Baldwin Lake (San Bernardino County, California) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Baldwin Lake |
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Baldwin Lake seen from northernmost shore, looking southwest toward Big Bear City.
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 Baldwin Lake
Location in California
Baldwin Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | San Bernardino County, California |
| Coordinates | 34°16′26″N 116°48′31″W / 34.27389°N 116.80861°W |
| Type | intermittent, alkali lake |
| Primary outflows | Santa Ana River |
| Max. width | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
| Max. depth | 25 feet (7.6 m) |
| Surface elevation | 6,752 feet (2,058 m) |
| Settlements | San Bernardino |
Baldwin Lake is a natural lake located in the beautiful Big Bear Valley of the San Bernardino Mountains in San Bernardino County, California. It's a special kind of lake because it's intermittent, meaning it sometimes dries up completely. It's also an alkali lake, which means its water has a high salt content. You can find it just east of the larger Big Bear Lake and the town of Big Bear City.
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Exploring Baldwin Lake's Geography
Baldwin Lake sits high up in the mountains at an elevation of about 6,752 feet (2,058 m) above sea level. When it's full, its deepest point can be around 25 feet (7.6 m). At its widest, the lake stretches for more than 1 mile (1.6 km) across. The water from the lake eventually flows into the Santa Ana River.
The land around Baldwin Lake is home to unique plant life. You'll find areas with tough, shrubby plants called chaparral and forests with pinyon-juniper trees.
Baldwin Lake Ecological Reserve
A special protected area called the Baldwin Lake Ecological Reserve covers 156 acres around the lake. This reserve is located where California State Route 18 meets Holcomb Valley Road, on the north side of the lake. Highway 18 actually wraps around the northern and northeastern edges of Baldwin Lake.
One very rare plant, the Baldwin Lake linanthus, grows here. It's an endemic species, meaning it's found only in this specific area. This tiny plant lives in the lake's unique "pebble plain" and nearby meadows. It is considered an endangered species, so it's very important to protect its habitat.
A Glimpse into Baldwin Lake's History
The area around Baldwin Lake has an interesting past. A famous quartz dome, known as The Eye of God, is located nearby.
How the Lake Got Its Name
In 1845, a man named Benjamin Davis Wilson explored this region. He was tracking people who had taken horses in the San Bernardino Mountains. Wilson noticed that the area was full of grizzly bears. His group hunted several bears for their fur. Because of all the bears, Wilson named the area Big Bear Valley, and he called the lake "Lake Big Bear."
Later, in 1884, a company started building a dam southwest of the lake. This new water storage area was named Big Bear Lake. To avoid confusion, the original alkali lake was renamed Baldwin Lake. It was named after Elias Jackson "Lucky" Baldwin, who bought the Gold Mountain Mine (later called Baldwin Mine) in the area in 1876.
Community Efforts for Baldwin Lake
The Baldwin Lake Community Improvement Association was started in January 2011. This is a non-profit group made up of volunteers who live, own businesses, or own property near the lake. They all love the beauty and variety of Baldwin Lake.
Their main goal is to improve and protect the quality of life in Baldwin Lake. They do this by creating outdoor environmental education programs, setting up community gardens, and even helping small businesses grow. All these efforts aim to create a lasting and good future for everyone living around Baldwin Lake.
