Big Bear Lake East – BLE (area)
Area Overview of Big Bear Lake East
The eastern end of Big Bear Lake puts residents close to the Big Bear Boulevard commercial district and much of the major shopping opportunities of the valley. Many of the neighborhoods have larger, modern homes in clean, well-maintained surroundings. Large sections are walking distance to local skiing.
- Big Bear Boulevard commercial district—shops, groceries, home improvement, restaurants
- Easy access to ski resorts and snow play
- Long stretches of public lake access
- Upscale living
- Lakefront with docks and lake views
- Stanfield Marsh Bird Sanctuary (Baker Pond)
Natural Surroundings
A long stretch of public lake access runs on the north side of this area all the way from Stanfield Cutoff to Division Street, fronting the Stanfield Marsh Bird Sanctuary (also known as Baker Pond.) With lots of empty shoreline and an observation boardwalk over the water, this area is great for bird watching. There is a small island created by MWD (the agency that manages the lake) to provide a predator-free zone for nesting ducks and shorebirds. This stretch is also known as a hunting area for bald eagles, so it is one of the easier places to spot the ones who come to winter in the valley.
Some forest boundary runs behind the area on the southern edge, including the ski resorts, which are established on National Forest land. Many trails are available to provide a peaceful backdrop and easy access to spend time hiking, biking or snowshoeing in the forest. There are plenty of opportunities for viewing and appreciating the wildlife, from rabbits and coyotes to an occasional deer and a rare bear.
Big Bear Lake East Home Facts
- Mid-sized to large, modern homes on good-sized lots
- Some smaller homes in more established sections
Big Bear Lake East Activities
- Skateboard park
- Swim Beach in Meadow Park
- Miniature Golf
- Access resources for home improvement—building supplies, furniture, gardening
- Big Bear Lake Middle School events
- San Bernardino County Library
- Senior Citizens Center—weekly activities, events
- Bear Valley Hospital
- San Bernardino County Offices
- Fishing:
- Along Stanfield Cutoff bridge
- Hiking/biking Trails:
- Snow Summit/Grandview Loop Bike Trail
- Many trails off the Snow Summit site to the west, south and east
- Parks/Picnic areas:
- Meadow Park – picnic area, lake access, tennis courts, volleyball, horse shoes, lighted ball fields, playground, group picnic area, swim beach, Park & Rec offices
- Veteran’s Park
- Stanfield Marsh Bird Sanctuary Park – plus boardwalk
- Snow:
- Snow Summit Ski Resort
- Bear Mountain Ski Resort
- Big Bear Snow Play (near Division)
- Camps/conference centers:
- Pine Knot Campground
- Pine Summit Conference Grounds
Historical Tidbits
The Stanfield Marsh Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary was established around 1998 by the Natural Heritage Foundation and Big Bear Lake Municipal Water District. An island was built in the middle of the marsh in 2003 to give water fowl a coyote-free place to nest.
Big Bear Lake East Utilities
- Electricity: Bear Valley Electric
- 42020 Garstin Dr
- Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
- (909) 866-4678
- Gas: Southwest Gas Corporation
- 40844 Big Bear Boulevard
- Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
- (909) 866-4656
- Water: Big Bear Lake Department of Water and Power
- 41972 Garsten Dr. / P.O. Box 10000
- Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
- 909-866-5050
- Telephone: Verizon Communications
- 1-(800) 837-4966
- Sewer: City of Big Bear Lake Public Works
- P.O. Box 10000
- Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
- 909-866-7521
- Trash: Big Bear Disposal
- 909-866-3942
Big Bear Lake East Schools
- Big Bear Elementary School
- (Grades K-6)
- 40940 Pennsylvania Avenue/ PO Box 1627
- Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
- TEL: (909) 866-4638
- Big Bear Middle School
- (Grades 7-8 )
- 41275 Big Bear Blvd. / PO Box 1607
- Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
- TEL: (909) 866-4634
- Big Bear High School
- (Grades 9-12 )
- 351 Maple Lane / PO Box 1708
- Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
- TEL: (909) 585-6892
- Chautauqua High School (Continuation)
- (Grades 9-12)
- 525 Maple Lane / PO Box 1815
- Sugarloaf, CA / Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
- TEL: (909) 585-2521