Silverwood Lake for Information Call: (800) 777-0369 (916) 653-6995, Outside the U.S

Our Mission The mission of California State Parks is Silverwood to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological Rain and snowmelt Lake diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities from the Feather River State Recreation Area for high-quality outdoor recreation. Basin collects in Lake Oroville, then traverses the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, joins California State Parks supports equal access. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who the 444-mile State need assistance should contact the park at (760) 389-2281. This publication is available Water Project, and in alternate formats by contacting: ends in the snow- CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS capped reflections of P.O. Box 942896 Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 Silverwood Lake For information call: (800) 777-0369 (916) 653-6995, outside the U.S. 711, TTY relay service

www.parks.ca.gov

Discover the many states of California.™

Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area 14651 Cedar Circle Hesperia, CA 92345 (760) 389-2281

© 2006 California State Parks (Rev. 2010) igh in the heart of the San Bernardino The Serrano traded with the Mojave to the water storage facility at Lake Oroville, the H National Forest, Silverwood Lake east and the Gabrielino to the west for goods water is released in regulated amounts, State Recreation Area captures the eye and they could not produce themselves. flowing down the Feather and Sacramento the imagination with vistas of snow-capped The stable lives and traditions of the Rivers to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta mountain peaks reflected on the lake. Serrano changed drastically around 1790, and into the 444-mile California Aqueduct. The lake was formed by the 249-foot Cedar when they were drawn into the San Gabriel The water moves south to the foot Springs Dam, which holds back the waters of Mission. Hard labor and European diseases of the Tehachapi Mountains. It enters the west fork of the Mojave River as it passes took their toll. By the early 20th century, a Southern California on the south side of through the San Bernardino Mountains. group of approximately 1,500 Serrano people the Tehachapis, then splits into the west Warm, dry breezes prevail during had dwindled to 119. Today some Serrano branch serving the Los Angeles Basin and summer—with high temperatures averaging descendants live on or near the San Manuel Ventura County’s coastal areas, and the between 90 and 100 degrees from June to and Morongo Reservations. east branch, which serves the Antelope September. From December through March, Valley and San Bernardino, Riverside, rainy winter temperatures vary from the low The State Water Project Orange and San Diego counties. In the 30s to the low 60s. Silverwood Lake was named for W. E. “Ted” Antelope Valley, the water level is pumped Silverwood, a Riverside County resident. to a height of 3,480 feet above sea level, NATIVE PEOPLE Silverwood’s support for the State Water For more than 2,500 years, the Serrano then downhill, under the Mojave River Project—and his unceasing work for water and Highway 173, and finally, it reaches (Spanish for “mountain people”) Indians and soil conservation—helped to bring occupied Yahaviat (pine place) on the Silverwood Lake. water to southern California. From the intake towers at the south end northern and southern faces of the San Supplying water and power for Bernardino Mountains, as far north as the flat of Silverwood Lake, the water continues California’s agriculture, cities and industry, south, where it plunges 1,600 feet to spin desert bounded by the Tehachapi Mountains. the Water Project also provides flood Alongside rivers and streams, the Serrano the turbines that generate electricity. Some control, recreation, and protection and of the water goes to contracting agencies, lived in settlements of 10 to 20 dwellings. enhancement of fish and wildlife. The lake Their circular-shaped homes were usually while the rest flows on to Lake Perris, the waters begin in California’s upper Feather southern terminus of the aqueduct. made of willow frames covered in brush River Basin as rain or snowmelt. From the or tule reeds and tied with various fibers or rawhide. Several Serrano settlements, including Yucaipa and Cucamonga, have modern towns that bear their names. The Serrano used ritual, including songs and storytelling, to pass along knowledge necessary to maintain the Earth’s natural order. Skilled artisans, the Serrano were known for their delicate, ornate pottery and woven baskets.

View of Silverwood Lake Wildlife and Habitats Landscapes and other features of not exceed 90 feet. California mule deer are often seen in early the 13-mile shoreline have changed Do not tow non- morning and sometimes in the evenings. dramatically, and some once-familiar commercial inflatable Night predators such as gray foxes, features may never return. Although equipment such as coyotes and (rarely) mountain lions use nature has begun repairs, visit rubber rafts and inner the darkness to hunt cottontail and brush www.parks.ca.gov/silverwoodlake tubes. rabbits, jackrabbits, western gray and ground to check on current conditions and Swimming—Two squirrels, ringtails, chipmunks and wood rats. fire regulations. swim beaches Black bears, bobcats and golden beavers Recreational Activities are located at the may be seen along the Mojave River. In Camping—The Mesa Campground southern end of winter bald eagles glide silently above has 136 family sites, each with a the lake. Lifeguards the lake, fishing for their next meal. Water- table, barbecue grill and fire ring. are on duty daily oriented birds—great blue herons, snowy Restrooms and showers are nearby. from Memorial Day egrets, avocets, western grebes, loons, Seven walk-in sites are used Silverwood Lake offers 976 acres weekend through Canada geese, mergansers and several by bicyclists and hikers. Group of water recreation. Labor Day weekend. varieties of ducks—are plentiful. Around sites have barbecues, tables and Fishing—The best Sawpit Canyon, birds of prey include red- restrooms with showers. Each group site will fishing conditions are in spring and fall, tailed hawks, Cooper’s hawks, ospreys and accommodate 120 persons and 30 cars. when lake and boating activity are minimal. roadrunners. This area is also home to Although some campsites were scorched From February through early June, trout Clark’s nutcrackers, Steller’s and scrub jays, in the 2003 fire, most are now available for fishing is good; the lake also has largemouth rock wrens and mountain bluebirds. use. For updates on camping at Silverwood bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish and striped Silverwood Lake habitats include Lake and to make reservations, call bass. In spring, boat and shore fishing are ponderosa pine, incense cedar, white fir and (800) 444-7275 or visit www.parks.ca.gov/ available. All anglers 16 years of age or older black oak. Along the shore, chamise, live silverwoodlake. must carry a valid California fishing license. oak, manzanita, ceanothus and mountain mahogany grow. Alders, willows and Hiking/Bicycling—The park has 13 miles of Bald Eagle Barge Tours—From January sycamores are found along streams. paved hiking and bicycling trails. Bicyclists through March, barge tours to view the bald In October of 2003, wildfires claimed under 18 years of age must wear safety eagles are available. Saturday or Sunday about 1,000 acres of Silverwood Lake State helmets. Watch for debris on the trail, slow tours are popular attractions. Reservations Recreation Area. down around blind curves, and carry plenty are recommended; call (760) 389-2303. Great blue After the fires, of water. The Pacific Crest Trail—Part of the 2,650- heron winter rains Boating—The northern part of the lake has a mile Pacific Crest Trail—which originates brought waterski area; a marina and launch ramps are in Mexico, traverses three western states flooding; some at the south end. and terminates in Canada—passes through parts of the park Waterskiing—Only commercially designed the park. This jewel in the crown of may still be recovering. water floats, aquaplanes, wakeboards or America’s scenic trails crests along the San waterskis are permitted. Tow lines must Bernardino Mountains. BOATING RULES • All vessels must carry a fire extinguisher • Direction of travel in the main body (except outboard boats less than 26’ of the lake (water-ski area) is counter- without a permanently installed fuel tank). clockwise. • Fires, stoves and barbecues are • All boats must be off the lake by sunset. prohibited in coves and boat-in areas. • Keep to the right in the channel. This is a • Buoys are for navigation and warning. no-ski zone. Do not use for slalom-style racing. No • Speed limits are 5 mph in restricted mooring or tying to buoys is allowed. areas, 35 mph in open zones. • Courtesy dock at the launch ramp is • A properly fitting, Coast Guard-approved limited to 15 minutes loading and personal flotation device is required for unloading only. No unattended vessels Accessible Features every person on board and must be worn may be left at the courtesy dock. Camping—Five accessible campsites have by children under 12 years of age. • The marina is a no-wake zone. nearby restrooms with showers that may be • Boat operators must be at least 16 years • Only commercially manufactured inflatable usable with some assistance. old. Twelve- to fifteen-year-olds may floats can be towed behind a boat or a operate with an adult 18 years or older. Trails—The Cleghorn Hike and Bike Trail, wave runner. Non-commercial devices • Freestyle, wake jumping or trick riding are with vistas of the foothills, is accessible for such as rafts or inner tubes are not prohibited. Jumping or attempting to jump allowed. When passengers are on board, 0.75 mile. Trailhead, parking and usable the wake of another vessel within 100 feet restrooms are available. the float may be towed only in the waterski of the other vessel is prohibited by law. area; when no passengers are on board, it Accessibility is continually improving. • Do not ride on the bow, gunwale or may be towed to and from the area. For current accessibility details, visit transom of any vessel. http://access.parks.ca.gov. Nearby State Parks • Lake Perris State Recreation Area 17801 Lake Perris Drive Perris 92571 (951) 940-5600 • Saddleback Butte State Park 43220 172nd Street East Lancaster 93534 (661) 727-9899 • Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park 43779 15th Street West Lancaster 93534 (661) 946-3055 to Palmdale

Los Flores Rd 173 t Legend c u d e u q Freeway River Locked Gate A ia n r o f i Barbecue Pit Marina l Paved road R a im C o Silverwood Lake 173 Unpaved road Boating Nature Trail f rail th T to Lake e P W State Recreation Area Arrowhead Boat-In Picnic Area Parking o 173 T Paved Trail rl Paci rail 173 d fic Sc est en Cr Hiking & Bicycle Trail Boat Launch Picnic Area ic fic Crest B ci yw a a P Hiking Trail Campground Restrooms y Cedar P Springs Dam 2N33 Fence Campfire Center RV Campsites rail 2N47 138 Pacific T Park Boundary Entrance Station RV Sanitation Station st re C Restricted Boating Area Group Campground Showers rail Water T Spillway 5 MPH Area Group Picnic Area Swimming Intake Hazardous Area Hand Launch Viewpoint t s e r w 2N17X C lo Intermittent Stream Hike/Bike Campground f ic f f Silverwood a r 2N33 Vista Pacific t Lake Point

Chamise w Ski Area - 35 mph maximum o Live Oak l Cove f C l e g h o r n C a Landing n y o ic Crest T ic 5 mph n acif ra Chamise ff P il a 5 5 mph tr mph Baranca Quiet Cove Sycamore 5 mph Crest Landing Cleghorn Road Trail Quarry Valle Entrance fic Rio ci Cove a P 15 0 5 10 Mi Group 3000 Quarry Saddleback Park Butte SP Oro Grande k ave River Danger - No Climbing 0 5 10 15 Km West For M oj Campgrounds Office 138 395 Pearblossom 18 Victorville 138 138 SI LVE RW O O D L A K E Hesperia traffic flow Wrightwood 5 mph 2 Angeles 138 173 2N59 S TATE National Forest Outhouse Lake Arrowhead Cove 2N33 Silverwood Lake SRA San Bernardino RECRE ATION 5 mph National Forest 66 horn Canyo 10 San Cleg n Crest Tr acific l Cleghorn AREA Pomona Bernardino 10 P T Cr t rail 60 Chino leghorn Day Use Pacific e s Baranca C Rd Garces 57 Hills Riverside 60 10 SP d Overlook 91 79 Mt San Cleghorn Roa P 6 Jacinto SP Rio P 4 5 P No Tow Zone Anaheim Valle Cle Lake Perris gho rail 35 mph maximum SRA Group r n T Las Animas Point 5 Idyllwild k ve River Park 15 74 West For M oja Santa Ana Campgrounds Office New Mesa Rocking Cleveland NF 215 no power Chair SBNF Campground boats Nature 2N59 see Center detail 5 mph map Mesa Campground 2N33 USFS Cottonwood Saw Boat Service pit 2N33 2N48 138 C P Parking Jamajab Station a 1 2N36 n 5 mph Point y Black o P n 2 P Oak

d SAN BERNARDINO

Serrano Outlet Area Beach P 3 N AT I O N A L F O REST DWR Serrano 2N45 Landing S a w p DEPARTMENT OF i t WATER RESOURCES no power P boats P SAN (DWR)

2N59 2N43

Creek E BERNARDINO a Cleghorn st F P ork N ATIONAL 138 ific Day Use Rim of the World Sc Mojave Pac Cres enic Lynx t Tra Byw il 2N59 ay Point Miller leghorn Canyon F O REST C Clegh R 2N59 o Creek Clegho rn R P 2N45 5 P rn R 4 oad River P 6 Devil’s P Pit P

2N03 Mill Miller Canyon P 2N43 2N63 138 Group Camp 2N37 New Mesa no power Campground boats Burnt

Nature 0 0.1 Miles Center 0 0.15 Kilometers Mesa Campground 2N63 2N45 P Sa wp Lawn it Ca nyon Area This park receives support in part through a nonprofit 138 Rd (no tents) 138 Camp Host organization. For more information, contact: Mojave River Natural History Association (MRNHA) Creek

NOTE: Forest roads (unpaved, red-dashed roads) ley 2N43 See 2N49 are dicult to bike. Please ride with caution. Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area • (760) 389-2303 2N45 http://www.mrnha.shorturl.com 138 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 Miles 2N49 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 Kilometers to San