Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area 14651 Cedar Circle Hesperia, CA 92345 (760) 389-2281
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Our Mission The mission of California State Parks is Silverwood to provide for the health, inspiration and ain and snowmelt education of the people of California by helping R to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological from the Feather River Lake diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities Basin collects in Lake State Recreation Area for high-quality outdoor recreation. Oroville, then traverses the Sacramento- San Joaquin Delta, California State Parks supports equal access. joins the 444-mile Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the park at State Water Project, (760) 389-2281. If you need this publication in an and ends in the snow alternate format, contact [email protected]. capped reflections of CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS P.O. Box 942896 Silverwood Lake Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 For information call: (800) 777-0369 (916) 653-6995, outside the U.S. 711, TTY relay service www.parks.ca.gov Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area 14651 Cedar Circle Hesperia, CA 92345 (760) 389-2281 www.parks.ca.gov/silverwoodlake © 2006 California State Parks (Rev. 2016) igh in the heart of the San Bernardino order. Skilled artisans, the Serrano were Water Project also provides flood control, H National Forest, Silverwood Lake State known for their beautiful woven baskets. recreation, and protection and enhancement Recreation Area captures the eye and the The Serrano traded with the Mojave of fish and wildlife. The lake waters begin in imagination with vistas of snow-capped tribe to the east and Tongva (Gabrieliño) California’s upper Feather River Basin as rain mountain peaks reflected on the lake. to the west for goods they could not or snowmelt. From the water storage facility The lake was formed by the 249-foot Cedar produce themselves. at Lake Oroville, the water is released in Springs Dam, which holds back the waters of The stable lives and traditions of the regulated amounts, flowing down the Feather the west fork of the Mojave River as it passes Serrano changed drastically around 1790, and Sacramento Rivers to the Sacramento- through the San Bernardino Mountains. when they were drawn into the San Gabriel San Joaquin Delta and into the 444-mile Warm, dry breezes prevail during Mission. Hard labor and European diseases California Aqueduct. summer — with high temperatures averaging took their toll. By the early 20th century, The water moves south to the foot between 90 and 100 degrees from June to the area’s estimated 1,500 Serrano people of the Tehachapi Mountains. It enters September. From December through March, had dwindled to 119. Today some Serrano Southern California on the south side of the rainy winter temperatures vary from the low descendants live on or near the San Manuel Tehachapis, then splits into the west branch 30s to the low 60s. and Morongo Indian Reservations. serving the Los Angeles Basin and Ventura County’s coastal areas, and the east branch, NATIVE PEOPLE THE STATE WATER PROJECT which serves the Antelope Valley and San For more than 2,500 years, the Serrano Silverwood Lake was named for W. E. “Ted” Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, and San Diego (Spanish for “mountain people”) Indians Silverwood, a Riverside County resident. Counties. In the Antelope Valley, the water occupied the San Bernardino Mountains and Silverwood’s support for the State Water level is pumped to a height of 3,480 feet extended into the desert far to the northeast, Project— and his unceasing work for water above sea level, then downhill, under the north, and northwest as far as the Southern and soil conservation— helped to bring Mojave River and Highway 173, and finally, it Sierra Mountains, Barstow region, and water to Southern California. reaches Silverwood Lake. Twentynine Palms. Supplying water and power for California’s Alongside rivers and streams, the Serrano agriculture, cities, and industry, the lived in settlements of 10 to 20 dwellings. Their circular-shaped homes were usually made of willow frames covered in brush 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 View of Silverwood Lake From the intake towers at the south end Silverwood of Silverwood Lake, the water continues Lake habitats south, where it plunges 1,600 feet to spin the include turbines that generate electricity. Some of ponderosa the water goes to contracting agencies, while pine, incense the rest flows on to Lake Perris, the southern cedar, white terminus of the aqueduct. fir, and black WILDLIFE AND HABITATS oak. Along California mule deer are often seen in early the shore, chamise, live morning and sometimes in the evenings. Silverwood Lake offers 976 acres of water recreation. Night predators such as gray foxes, coyotes, oak, manzanita, and (rarely) mountain lions use the darkness ceanothus, and mountain mahogany grow. Hiking/Bicycling— The park has 13 miles of to hunt such small mammals as rabbits, Alders, willows, and sycamores are found paved hiking and bicycling trails. Bicyclists jackrabbits, squirrels, ringtails, chipmunks, along streams. under 18 years of age must wear safety and wood rats. Visit www.parks.ca.gov/silverwoodlake helmets. Watch for trail debris, slow down Black bears, bobcats, and golden beavers to check on current conditions and fire around blind curves, and carry water. regulations before your visit. may be seen along the Mojave River. In Waterskiing— Only commercially designed winter, bald eagles glide silently above RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES water floats, aquaplanes, wakeboards or the lake, fishing for their next meal. Water- Camping— The Mesa Campground has 136 waterskis are permitted. Tow lines must not oriented birds — great blue herons, snowy family sites with tables, grills, and fire rings. exceed 90 feet. Do not tow non-commercial egrets, avocets, western grebes, loons, Each campsite has an eight-person limit. inflatable equipment such as rubber rafts Canada geese, mergansers, and several Restrooms and showers are nearby. Seven and inner tubes. varieties of ducks — are plentiful. Around walk-in sites are for bicyclists and hikers. Swimming— Two swim beaches are located Sawpit Canyon, birds of prey include red- Three group sites have barbecues, tables, at the southern end of the lake. Lifeguards tailed hawks, Cooper’s hawks, ospreys, and restrooms with showers. These sites are on duty daily from Memorial Day and roadrunners. This area is also home to each hold up to 120 people and 30 cars. weekend through Labor Day weekend. Clark’s nutcrackers, Steller’s and scrub jays, Miller Canyon’s three group sites (without Fishing— The best fishing conditions are rock wrens, and mountain bluebirds. showers) hold 40 people and 20 vehicles. in spring and fall, when lake and boating Boating— The northern part of the lake has a activity are minimal. From February through waterski area; a marina and launch ramps are early June, trout fishing is good; the lake at the south end. Boats are inspected. also has largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, Reservations are needed for boat launch catfish, and striped bass. In spring, boat and camping at Silverwood Lake. Call and shore fishing are available. All anglers (800) 444-7275 or visit www.parks.ca.gov/ 16 years of age or older must carry a valid silverwoodlake. California fishing license. Great blue heron Bald Eagle Barge Tours — From January BOATING RULES • Do not ride on the bow, gunwale, or through March, Saturday barge tours to view • All vessels must be clean, drained, and transom of any vessel. bald eagles are available. Reservations dry to pass the zebra and quagga mussel • All vessels must carry a fire extinguisher are recommended. Call (760) 389-2281 to inspection before launching. (except outboard boats less than 26 reserve or to ask about winter bald-eagle • Direction of travel in the main feet without a permanently installed count days. body of the lake (waterski area) is fuel tank). counter-clockwise. Pacific Crest Trail— Part of the 2,650-mile • Fires, stoves, and barbecues are Pacific Crest Trail — which originates in • All boats must be off the lake by sunset. prohibited in coves and boat-in areas. Mexico, traverses three western states, and • Keep to the right in the channel. This is a • Buoys are for navigation and warning. terminates in Canada — passes through the no-ski zone. Do not use for slalom-style racing. No park. This jewel in the crown of America’s • The marina is a no-wake zone. mooring or tying to buoys is allowed. scenic trails crests along the San Bernardino • Speed limits are 5 mph in restricted • Courtesy dock at the launch ramp is Mountains with a lake view. areas and 35 mph in open zones. limited to 15 minutes loading and ACCESSIBLE FEATURES • A properly fitting, Coast Guard-approved unloading only. No unattended vessels personal flotation device is required for Camping— Five accessible campsites have may be left at the courtesy dock. every person on board and must be worn nearby restrooms with showers that may be • Only commercially manufactured by children under 12 years of age. usable. Some assistance may be needed. inflatable floats can be towed behind a • Boat operators must be at least 16 years boat or a wave runner. Non-commercial Trails— The Cleghorn Hike and Bike Trail, old. Twelve- to fifteen-year-olds may devices such as rafts or inner tubes are with vistas of the foothills, is accessible operate with an adult 18 years or older. not allowed. When passengers are on for ¾ mile. Trailhead, parking, and usable • Freestyle, wake jumping, or trick riding it, the float may be towed only in the restrooms are available.