Lake Gregory (California) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Gregory |
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 Lake Gregory
Location in California
Lake Gregory
Location in the United States
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| Location | San Bernardino National Forest San Bernardino County, California |
| Coordinates | 34°14′48″N 117°16′03″W / 34.2466°N 117.2675°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Primary outflows | Houston Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. depth | 80 ft (24 m) |
| Surface elevation | 4,554 ft (1,388 m) |
| Settlements | Crestline, California |
Lake Gregory is a beautiful reservoir (an artificial lake) located in the San Bernardino National Forest. You can find it nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains in San Bernardino County, California. The lake and its surrounding area are known as the Lake Gregory Regional Park. It's right next to the town of Crestline, California.
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How Lake Gregory Was Created
The area where Lake Gregory now sits was once called Houston Flat. A man named Arthur Gregory, Sr., a citrus farmer from Redlands, helped develop this land. The lake was later named after him.
Building the Lake
Arthur Gregory bought land in an area now called Valley of the Moon. He even built a sawmill there. He used the wood to make crates for his "Orange Blossom" brand of citrus fruit. Gregory also helped create the Crest Forest County Water District (CFCWD). This was important because it helped get money from the government to develop the area.
Work on the lake began in 1937. It was part of a big project called the Works Progress Administration (WPA). This project aimed to build a dam across the east and west forks of Houston Creek. These creeks used to flow into the Mojave River, and people thought their water was "going to waste."
A Quick Fill-Up
The dam project was almost finished by March 1938. However, the money from the government ran out. Arthur Gregory stepped in and loaned money to the water district to finish the job. The whole project cost about $225,000. Most of this came from the federal government, and the rest was paid by the water district.
Heavy rains hit that March, putting the new dam to its first big test. Engineers thought it would take three years for the lake to fill up. But the rains were so strong that Lake Gregory filled in just three days! There's a fun urban legend that says some construction equipment left on the lake bed in 1938 is still at the bottom of the lake today.
A road was built over the dam, which is now called Lake Drive. This finished the entire project in January 1939.
Fun Things to Do at Lake Gregory
Today, Lake Gregory Regional Park is a popular spot for outdoor activities.
Activities at the Lake
- You can go swimming and enjoy water slides at the west end of the lake.
- There's a walking trail that goes all the way around the lake. It's great for a stroll or a run.
- The south shore of the lake is a favorite place for fishing.
- The park also hosts Crestline's Independence Day celebration.
Boating and Rentals
You can't use private boats or power boats on Lake Gregory. But don't worry, there are plenty of fun options available for rent!
- You can rent rowboats.
- Paddle boards are available.
- Try out pedal-powered "water trikes."
- You can also rent paddle boats.
- If you rent a rowboat, you can even attach your own electric trolling motor to it.
San Moritz Lodge
On the southeast shore of the lake, you'll find the San Moritz Lodge. It has a private beach and a building that looks like it's from Tyrol, a region in Europe. This lodge was once called Club San Moritz.
The original club was built in 1926 near a place called Moon Lake. That lake is now drained, and the Lake Gregory Community Church stands there. A fire destroyed the old club in 1950. Moon Lake was drained in the early 1960s because of too many mosquitoes.
The new club was built along Lake Gregory in 1950. It was planned as a special resort for property owners in the area. Today, only the restaurant and a bathhouse remain. The restaurant is used for special events like weddings, and the bathhouse is now a senior center.
Lake Management and Safety
Running a big park like Lake Gregory can be challenging.
Park Management Changes
From 2011 to 2013, the park lost money. In 2014, San Bernardino County partnered with a company called The California Parks Company (now Basecamp Hospitality). They hoped this would help the park improve.
In 2018, the county looked for a new company to manage Lake Gregory. Basecamp Hospitality was the only company to apply. They struggled to agree on a long-term contract, so they signed a two-year agreement instead. In 2019, San Bernardino County ended its relationship with Basecamp Hospitality.
Fish Safety Advisory
The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has created a safe eating advisory for Lake Gregory. This advisory helps people know how much fish from the lake is safe to eat. It's based on the levels of mercury found in the fish. This information helps keep everyone safe and healthy when enjoying the lake.
