San Bernardino County history: Big Bear Lake and Dam – Welcome to San Bernardino County

Black and white photo of a dam surrounded by trees. — *Big Bear Dam in 1910.*

Big Bear Lake is a man-made lake that was named by ranchers who rode into the mountains and found the lush green valley swarming with bears. The lake is completely snow fed with no other means of mechanical replenishment.

The lake’s original rock dam was built in 1884 to provide irrigation to Redlands. However, the rock dam was a thin structure with no reinforcing iron and very little cement, which proved inadequate as soon as it was completed. On top of that, the lake was completely dry during the summers of 1898, 1899, 1900 and 1904. Due to insufficient water supply, a higher dam was needed.

In 1912, a 72-foot multiple arch concrete dam was constructed about 300 feet downstream from the old dam. The new dam stood 20 feet higher and more than doubled the lake’s capacity to 73,000-acre feet.

In 1924, a highway bridge was built over the arches of the new dam, adding a new scene to the pristine wilderness. The bridge was a major junction for two highways through the mountains. The original rock dam still exists today, about 50 yards upstream from the current dam and has been designated as a California Registered Historical Landmark.

Although Big Bear Lake is widely known for its natural beauty, it’s also been recognized as a popular filming location for movies and TV shows that include Daniel Boone, Gone with the Wind, Doctor Dolittle and Disney’s Old Yeller. It’s also a great place for many outdoor activities including fishing, boating and water skiing. Big Bear Lake is accessible via three scenic highways.

The information in this historical feature was originally part of a video series produced by the Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk’s office.

Additional County Update News – June 5, 2025