6 Best Places to Paddle Board in Lake Arrowhead, CA

Nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, Lake Arrowhead offers a picturesque escape.

Seeking the best places to paddle board in Lake Arrowhead?

Get ready to discover the majestic beauty of this stunning destination while gliding through its crystal-clear waters.

Map

Planning Your Paddle in Lake Arrowhead

Season figures are averages of the daily maximum temperature in the ERA5 climate archive for 2019 to 2024. Every spot below can carry its own rules on top of these.

Season: average daily highs clear 59 °F from April through October. July is the warmest month, averaging 83 °F, and outside that window a wetsuit is what separates a short session from a comfortable one.
Rules and licences: The US Coast Guard treats a paddleboard as a vessel as soon as you leave the immediate swimming or surfing area. From that point a wearable life jacket for every person on board is required, together with a sound signal, and a white light after dark. Individual states add their own rules on top, so check the state boating agency before a longer trip.

Where to Paddle Board in Lake Arrowhead

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Lake Arrowhead

🏖️ ️Location Type: Mountain Lake
📍️ Access Point: Lake Arrowhead Village (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, clear water, gentle breeze
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Trout, bass, ducks, ospreys
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Beautiful mountain vistas, surrounding forest
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Only available to property owners and their guests, wear life jackets, follow boating rules

Lake Arrowhead, the centerpiece of the San Bernardino Mountains, is a picturesque spot for paddleboarding.

However, it is a private lake and exclusive to property owners and their guests. Enjoy the serene mountain scenery and calm waters while paddling in this beautiful location.

#2 Papoose Lake

🏖️ ️Location Type: Mountain Lake
📍️ Access Point: Papoose Lake trailhead (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, clear water, gentle winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Trout, ducks, ospreys
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Mountain scenery, lush forest
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Accessible to the public, follow safety guidelines

Papoose Lake is another mountain lake located near Lake Arrowhead. A hidden gem among the San Bernardino Mountains, it offers tranquil, clear water and stunning views.

This idyllic destination is perfect for a peaceful paddle boarding experience surrounded by nature.

#3 Lake Gregory

🏖️ ️Location Type: Mountain Lake
📍️ Access Point: Lake Gregory Regional Park (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, light breeze
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Trout, ducks, geese
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Mountain views, picturesque shoreline
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Observe park rules, wear life jackets

Located a short drive from Lake Arrowhead, Lake Gregory is a public mountain lake that offers an accessible paddleboarding experience.

Surrounded by lush pine trees, the lake features calm waters and ample opportunities to spot wildlife. Enjoy a serene day on the water, taking in the mountain views and tranquil setting.

#4 Big Bear Lake

🏖️ ️Location Type: Mountain Lake
📍️ Access Point: Meadow Park (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional afternoon winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Trout, bass, ducks, ospreys
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Impressive mountain views, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain ski resorts
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow boating rules, wear life jackets, be cautious of sudden weather changes

Big Bear Lake, another popular mountain lake located near Lake Arrowhead, offers an ideal paddleboarding destination.

With calm waters and breathtaking mountain views, it’s a great spot for both beginners and experienced paddlers. Make sure to follow safety guidelines and explore the surrounding recreational spots for an enjoyable day out.

#5 Silverwood Lake

🏖️ Location Type: Mountain Lake
📍 Access Point: Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, mild winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Trout, catfish, migratory birds
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: San Bernardino National Forest, dam
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow state park rules, wear life jackets, beware of boat traffic

Silverwood Lake, situated within the San Bernardino National Forest, is a scenic spot for paddleboarding just a short drive from Lake Arrowhead.

The calm waters and beautiful surrounding forest make it a perfect location for a serene day on the lake. Follow park rules and be mindful of boat traffic for a safe and enjoyable experience.

#6 Grass Valley Lake

🏖️ ️Location Type: Mountain Lake
📍 Access Point: Grass Valley Park (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, gentle breeze
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Trout, bass, ducks, geese
️🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Mountain landscape, surrounding forest
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Private lake for property owners and their guests, adhere to boating rules

Grass Valley Lake is a smaller, private lake in Lake Arrowhead that’s ideal for paddleboarding.

With calm waters and beautiful mountain surroundings, it offers a peaceful retreat for property owners and their guests. Ensure you follow all safety guidelines to make the most of this serene paddleboarding spot.

What to Take With You

Whatever the water here looks like, the same short list comes along. Each box below shows the model that currently sits at number one in our own test of that category.

Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Vest

Life jacket

Check price

Typefoam, paddle cut
ApprovalUSCG and Transport Canada

Rules differ from state to state and from country to country, but on open water this is the piece that gets checked, and the one that counts when the wind turns while you are still a long way out.

Every model we tested: 10 Best Life Vests for Paddle Boarding

NRS Quick-Release SUP Leash

Waist leash

Check price

Cordcoiled, stretches to 9 ft
Swivelstwo in-line

A leash keeps the board within reach after a fall, and a board that drifts off is the start of most rescues. On moving water use a quick release belt rather than an ankle cuff.

Every model we tested: The 9 Best SUP Waist Leashes

Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch

Phone case