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Oct 10, 20233 min read

Lake Arrowhead

updated 10/12/23

Location: east of Crestline, north of San Bernardino & Yucaipa; west of Big Bear Lake. Twin Peaks, Cedar Glen, Blue Jay, Skyforest, Agua Fria, Deer Lodge Park are smaller towns surrounding Lake Arrowhead. Visited often for its boating, fishing, hiking, village shopping, camping, dining and lodging.


Demographics; EST. Population [2022] 9,647; 70% white; 18% Hispanic; >1% African American, Native American & Asian; median age is 46; M:F ratio 48:51%; 72% own; 28% rent; average family is 3; 21% high school grad; 27% some college; 40% college degrees; 10% less than high school; $43K average annual income; 79% speak English; 15% Spanish; average household income is $61K; 58% married; 4% widowed, 12% divorced, 23% never married, 2% separated; 532 veterans [served 74% Vietnam; 6% Korea; 12% First Gulf War, 8% 2nd Gulf War


History | Video Part 1

In 1826, Lake Arrowhead was known as Little Bear Valley when a fur trader and partner of Jedediah Smith visited the area. Paiute & Serrano Native American Indians lived in the mountains. Many skirmishes occurred between the visitors and Paiutes, the Serranos stayed out of the battles until they were attacked; many on both sides were killed. Eventually the settlers won the area. After that they began to log for lumber, have cattle ranches and build sawmills. Most of the work was done in the spring and summer months because the winters were too cold.


In 1891, 3 businessmen chose to build a reservoir to supply water to the southern lowlands thus the Arrowhead Reservoir Company began. Later a dam was built that began in 1893. It was used as a semi-hydraulic fill dam with the concept to use the water for power. By 1912 the dam was 80% done but it took many more years to complete due its enormous needs. It required 60 miles of water conveyances and tunnels. Some problems with local ranchers and the State occurred causing the construction to stop. Later, Arrowhead Lake Company bought the area with the goal to make it into a recreation and residential area. Dam completed in 1923.


The Village surrounding the lake began with a dance pavilion, outdoor movie theater, restaurant, beach and bath houses; hotels followed and a tavern and golf course. Many Hollywood stars stayed at the hotels and purchased secluded homes in the area. Films were often made in this area. It was a popular place with its new name Lake Arrowhead after World War II for servicemen to recuperate.


In 1946, the owners of Santa Anita Racetrack bought the lake and surrounding properties. They created a Turf club and were known to be philanthropic donating to the Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts, churches and the hospital. The tavern was donated to the University of California which is currently a conference center.

"The Alps of Southern California"

Location of Lake Arrowhead in SBC


Specific Prayer Points | Lake Arrowhead Tourist View

  • Environmental issues: fires, drought affecting the level of the lake

  • Governed by: San Bernardino County 2nd District; Supervisor; 8th Congressional District; State Senate District 23; State Assembly District 33;

  • Schools/District: Rim of the World Unified School District, Rim of the World High school, Mary Putnam Henck Intermediate School, Lake Arrowhead elementary, Mt. Calvary Lutheran Early Education Center

  • Crime issues: [2022] overall crime grade is B; A crime occurs every 1 day 12 hours (on average) in Lake Arrowhead; violent crime is C; property crime is B+; other crime is B-; top issues are vandalism 11%; burglary 5%

  • Poverty rate: 17.2% [CA average 15%]; over 85 highest rate 38%; children 6-17 26%;

  • Points of interest: Mountains Community Hospital, campgrounds, trails, fishing, Tudor Village

  • Spiritual needs: Churches unite & experience revival, intercessors claim this city and surrounding towns for Christ, an awakening occurs among the believers, a hunger for the word and prayer, deep conviction of sin that brings about transformed lives and reformation in the city, acts of kindness lead people to Jesus, Christian bookstore thrives, laborers for the harvest, boldness to share the Gospel, signs and wonders be done in the name of Jesus that draws people to God because they see His power in action.

Churches & Ministries [not exhaustive]



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