A Mysterious Lake By a Miner's Grave: Photo Journey, Big Bear, California
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I hope you enjoy these photos; all but one were taken by yours truly. Big Bear, California has a rich history in the Mining Tradition: tales, fables, murders and mayhem typical of this period in time. The Holcombe Valley has a series of wonderful mining cabins you can visit on their guided trail, complete with gems and stories. The lake I fell in love with is listed simply as "unnamed" on most maps, or worse still, "dry." As you can see from these photos, the lake is gorgeous and unspoiled, with mysterious depths.
The grave nearby is shrouded in local rocks and is said to contain the remains of a miner named "Wilbur" who asked to be buried by his beloved claim. When visiting the Big Bear, California area be sure to have lunch at the Discovery Center, as they have maps and tours to introduce you to this diverse and glorious place. (Ask for the Holcombe Valley flyer, which details every stop along the way with mini history lessons).
You can easily access Big Bear, California while in the Southern California area. Take Highway 18 or 330 from either San Bernardino or Highland. Although winding, the road is very well maintained. There are rest areas along the way where you can take wonderful panoramic shots. Big Bear City has special cafes and regular chains like Denny's, not to mention cabins and motel rooms to suit your budget. Big Bear Lake boasts cruises as well as guided canoe trips. For hikers as well as History Buffs, this gem of Southern California is an exciting place to visit.
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It just looks like a brilliant place to walk around. It is a pity someone doesnt know more about "Wilbur". His story is probably worth telling.
I know this area somewhat as weekended in Lake Arrowhead a couple of times. How I miss huge, lovely California!
Bob
I love your photos, I live in Orange County, been to Big Bear many times, but did not know about this. Thanks for writing the article.
THANK you--I agree about Wilbur. he must have come out with the Holcombe Mining expeditions, which were spurred on by a Grizzly Bear hunt in the area. Thank all of you for your comments; if you need more precise travel info. I would be delighted to email you a map. We visit about once a week or twice a month; Holcombe Valley brings me peace and joy, even in the most stressful of times!
Hi Garnet,
My teen years were spent in Yucaipa, CA, and my brother still lives there. We would go to Big Bear often taking the route of (I think!) highway 38. I don't have a map right here, but it is the highway that runs up out of Redlands and through Mentone.
Big Bear will always be one of my favorite places on earth, as well as Miners lake and all the other surrounding wonderful Mountain attractions and communities.
Thanks for sharing these awesome photos! ('cept now I am homesick for Yucaipa!)
Joni
What a great place to visit
Looks wonderful. Great photos and history. Thanks.
Thank you, Suzie!!
As a local, I can certify to everyone here, Wilbur is actually a mule! Not a miner's grave, as the ones in the Doble area also pictured above are.
O, I love it! That's hysterical! I believe you. It's a lovely lake and grave all the same (I like mules)
I have been to Big Bear many times as I grew up in Southern California. Lovely photos. Good hub.
Thank you-! have a lovely Sunday!
Sounds like it would be a great place to visit if I ever haul my carcass that far west. Thanks for the info.
Thank you for reading--you'd love the Gold Trail tour, which takes you to different mining sites..
Great hub.Thanks for sharing.
moonlake Level 7 Commenter 12 months ago
I use to live under Big Bear when I was a kid. When the mountain burned the ash fell on us.
Interesting hub I never knew about this place sorry I missed it.