History of Big Bear Lake, California in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 3, 2025

Big Bear Lake, California, is a city nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, within the San Bernardino National Forest. Located roughly 25 miles northeast of San Bernardino, it sits along the south shore of Big Bear Lake and borders Big Bear City. While its official population was around 5,046 in 2020, the area transforms into a bustling resort destination year-round, with weekend visitor numbers often exceeding 100,000. This surge highlights its popularity as a vacation spot in Southern California.

1908: Disappearance of Grizzly Bears

By 1908, grizzly bears were no longer found in the Big Bear Lake region.

1912: End of the Southern California gold rush

The Southern California gold rush, which contributed to the rapid population growth of Big Bear Valley, ended in 1912.

November 1915: Filming of John o' the Mountains

In late November 1915, Universal Studios filmed "John o' the Mountains" starring Sydney Ayres and Louella Maxam in Big Bear Lake.

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1920: Filming of Last of the Mohicans

The 1920 version of "Last of the Mohicans" was filmed in Big Bear Lake.

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1921: Opening of Pan Hot Springs Hotel

In 1921, Emile Jesserun built the Pan Hot Springs Hotel, the first major resort in Big Bear, after buying 40 acres of land that included a natural hot spring.

1924: Big Bear populated with 44 resorts

By 1924, Big Bear was populated with 44 resorts and a constant stream of vacationers.

1929: Erection of the first ski jump in Big Bear

In 1929, the first ski jump was erected in Big Bear Lake, quickly claiming a world ski jump record.

1933: Introduction of Black Bears

In 1933, black bears were introduced to the Big Bear Lake region.

1933: Black bears transported to Big Bear

In 1933, the California Fish and Game Commission transported around 27 black bears from Yosemite National Park to Southern California, releasing them near Big Bear.

1933: Fire damage to Pan Hot Springs Hotel

In 1933, the Pan Hot Springs Hotel, like many other resorts and hotels in Big Bear, was extensively damaged by fire.

1936: Filming of Daniel Boone

In 1936, some scenes for the film "Daniel Boone" were filmed in Big Bear Lake.

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1952: Opening of Snow Summit

In 1952, Tommy Tyndall opened a resort in Big Bear Lake, now known as Snow Summit.

1960: Filming of North to Alaska

In 1960, 20th Century Fox's film "North to Alaska" was filmed in Big Bear Lake.

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1960: Start of temperature record keeping

Temperature record keeping at Big Bear began in 1960.

November 19, 1964: Lowest temperature recorded

On November 19, 1964, the lowest temperature recorded was −15 °F (−26 °C).

December 6, 1966: Maximum 24-hour precipitation

On December 6, 1966, the maximum 24-hour precipitation was 9.43 in (240 mm).

1968: Construction of Big Bear Solar Observatory began

In the summer of 1968, Caltech began construction of the Big Bear Solar Observatory (BBSO) located on the north shore of Big Bear Lake.

1969: Filming of Paint Your Wagon and H.R. Pufnstuf

In 1969, the musical film "Paint Your Wagon" and the opening sequences for the NBC children's program "H.R. Pufnstuf" were filmed in Big Bear Lake.

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May 1970: Completion of Big Bear Solar Observatory construction

In May 1970, construction of the Big Bear Solar Observatory (BBSO) was completed using makeshift barges due to the lake rising and surrounding the site.

1970: First Oktoberfest

Since 1970, Big Bear Lake has held an annual Oktoberfest.

February 3, 1979: Greatest snow depth

On February 3, 1979, the greatest snow depth was 58 in (150 cm).

November 28, 1980: Incorporation of Big Bear Lake as a city

Big Bear Lake was incorporated as a city on November 28, 1980.

1983: Filming of War Games

In 1983, the movie "War Games" was filmed in Big Bear Lake.

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1985: Filming of Better Off Dead

In 1985, the "dark comedy" movie "Better Off Dead" was filmed in Big Bear Lake.

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February 1990: Significant snowfall

In February 1990, 59.5 in (151 cm) of snow were recorded.

March 27, 1991: Most snow in 24 hours

On March 27, 1991, the most snow in 24 hours was 27.0 in (69 cm).

June 30, 1994: Highest temperature recorded

On June 30, 1994, the highest temperature recorded was 98 °F (37 °C).

1997: First Winter X Games

In 1997, the first Winter X Games were held in Big Bear Lake.

2000: Inaugural Big Bear Lake International Film Festival

In 2000, the town hosted the first Big Bear Lake International Film Festival.

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2009: Remodel of San Bernardino County Library

In 2009, the Big Bear Lake Branch of the San Bernardino County Library was remodeled.

February 2013: Manhunt for Christopher Dorner

In February 2013, a major manhunt occurred in the Big Bear Lake area to find Christopher Dorner. A standoff ended in nearby Angelus Oaks.

2014: Last Big Bear Lake International Film Festival

In 2014, the last Big Bear Lake International Film Festival was held.

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2020: United States census reported the population of Big Bear Lake

In 2020, the United States census reported that Big Bear Lake had a population of 5,046.

2020: Population of Big Bear Lake at 2020 census

In 2020, the population of Big Bear Lake was approximately 5,046 according to the census.

2023: US Census Bureau estimates

In 2023, the US Census Bureau estimated that 64.1% of the population were born in California, 21.6% were born in a different state, 1.2% were born in a US territory or abroad to an American parent, and 13.1% were born outside US jurisdiction.