Situated in the middle of the San Bernardino National Forest, our quaint and unincorporated communities of Running Springs, Arrowbear and Green Valley Lake are often described as the Gateway to the Mountains. We live our semi-rural life within beautiful woodlands covered by native growths of pine, fir and oak trees. Frequent outcroppings of some giant boulders add to the beauty of our mountain top locations. Nearby Snow Valley is a well-known ski area.
Our mountain resort became popular around 1895. The first noted park- camp was developed near the Brookings Mill in the area now known as Smiley Park or Fredalba. With the decline of the lumber industry after 1912, attempts were made to use our area for cattle and sheep grazing. Forest service restrictions and the increasing land use for resorts and camps made grazing a difficult venture.( see History of the Mountains)
Running Springs is the favorite place to buy a home for commuters to work-places in Highland, Redlands and San Bernardino – a less than 20-minute drive via Highway 330. A fixed-route bus system operates between most of the other mountain communities, with special routes to Big Bear. The International Airport at Ontario is only 45 minutes away.