Big Bear Lake Top Paddling Spots
First Click to open a PDF map of the lake in a new window.
Then read our Big Bear Lake Canoe & Kayak Paddle Guides below
Then read our Big Bear Lake Canoe & Kayak Paddle Guides below
#1 Boulder Bay
With a new lakeside park and high water level, Boulder Bay is the most iconic and best paddle launch spot on Big Bear Lake. Drive to Boulder Bay Park (free parking). There are several launch spots within 100 feet of the parking lot. Boulder Bay is the most scenic spot to paddle. The calm protected waters are a great place to learn to paddleboard. If you are more adventurous, you can paddle NW to China Island or the Big Bear Damn.
Call 909.546.4465 to reserve your kayak or paddleboard today!
Call 909.546.4465 to reserve your kayak or paddleboard today!
#2 Grout Bay
M&M Paddle Grout Creek
Grout Bay has marshes and sometimes beaver dams to explore.
It is also next to a bald eagle preserve where frequent sitings are noted.
The Grout Bay picnic area is a nice place to launch.
(Northwest side of the lake near town of Fawnskin)
Protected from wind. Paddle up Grout Creek when the lake is full.
It is also next to a bald eagle preserve where frequent sitings are noted.
The Grout Bay picnic area is a nice place to launch.
(Northwest side of the lake near town of Fawnskin)
Protected from wind. Paddle up Grout Creek when the lake is full.
#3 Pine Knot Avenue
There is a public park at the end of Pine Knot avenue between the Post Office and Pine Knot Marina which always has a few feet of sandy beach to launch a kayak from.
Unload your boat at the park and you should be able to park just up the street on Pine Knot Ave.
There is plenty of shoreline to explore between Gibralter Point and Eagle Point. Paddle through the Marina.
Just east of Pine Knot - paddle up to the only lakeside bar at B's backyard BBQ and Boathouse Bar next to the Marina.
Further south before eagle point you will find Meadow Park (public bathrooms).
Unload your boat at the park and you should be able to park just up the street on Pine Knot Ave.
There is plenty of shoreline to explore between Gibralter Point and Eagle Point. Paddle through the Marina.
Just east of Pine Knot - paddle up to the only lakeside bar at B's backyard BBQ and Boathouse Bar next to the Marina.
Further south before eagle point you will find Meadow Park (public bathrooms).
#4 Untouched Shoreline - NE end of lake
view of Snow Summit from this area!
There is only one area of the lake which is not developed. Its along the Alpine Pedal Path area at the North East end of the lake.
Launch from the Carol Morrison East Launch Ramp.
Paddle west along the North side of the lake.
You will see people fishing, walking, riding bikes. The views to the South are spectacular!
Look for Mt. San Gorgonio at 11,500 feet this is the highest point in S. Cal. It sometimes has snow on top until late Summer!
Best to paddle here early morning as the water can be choppy and windy toward the latter part of the day.
Launch from the Carol Morrison East Launch Ramp.
Paddle west along the North side of the lake.
You will see people fishing, walking, riding bikes. The views to the South are spectacular!
Look for Mt. San Gorgonio at 11,500 feet this is the highest point in S. Cal. It sometimes has snow on top until late Summer!
Best to paddle here early morning as the water can be choppy and windy toward the latter part of the day.
#5 Extreme Adventure - Circumnavigate the lake!
There is around 22 miles of shoreline on Big Bear Lake. For an epic paddle adventure you can paddle the whole shoreline of the lake. Bring food and water. Stop at Marinas for bathroom breaks and stretching.
If you explore all the bays and inlets and stay within a few hundred feet of shore I calculated (see below) that you would paddle 15.5 miles. Thanks Google Earth!
If you explore all the bays and inlets and stay within a few hundred feet of shore I calculated (see below) that you would paddle 15.5 miles. Thanks Google Earth!
