Papoose Bay Estates
MAGNIFICENT VIEWS! with 180 degree lake views, THE COVE lake house offers lake lovers an amazing visual experience. THE COVE lake house is located in Papoose Bay Estates and in Big Bear Lake West. This is the area on the south side of the lake between the Big Bear Dam and the Boulder Bay area. Boulder Bay, located within Big Bear West, is a well known and often photographed community of Big Bear, made famous by its large boulder-like rock formations.
The proximity of THE COVE lake house to the lake itself makes it an ideal area for lake enthusiasts. If you are looking for a property with impressive lake views in a peaceful and picturesque setting, THE COVE lake house is the only one for you!
The proximity of THE COVE lake house to the lake itself makes it an ideal area for lake enthusiasts. If you are looking for a property with impressive lake views in a peaceful and picturesque setting, THE COVE lake house is the only one for you!
Boulder Bay Park
Located less than a mile from THE COVE lake house is the popular Boulder Bay Park. The lakeside Boulder Bay Park has become a popular year-round gathering spot for both locals and visitors. It’s a great “first stop” for those visiting Big Bear (complete with free parking, great views, and public restrooms).
Summertime in Boulder Bay and Boulder Bay Park offers outdoor delights such as: canoeing and kayaking (head out towards the boulder island, Treasure Island also known as China Island or Garstin Island, to explore), paddle boarding (a truly scenic paddle and easy launch spot), fishing off the floating dock (drop a line and unwind), picnicking (you’ll find picnic tables and benches at the park), and enjoying the pleasures of the lushly landscaped grounds, walking paths, and iconic lake, mountain, and boulder views.
Springtime is also a great time to visit Boulder Bay Park, as the foliage is blooming, the climate is generally mild, and the temperatures are pleasant. However, the lake water is still cold in Springtime (and a Big Bear spring can also bring a surprise snowfall, even in the month of May), so use caution if enjoying water sports.
Once fall arrives and the leaves start to turn from green to bright red, orange, and gold, Boulder Bay transforms into a wonderful spot to capture photos of an iconic mountain fall. Grab your thermos and enjoy your morning coffee and lake view while breathing in the crisp morning air.
Don’t discount Boulder Bay Park during the winter either, as it is a popular spot for snow play and recreation. Make a snow man! Have a snowball fight! Boulder Bay Park offers fun outdoor activities and beautiful views throughout all four seasons and it is easy to understand why this area of Big Bear is a well-known and sought after one! No matter which season you choose to visit Boulder Bay Park, don’t forget to snap a photo with Louie the Bear, a recognizable symbol of Boulder Bay who greets visitors with a Big Bear Smile!
Summertime in Boulder Bay and Boulder Bay Park offers outdoor delights such as: canoeing and kayaking (head out towards the boulder island, Treasure Island also known as China Island or Garstin Island, to explore), paddle boarding (a truly scenic paddle and easy launch spot), fishing off the floating dock (drop a line and unwind), picnicking (you’ll find picnic tables and benches at the park), and enjoying the pleasures of the lushly landscaped grounds, walking paths, and iconic lake, mountain, and boulder views.
Springtime is also a great time to visit Boulder Bay Park, as the foliage is blooming, the climate is generally mild, and the temperatures are pleasant. However, the lake water is still cold in Springtime (and a Big Bear spring can also bring a surprise snowfall, even in the month of May), so use caution if enjoying water sports.
Once fall arrives and the leaves start to turn from green to bright red, orange, and gold, Boulder Bay transforms into a wonderful spot to capture photos of an iconic mountain fall. Grab your thermos and enjoy your morning coffee and lake view while breathing in the crisp morning air.
Don’t discount Boulder Bay Park during the winter either, as it is a popular spot for snow play and recreation. Make a snow man! Have a snowball fight! Boulder Bay Park offers fun outdoor activities and beautiful views throughout all four seasons and it is easy to understand why this area of Big Bear is a well-known and sought after one! No matter which season you choose to visit Boulder Bay Park, don’t forget to snap a photo with Louie the Bear, a recognizable symbol of Boulder Bay who greets visitors with a Big Bear Smile!
Castle Rock Trail
Located just a half mile from THE COVE lake house is the Castle Rock Trail entrance. Castle Rock Trail is another draw to the area for nature and outdoor enthusiasts. This moderate to advanced (approximately 2 miles round trip) steep hike leads hikers through towering pine trees and boulders to a gorgeous rocky crag showcasing a spectacular birds-eye panoramic view of Big Bear and the lake from the top. Dubbed “Castle Rock” due to the nearby rock formation that resembles a castle, you’ll definitely want to bring your camera with you on this adventure!
Visitors can find access to the Castle Rock Trailhead off of State Highway 18/ Big Bear Blvd. approximately 1.1 miles East of the Big Bear Dam. Parking is limited (you will not find a designated parking lot) and can be tricky, especially on weekends, as this trail is well traveled. Parking can be found in nearby turnouts along the road (use caution when parking and entering and exiting your vehicle). Maps of this trail (and others) are available at the Big Bear Discovery Center.
Walking sticks, trekking poles, and sturdy footwear/hiking boots are recommended, as you should expect to encounter numerous boulders and a steep elevation gain (approximately 600-700 feet). You’ll find a bench to stop and rest after your initial incline, which is a great spot for a water break and a photo op! You’ll then start your final ascent through the boulder outcroppings.
Hiking trails located within Big Bear Lake West in addition to Castle Rock Trail include Champion Lodgepole Trail, Bluff Lake, and Siberia Creek Trail.
Visitors can find access to the Castle Rock Trailhead off of State Highway 18/ Big Bear Blvd. approximately 1.1 miles East of the Big Bear Dam. Parking is limited (you will not find a designated parking lot) and can be tricky, especially on weekends, as this trail is well traveled. Parking can be found in nearby turnouts along the road (use caution when parking and entering and exiting your vehicle). Maps of this trail (and others) are available at the Big Bear Discovery Center.
Walking sticks, trekking poles, and sturdy footwear/hiking boots are recommended, as you should expect to encounter numerous boulders and a steep elevation gain (approximately 600-700 feet). You’ll find a bench to stop and rest after your initial incline, which is a great spot for a water break and a photo op! You’ll then start your final ascent through the boulder outcroppings.
Hiking trails located within Big Bear Lake West in addition to Castle Rock Trail include Champion Lodgepole Trail, Bluff Lake, and Siberia Creek Trail.
Snow Summit Ski Resort
Located just 5 miles from THE COVE lake house is Snow Summit. Snow Summit is a sister mountain of nearby Big Bear Mountain Resort (about 3 miles away). Founded in 1948, Snow Summit is home to 240 acres of skiable terrain and 31 trails.
The mountain resort sits at an elevation of 7,000 feet in the San Bernadino Mountains, grants access to varied terrain via 14 lifts and provides an average 100 inches of annual snowfall. The top elevation of 8,200 feet gives skiers and riders access to 1,200 feet of vertical drop. Other on-mountain activities include a tube park, climbing wall and night skiing.
The summer months provide the perfect weather for mountain biking on Snow Summit’s lift-served bike park. The mountain resort offers bike rentals and summer season passes for die-hard bike riders.
The mountain resort sits at an elevation of 7,000 feet in the San Bernadino Mountains, grants access to varied terrain via 14 lifts and provides an average 100 inches of annual snowfall. The top elevation of 8,200 feet gives skiers and riders access to 1,200 feet of vertical drop. Other on-mountain activities include a tube park, climbing wall and night skiing.
The summer months provide the perfect weather for mountain biking on Snow Summit’s lift-served bike park. The mountain resort offers bike rentals and summer season passes for die-hard bike riders.