Big Bear Lake West
“Big Bear Lake West” is not a development, but rather the designation for the area of the Big Bear Valley that is located on the south shore, and extends from the dam to approximately Cienega Road in the Boulder Bay area. It is bordered by Big Bear Lake to the north, and the National Forest to the south, and includes all the various residential and commercial areas within those boundaries.
Bear Lake West begins with pockets of “government lease cabins” clustered on the lake shore and on the hillsides, amongst boulders and towering pines; charming vintage cabins that are in themselves privately owned, but are situated on National Forest land leased on a yearly basis from the federal government.
As you continue into the area, you will find some of the most picturesque bays on all of Big Bear Lake, including Papoose Bay and the million-dollar plus hillside lakefront homes that overlook it. Further east is the well-known and often-photographed Boulder Bay, with its famous rock formations in the center, and recently developed lakeside public park. The adjacent neighborhoods are home to everything from condominiums to quaint small cabins to larger full-time residences. While there is no shortage of recently constructed homes in these neighborhoods, they are also host to many well-maintained older properties, since the area was one of the first developed for residential use in the 1930’s and 1940’s.
Arguably one of the prettiest streets in all of Big Bear, Waterview Drive is located within Big Bear Lake West, and runs within the peninsula of land known as “Inspiration Point,” known for its fabulous lake views. A drive down Waterview will give you the true “old Big Bear Feel,” with small cabins sharing the neighborhood with spectacular multi-million dollar custom lakefront homes. Lakefront homes in this area offer deeded dock rights and the ability to have a private dock literally at your back doorstep.
On Big Bear Boulevard in Boulder Bay you will find a general store, a handful of small businesses, and several popular lodges. A few short blocks down Cienega Road is the historic, yet modern and operating “Pleasure Point Marina,” with full boat rental, mooring and maintenance services available.
Big Bear Lake West is home to some of the most peaceful and notable residential areas in the Valley, yet is conveniently just minutes from the Big Bear Lake Village and the goods and services further to the east.
