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Home , Lake Perris

Our Mission The mission of State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration and Jewel-like Lake Perris education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological beckons visitors with State Recreation Area diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities cool blue waters, pristine for high-quality outdoor recreation. beaches, world-class bass fishing, watching, and miles of riding California State Parks supports equal access. and hiking trails. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the park at (951) 940-5600. If you need this publication in an alternate format, contact [email protected].

CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS P.O. Box 942896 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

Lake Perris State Recreation Area 17801 Lake Perris Drive Perris, CA 92571 (951) 940-5600 www.parks.ca.gov / lakeperris

© 2008 California State Parks (Rev. 2016) H idden among were made of leaves Native people’s lives changed drastically rock-studded hills, and branches laid over with the arrival of Europeans. The native Lake Perris State tree limbs set upright, people had no immunity to new diseases; Recreation Area’s surrounded with low many lost their lives, especially those who 8,800 acres of broad rock walls or other had been resettled into crowded mission valley are bounded small structures. conditions. Today, community outreach and on three sides by Although distinct social education help native descendants maintain low ridges. The units, the two largest their cultures through song, dance, crafts, Bernasconi Hills and Rare snowfall on Bernasconi Hills groups — the Cahuilla and ceremony, and languages. the Russell, Apuma, Luiseño — shared similar NATURAL HISTORY and Armada obscure the view of subsistence and settlement adaptations. Summers are hot and dry. The hottest nearby cities. Inland, the San Bernardino, San The Luiseño ranged west to the coast while months are from June through September, Jacinto, and Santa Rosa Mountains, snow- the Cahuilla extended east into the San with an average high of 94 degrees in August. capped in winter months, stand tall in the Jacinto Mountains and Colorado . From December through April, rainfall distance. The area boasts a rich variety of Their territories overlapped in inland areas, averages about 10 inches; the average high terrains, habitats, and wildlife. including Perris Valley. temperature is 71 degrees, with a low of 46 Lake Perris is located about 65 miles south Artifacts found prior to construction degrees at night. of and 11 miles southeast of indicate that both the Luiseño and Cahuilla Riverside. The lake’s clean white beaches, traded with such nearby groups as the Vegetation enticing blue waters, and rocky Alessandro Serrano, Tongva (Gabrielino), Cupeño, and A colorful palette of native plants surrounds Island bring nearly one million visitors from Chemehuevi. These cultures are known the lake. The scrub vegetation on the surrounding communities each year. for their rock art; some is still visible south faces of the Russell Mountains and Activities in this popular park include around the lake. Time has weathered the Bernasconi Hills typically consists of fishing, water sports, watching, hiking, away rock pictographs (paintings) and brittlebush, sagebrush, black and white rock climbing, camping, horseback riding, petroglyphs (engravings). sages, buckwheat, and species. The and visiting the Ya’i Heki’ (pronounced yahee ehkey) Regional Indian Museum.

PARK HISTORY Native People For thousands of years, the native California groups who lived here enjoyed the area’s abundant resources and mild climate. Food, water, shelter, and clothing were plentiful. The native people hunted antelope, bighorn sheep, deer, , , and a variety of small mammals. Native seasonal houses shadier northern or northwestern slopes are ideal for chamise and penstemon, interior live oak, and sugar bush. Between November and April, these slopes are covered with colorful wildflowers, including goldfields, California poppies, phacelia, and common fiddleneck. The valley grassland areas, visible in a few isolated locations, are only a remnant of once- abundant perennial grasses. Poison oak also grows in various locations — learn to recognize and avoid it. Wildlife Riversidian sage scrub and provide habitat for , , , willets, kingfishers, killdeer, black-necked (951) 940-5600 on weekdays. For boat entry raccoons, California quail, gopher snakes, stilts, egrets, and herons. reservations and site-specific camping and . Though generally shy, these The best time to observe these birds is in reservations and information, visit the park animals can sometimes be spotted during early morning and at dusk. Visit the park’s website or call (800) 444-7275. daylight hours. Please do not feed any wild website or check with staff about guided Fishing — Lake Perris is known for excellent animals that you encounter. birding hikes or scheduled bird counts. largemouth bass fishing. The lake also has Lake Perris is home to more than a catfish, crappie, carp, and trophy-sized hundred species of birds, many migratory. THE WATER PROJECT and redear sunfish. Some birds are here for short stopovers In 1973 the newly opened Lake Perris State are stocked fall through spring. For more during their migrations, while others are Recreation Area became the southernmost information, see the Department of Fish and permanent residents. in the 701-mile California State Wildlife website at www.wildlife.ca.gov. Birdwatchers may see , W ater Project. When 80 percent full, the All anglers aged 16 and over must carry a loggerhead shrikes, larks, California lake’s elevation is 1,560 feet above sea valid California fishing license, available from thrashers, ospreys, bald eagles, level, covering 1,800 surface acres. Located sporting goods stores and the Lake Perris and several and wren types. between the cities of Moreno Valley and Marina Store at (951) 657-2179. The store Waterfowl visitors Perris, the reservoir’s storage capacity has rents boats and personal watercraft; it also include duck, goose, and helped nearby desert communities grow. carries tackle and groceries. grebe species, along Camping — The family campground has tent with American pelicans, RECREATION camping sites without hookups. Electricity cormorants, and coots. For updated hours, lake status, events, and and sink water hookups are available in The water’s edge all recreation and reservation information, the paved RV sites. Family campsites attracts shorebirds visit www.parks.ca.gov / lakeperris or call accommodate up to eight people, with a Red-tailed such as avocets, hawk maximum of three licensed vehicles. No Changing rooms, showers, and restrooms are for beginning and intermediate climbers, with extra-vehicle parking is available. Restrooms located along Perris Beach. challenges for advanced climbers.Bring plenty are nearby, and a trailer sanitation station is Boating — Lake Perris can accommodate of drinking water. Climb at your own risk — near the campground entrance. more than 200 vessels on the water. Launch California State Parks does not install nor Horse Camping — Seven primitive horse reservations may be made in summer, when maintain the fixtures or equipment at Big Rock. campsites — separate from the family capacity may be reached early in the day. Geocaching — Lake Perris has a number of campsites — have corrals, water troughs, and Alessandro Island — For day-use only, themed geocaches hidden in the park. chemical toilets. Each site accommodates up boaters may enjoy the island’s picnic tables, Lakeview Pavilion — Lake Perris has a to eight people and two horses. shade ramadas, grills, and restrooms. multipurpose banquet/special event room that Picnicking — Lake Perris has nearly 300 picnic Hiking, Bicycling, and Horseback Riding — holds up to 130 guests. The indoor pavilion sites — many shaded — in various day-use The park’s nine-mile equestrian, hiking, and features a full kitchen and AV system, with an areas throughout the park. Tables and grills bicycling trail circles the lake. Another hiking adjoining shaded patio and lawn overlooking are available. The most popular sites are trail ascends to the top of Terri Peak. the lake. The pavilion venue holds events such located near Moreno Beach and Perris Beach. Ya’i Hek’i Regional Indian Museum — The as weddings, parties, or meetings. Groups — For a fee, groups may reserve one name of the museum is Cahuilla for “Home of six group camps or three group picnic sites; of the Wind.” The museum interprets the ACCESSIBLE FEATURES larger groups may combine more than one history and cultural aspects of the native Accessible facilities are scattered throughout group site. groups who call this region home. Hours are the park for camping, picnicking, fishing, Swimming — At high lake level, the two limited; see the park’s website for current hiking, biking, horseback mounting, exhibits, designated swimming areas are at Moreno hours. Reservations are required for school programs, and restrooms. Beach wheelchairs Beach and Perris Beach. Use caution and group tours. may be borrowed from the campground kiosk. swim at your own risk. Scuba diving is Rock Climbing — Big Rock is open year Accessibility details are linked to www.parks. permitted at the west end of Perris Beach. round. It provides climbing opportunities ca.gov / lakeperris. Visitors reserving accessible campsites must have Disabled Person or Disabled Veteran QUAGGA AND zEBRA MUSSELS vehicle license plates or placards with written All vessels coming into the park will be inspected for proof of eligibility. quagga or zebra mussels, invasive aquatic species that are microscopic in the larval stage. If introduced into a reservoir, NEARBY STATE PARKS they can destroy the food chain and ruin recreational • Mount San Jacinto State Park opportunities and infrastructure. To protect our aquatic 25905 Highway 243 (or Palm Springs tram) ecosystem, disinfect and dry your boat after each use. Idyllwild 92549 (951) 659-2607 To pass the free inspection and help prevent the spread Quagga mussels at various • California Citrus State Historic Park of these mussels, please make sure your vessel is clean, the growth stages 9400 Dufferin Avenue bilge and all engine vessel compartments are drained and dry, and the entire vessel Riverside 92504 (951) 780-6222 is free of any water. For mussel facts and questions about the inspection process or requirements, visit http://www.resources.ca.gov / quagga. ADVISORIES 60 60 to to At selected locations in and near boating areas, storm advisories are displayed e by flag hoists or lights. Display points are usually Coast Guard Stations, yacht riv D marinas, or municipal piers. A boater should become familiar with the display dy ne stations in the area and the meanings of the signals. en K Lake Perris .F. S J I N State Recreation Area A T N Daytime

e U Signals v

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D SMALL CRAFT GALE STORM HURRICANE M Winds up to Winds up to Winds up to Winds 74 mph

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Lasselle Street 38 mph 54 mph 73 mph and up c a e L B 0-38 mph ADVISORY ONLY: (Boaters to use caution, warning only) Mt. Russell Moreno Valley o L 2704ft n The flag is usually posted between 25-38 mph, depending Community e 824m r E on conditions. Hospital o M S Iris Avenue S 38-54 mph GALE WINDS: Windsurfers and other SAILCRAFT allowed. Jet skis and other vessels with less than six inches of free-

V

i U board are not allowed. Rental fishing boats fall under this a NO category. D R

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l 54 mph-up LAKE CLOSURE: No boats, windsurfers, sailboats, or jet L a HUNTING skis allowed until lifted. Flag is square with black square in g o the middle. UPLAND Moreno Entrance Bikes are NOT PERMITTED on dam. NO THROUGH TRAFFIC Horses are NOT PERMITTED in beach areas. Riverside

Perris Boulevard Community College Moreno Valley GAME Legend

Paved Road Unpaved Road P HUNTING Trail: Hiking Moreno Kiosk Day-Use Horse Trailer Trail: Hike & Bicycle Lot 15 V Trail: Multi-use ia Dirt Road LAKE PERRIS P D P e l L P Accessible Trail a closed to vehicles g Lot 16 AREA o Hunting Area STATE Road Swimming Area

t S e RECREATION Lot 14 e No Wake Zone (5 mph) r N t Lot 13 P (IN SEASON) S I Accessible Feature P P Terri Peak see A

AREA 2569ft detail Lot 11 Boat Launch 783m map T e

l l below P 5 mph e P P s Lot 12 N

Boating s Lot 9 Lot 10 a Campground L U Entrance Power Boat Campground Lakeside Cove Lot 8 Pavilion O Dry Boat P Campground: Group Lot 6 Moreno Storage P Swim Beach M P Lot 7 Campground: RV Calle Boat Beach Store/Marina P Lot 5 Launch Lifeguard Campground: Hike/Bike Alta d P Headquarters, Roa Ramps A ago l L First Aid De Campground: Horse a Lot 3 P All natural and cultural Vi M Regional P Lot 4 Small Craft 5 mph Campfire Center Lot 2 Indian Museum Warning Flag 5 mph U Lot 1 P Marina Group Picnic Area P features are protected (wet boat storage) Fisherman’s Lot P Horse Staging Area Perris Beach Park Office P A (closed Alessandro (non-flush) Information to bikes) Island by law and may not be Locked Gate Perris Kiosk Pier Pictograph Rock Sail Cove Marina Perris Entrance disturbed or removed. NO THROUGH TRAFFIC Medical Facility P Parking Lake 5 mph S Park Office Perris L flow fic L 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 Mile af Picnic Area tr I 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 Kilometers H Restrooms

RV Sanitation Station 35 mph maximum to

Horse camps Amphitheater Showers LAKE PERRIS P CAMPGROUND Swimming P I Evans Road E w R flo R traffic N Campsites Windsurfing I S 391-432

D O to A M Moreno C Gate Lake Perris Lake Perris Drive S Campsites Fairgrounds A Alta Calle 354-390

215 N to to Campsites R 1-44 Ramona Expressway BERNASCONI Perris Gate Quail

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B

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R to 247 0 10 20 Mi P Campsites d Las Vegas Quail n Hesperia 45-88 u Campsites 0 10 20 30 Km ro 192-353 pg m San Bernardino Ca 15 Be Deer NF rn as co Nature Corner Beaumont ni Outlet Works Area Big Rock R San Bernardino 62 (closed to public) oad T Horseshoe Pit (climbing OK) ra Petroglyph n Ramona Expressway s 10 Rock it i 60 Riverside o n

Lake Perris SRA R Kiosk

d Deer

91 Ca. Citrus Mt. San TRAIL CAUTION: Owl

Perris Blvd to Ramona Expy Jacinto SP 10 STEEP & ROUGH SHP Palm Marina, Perris Beach 15 Perris 74 Springs Campsites San 111 Cleveland 215 Bernardino 89-190 NF NF Ramona Expressway 0 75 150 225 300 Feet 74 79 Santa Rosa

N Perris Boulevard & San Jacinto 0 25 50 75 100 Meters Mountains NM Rd Via Del Lago P to San P Lots 13-14 Clemente Lot 5 Lot 6 P Camp P Lot 9 Lakeview to Lots PACIFIC Pendleton to Lot 7 P Pavilion to 11-12 USMC OCEAN San Diego Lot 8 Lot 10

© 2008 California State Parks (Rev. 2016)