 3.4
| Dec snow inch = 11.0
| year snow inch =
| unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
| Jan precipitation days = 6.6
| Feb precipitation days = 6.8
| Mar precipitation days = 5.5
| Apr precipitation days = 3.7
| May precipitation days = 2.0
| Jun precipitation days = 0.7
| Jul precipitation days = 2.6
| Aug precipitation days = 2.8
| Sep precipitation days = 2.0
| Oct precipitation days = 2.2
| Nov precipitation days = 2.9
| Dec precipitation days = 5.5
| year precipitation days = 43.3
| unit snow days = 0.1 in
| Jan snow days = 3.5
| Feb snow days = 3.5
| Mar snow days = 2.7
| Apr snow days = 1.2
| May snow days = 0.3
| Jun snow days = 0.1
| Jul snow days = 0.0
| Aug snow days = 0.0
| Sep snow days = 0.0
| Oct snow days = 0.3
| Nov snow days = 1.1
| Dec snow days = 3.3
| year snow days = 16.0
| source 1 = NOAA<ref name = NOAA>{{cite web |url = https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=sgx |title = NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data |publisher = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]] |access-date = 2013-07-03}}</ref><ref name = "NOAA summary">{{cite web |url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USC00040741&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL |title = Summary of Monthly Normals 1991–2020 |publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date = 2022-08-20}}</ref><ref>
{{cite web
|url = https://xmacis.rcc-acis.org/
|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
|title = xmACIS2 
|access-date = March 4, 2023
}}
</ref>
}}<section end=weatherbox />

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1990= 5351
|2000= 5438
|2010= 5019
|2020= 5046
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015|df=mdy}}</ref>
}}

===2010===
The [[2010 United States Census]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/2010census/popmap/ipmtext.php?fl=06:0606434|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140715023546/http://www.census.gov/2010census/popmap/ipmtext.php?fl=06:0606434|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 15, 2014|title=2010 Census Interactive Population Search: CA&nbsp;— Big Bear Lake city|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=July 12, 2014}}</ref> reported that Big Bear Lake had a population of 5,019. The population density was {{convert|768.1|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The [[Race and ethnicity in the United States Census|racial makeup]] of Big Bear Lake was 4,204 (83.8%) White, (73.3% Non-Hispanic White),<ref name="quickfacts.census.gov">{{cite web|title=State & County QuickFacts|work=U.S. Census Bureau|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0606434.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214044050/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0606434.html|archive-date=December 14, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref> 22 (0.4%) African American, 48 (1.0%) Native American, 78 (1.6%) Asian, 10 (0.2%) Pacific Islander, 491 (9.8%) from other races, and 166 (3.3%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1,076 persons (21.4%).

The Census reported that 4,993 people (99.5% of the population) lived in households, 5 (0.1%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 21 (0.4%) were institutionalized.

There were 2,187 households, out of which 563 (25.7%) had children under the age of 18 living in them; 1,007 (46.0%) were [[marriage|opposite-sex married couples]] living together; 195 (8.9%) had a female householder with no husband present; 119 (5.4%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 159 (7.3%) [[POSSLQ|unmarried opposite-sex partnerships]], and 24 (1.1%) [[same-sex partnerships|same-sex married couples or partnerships]]. 675 households (30.9%) were made up of individuals, and 298 (13.6%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28. There were 1,321 [[family (U.S. Census)|families]] (60.4% of all households); the average family size was 2.83.

There were 993 residents (19.8%) under the age of 18, 417 people (8.3%) aged 18 to 24, 1,021 people (20.3%) aged 25 to 44, 1,563 people (31.1%) aged 45 to 64, and 1,025 people (20.4%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.8 males.

There were 9,705 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1,485.3|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}, of which 1,271 (58.1%) were owner-occupied, and 916 (41.9%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 14.0%; the rental vacancy rate was 45.2%. 2,708 people (54.0% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 2,285 people (45.5%) lived in rental housing units.

According to the 2010 United States Census, Big Bear Lake had a median household income of $32,869, with 16.9% of the population living below the federal [[Poverty threshold|poverty line]].<ref name="quickfacts.census.gov" />

===2000===
As of the census<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov |access-date=2008-01-31 |title=U.S. Census website |df=mdy}}</ref> of 2000, there were 5,438 people, 2,343 households, and 1,494 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|860.1|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 8,705 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1,376.8|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the city was 91.2% White, 0.7% African American, 1.0% Native American, 0.8% Asian, &lt;0.1% Pacific Islander, 3.6% from other races, and 2.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 13.7% of the population.

There were 2,343 households, out of which 25.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.3% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.2% were non-families. 29.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.3 and the average family size was 2.8.

In the city, 22.6% of residents were under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 24.5% from 25 to 44, 29.1% from 45 to 64, and 17.4% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $100,447, and the median income for a family was $122,848. Males had a median income of $36,316 versus $21,404 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,517. About 11.1% of families and 13.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.9% of those under age 18 and 5.7% of those age 65 or over.

==Attractions and activities==
[[File:Big Bear Lake from the east 2015-06-28.jpg|thumb|Lake view from the east, with observatory visible in center]]

Big Bear Lake is [[Southern California]]'s largest recreational lake. It is about {{Convert|7|mi|km|spell=in}} long with a width of about {{Convert|1|mi|km|spell=in}} at its widest point. The primary summer attraction in Big Bear has been fishing, which remains one of the most common activities.<ref name="Early Big Bear Valley Resorts" /> The most abundant types of fish are [[trout]], [[bass (fish)|bass]] and [[catfish]].<ref>{{cite news | url= http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/outposts/2009/03/big-bear-lake-f.html| title= Big Bear Lake filling with snowmelt in time for trout-fishing season| newspaper= [[Los Angeles Times]]|date=March 26, 2009| access-date=May 5, 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090329145530/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/outposts/2009/03/big-bear-lake-f.html| archive-date= March 29, 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> Hiking, [[mountain biking]] and [[horse riding]] are also very popular. [[San Bernardino National Forest]] offers many trails in varying degrees of difficulty.<ref>{{cite news | url= http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-trw-bigbear04apr06| title= Summer vacations at Big Bear Lake bring hiking, fishing and boating| newspaper= [[Los Angeles Times]]|date=April 2, 2008| access-date=May 5, 2009 | first1=Hugo | last1=Martin| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090511144311/http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-trw-bigbear04apr06| archive-date= May 11, 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> During winter season Big Bear Lake becomes a [[skiing]] and [[snowboarding]] destination for [[Southern California]]. There are two ski resorts: [[Snow Summit]] and [[Bear Mountain (Ski Area)|Bear Mountain]].<ref>{{cite news | url= http://travel.latimes.com/destinations/los-angeles/big-bear-lake-and-lake-arrowhead/clm/active-pursuits/skiing-and-snowboarding| title= Skiing & Snowboarding| newspaper= [[Los Angeles Times|Los Angeles Times/Travel]]|year=2008| access-date=May 5, 2009| first=Tom| last=Parsons}}</ref>  The first [[Winter X Games]] were held in Big Bear Lake in 1997. The town was also home to the [[Big Bear Lake International Film Festival]] from 2000 to 2014.

In addition to these events, Big Bear Lake is known for its resident bald eagle couple, Jackie and Shadow. There is a YouTube channel dedicated to a live feed of their nest which allows viewers to watch their daily activities and observe their nestbuilding and feeding behaviors. The channel is operated by Friends of Big Bear Valley.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-L2nfGcuE |website=YouTube |publisher=FOBBV Cam |access-date=February 6, 2024 |title=Big Bear Bald Eagle Live Nest - Cam 1 }}</ref> As of 2024, Jackie has laid 3 eggs; the first on January 25, the second on January 28, and the third on January 31. The earliest the eggs will begin to hatch is February 29.

==Library==
The community is served by the Big Bear Lake Branch of the San Bernardino County Library. The {{Convert|8500|sqft|adj=on}} library is located on Garstin Drive near the southern shore of Big Bear Lake and offers books, videos, CDs, DVDs, audio books, e-books, computers, and internet access for patrons. The library was remodeled in 2009, with improvements that included additional public computers and a new circulation desk that allows for self check-out. Story times for younger children, teen programs, donated book sales, and special events are also held at the library.<ref name="BBLlibrary">{{cite web|url=http://www.bigbearchamber.com/Library/Friends-Of-The-Big-Bear-Valley-Library-720= |access-date=2015-03-07 |title=Friends of the Big Bear Valley Library }}{{dead link|date=November 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

==Government==
Big Bear Lake is a charter city under the laws of the state of California. It operates under the council/manager form of government. The city manager is Erik Sund.<ref>{{Cite web|url=//www.citybigbearlake.com/index.php/departments/city-manager|title=City Manager|website=citybigbearlake.com|accessdate=June 1, 2023}}</ref> The city council includes five members elected at-large. The mayor is selected annually from among the city council members. The current mayor is Randall Putz.<ref>{{Cite web|url=//citybigbearlake.com/index.php/government-main/city-council|title=City Council|website=citybigbearlake.com|accessdate=June 1, 2023}}</ref>

In the [[California State Legislature|state legislature]], Big Bear Lake is in the [[California's 23rd State Senatorial district|23rd Senate District]], represented by [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] Senator [[Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sr23.senate.ca.gov/23rd-senate-district |title=23rd Senate District |publisher=California State Senate |accessdate=June 1, 2023}}</ref> and in the [[California's 34th State Assembly district|34th Assembly District]], represented by Republican Assembly Member [[Tom Lackey]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.assembly.ca.gov/assemblymembers/34 |title=District 34 Details |publisher=California State Assembly |accessdate=June 1, 2023}}</ref>

Federally, Big Bear Lake is in {{Representative|cacd|23|fmt=district}}.<ref>{{Cite GovTrack|CA|23|access-date=June 1, 2023}}</ref>

==Transportation==
[[Big Bear City Airport]], a [[general aviation]] airport in the [[Big Bear City, California|Big Bear City]] section of unincorporated [[San Bernardino County, California|San Bernardino County]], serves Big Bear Lake.<ref>[https://www.bigbearcityairport.com The Big Bear City Airport]</ref>

Free<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mountaintransit.org/fare-rates/ | title=Fare & Rates }}</ref> local bus service is provided by Mountain Transit, formerly known as [[Mountain Area Regional Transit Authority]] (MARTA), operates several fixed routes in the Big Bear Valley. Mountain Transit also provides service from [[downtown San Bernardino]] to Big Bear Lake.<ref>[https://www.mountaintransit.org Local transit in Big Bear Valley]</ref>

The Big Bear Valley is accessible by four California state highways: [[California State Route 18|SR 18]] from [[Highland, California|Highland]], [[California State Route 330|SR 330]] from [[San Bernardino, California|San Bernardino]], [[California State Route 38|SR 38]] from [[Redlands, California|Redlands]], and [[California State Route 18|SR 18]] from [[Lucerne Valley, California|Lucerne Valley]].

==''Big Bear Grizzly''==
{{Infobox newspaper
| name = Big Bear Grizzly
| logo = 
| image = 
| caption = 
| type = [[Weekly newspaper]]
| format = 
| owners = Gold Mountain California News Media Inc.
| publisher = 
| editor = Judi Bowers
| foundation = 1941
| political = 
| language = English
| headquarters = Big Bear Lake, [[California]]
| circulation = 
| ISSN = 1073-6867
| oclc = 28739053
| website = [http://www.bigbeargrizzly.net/ bigbeargrizzly.net]
| ceased_publication = 
| sister_publications = 
| italic title = no
}}

The ''Big Bear Grizzly'', the Media of the Mountain, is a local weekly newspaper serving Big Bear Lake, California and surrounding communities. The ''Big Bear Grizzly'' is owned by Gold Mountain California News Media Inc.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Venturi |date=2022-09-30 |title=Brehm Divests Of All Four Of Its San Bernardino County Newspapers |url=https://sbcsentinel.com/2022/09/brehm-divests-of-all-four-of-its-san-bernardino-county-newspapers/ |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=San Bernardino County Sentinel |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2022-09-27 |title=Brehm sale closes out family's California run |url=https://cnpa.com/brehm-sale-closes-out-familys-california-run/ |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=California News Publishers Association |language=en-US}}</ref> The principal edition of ''Big Bear Grizzly'' is published weekly on Wednesdays.<ref name=Mondo>{{cite web|url=https://www.mondotimes.com/1/world/us/5/168/372|accessdate=August 27, 2023|publisher=Mondo Times|title=Big Bear Grizzly}}</ref> A free edition, entitled the ''Grizzly Weekender'', is delivered to most areas of the Big Bear Valley each Saturday. The newspaper also produces a weekly shopper's guide called the ''Big Bear Shopper''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bigbeargrizzly.net/site/about/|title=About Us|website=bigbeargrizzly.net|publisher=Big Bear Grizzly|accessdate=25 Oct 2014}}</ref>

This paper covers local council meetings, festivals, fundraisers, recreation opportunities on Big Bear Lake and nearby, and other events in the area.<ref name=PaperBoy>{{cite web|url=https://www.thepaperboy.com/newspaper.cfm?PaperID=-526354127|accessdate=August 27, 2023|publisher=The Paperboy|title=Big Bear Grizzly}}</ref>

==Notable people==
* [[Ryan Hall (runner)|Ryan Hall]] (born 1983 in Big Bear Lake), long-distance runner who won the marathon at the 2008 United States Olympic Trials and placed 10th in the [[Athletics at the 2008 Summer Olympics – Men's marathon|Olympic marathon in Beijing]]; holds the U.S. record in the half marathon with a time of 0:59:43, becoming the first U.S. runner to break the one-hour barrier in the event
* [[Taran Killam]] (born 1982), actor and comedian best known for his television work on shows such as ''[[The Amanda Show]]'', ''[[Scrubs (TV series)|Scrubs]]'', ''[[Wild 'N Out]]'', ''[[MADtv]]'', ''[[Stuck in the Suburbs]]''; previously a cast member on ''[[Saturday Night Live]]''
* [[Ed Masuga]] (born 1978), singer/songwriter based in the San Francisco Bay Area
* [[Jay Obernolte]], current representative for [[California's 23rd congressional district|California's 23rd Congressional District]]
* [[Heather O'Rourke]], of ''[[Poltergeist (1982 film)|Poltergeist]]'' (1982) fame; lived at Big Bear Lake in the mid-1980s
* [[Max Rafferty]], former [[California Superintendent of Public Instruction]] and [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] [[U.S. Senate]] nominee in 1968; school administrator at Big Bear Lake High School in the late 1940s
* [[Jordan Romero]], climber of the [[Seven Summits]] at the age of 15, breaking the past record set by [[George Atkinson (climber)|George Atkinson]]

== Sister cities ==
* {{flagicon|AUT}} [[Abtenau]], Austria

== See also ==
* [[1992 Big Bear earthquake]]
* [[Big Bear Discovery Center]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book|last1=Bellamy |first1=Stanley E.|last2=Keller |first2=Russell L.|title=Big Bear|date=2006|publisher=[[Arcadia Publishing]]|isbn=978-0738531113|url=https://www.arcadiapublishing.com/Products/9780738531113}}
* {{cite book|last=Core |first=Tom |title=Big Bear: The First 100 Years: Bearly Remembered II |date=2003|publisher=Core Trust|edition=2nd|asin=B0033Z4TV0}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Big Bear Lake, California}}
{{wikivoyage|Big Bear Lake}}
* [http://www.citybigbearlake.com/ City of Big Bear Lake]

{{Geographic location
| Northwest = [[Hesperia, California|Hesperia]]
| North     = [[Lucerne Valley, California|Lucerne Valley]]
| Northeast = [[Johnson Valley, California|Johnson Valley]]
| West      = [[Lake Arrowhead, California|Lake Arrowhead]]
| Center    = Big Bear Lake
| South     = [[Banning, California|Banning]]
| Southwest = [[San Bernardino, California|San Bernardino]]
| Southeast = [[Indio, California|Indio]]
| East      = [[Landers, California|Landers]]
}}
{{San Bernardino County, California}}
{{Inland Empire}}
{{Greater Los Angeles Area}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Big Bear Valley]]
[[Category:Cities in San Bernardino County, California]]
[[Category:Incorporated cities and towns in California]]
[[Category:San Bernardino Mountains]]
[[Category:Big Bear Lake, California| ]]