Overview:  This trail navigates around the southeastern wing of Silverwood in Miller Canyon. Most of the trail is on paved trails, with a few exce... more »ptions where the trail's been covered with silt, damaged by slides over the years, or broken up with age. This trail is also open to bikes.

The trail along the southern lake shore is mostly shaded under forest canopy with plentiful lake views and provides a handy path to get from day-use areas to shoreline and campsites. Much of the northerly shore of Miller Canyon around the lake is exposed but it does provide a few spots of shore access and views from the other side. A great little hike!

The Silverwood Lake area boasts an active wildlife population that includes
California mule deer, gray foxes, coyotes and the periodic mountain lion. Cottontail, brush rabbits, jackrabbits, western gray and ground squirrels, ringtails, chipmunks and wood rats can be commonly seen. Along the Mojave River black bears, bobcats and golden beavers live.

Bald eagles fly during the winter, fishing the lake's waters. Other water birds include Great blue herons, snowy egrets, avocets, western grebes, loons, Canada geese, mergansers and several varieties of ducks, frequently in large numbers. Other bird species include Red-tailed hawks, Cooper’s hawks, ospreys and roadrunners. This area is also home to Clark’s nutcrackers, Steller’s and scrub jays, rock wrens and mountain bluebirds.

Silverwood Lake vegetation habitats include ponderosa pine, incense cedar, white fir and black oak. Along the lake's shores are chamise, live oak, manzanita, ceanothus and mountain mahogany grow. Stream species include Alders, willows and sycamores.

Back in October, 2003 Silverwood was hit by wildfires that severely damaged about 1,000 acres of the State Recreation Area. Since then winter rains have brought flooding. The impact can still be seen along this trail in the form of washouts, slides, trail silting, and fire damage to fencing, all still awaiting funding for repairs. The bright side is nature's amazing ability to recover.

Silverwood Lake's story actually begins in the Northern Sierra Nevada foothills up around Oroville, California and the Feather River Basin. The waters travel southward in the State Water Project aqueducts and pumping stations and a portion ends up here at Silverwood Lake. The lake is also fed by the Mojave River. The water is then stored and used to generate electricity, provide water to various agencies, is distributed to Lake Perris and then sent all over to several Southern California Counties. less «

Tips:  Location-Directions:

Latitude: 34.280526
Longitude: -117.334971

The park is located via Highway 138, 11... more » miles east of I-15; or 20 miles north of San Bernardino via Highways 18 & 138.
Silverwood Lake, CA,

Latitude/Longitude: 34.3047 / -117.3125

PARK HOURS:
Starting April 1st: Summer hours 7:00 am to 9:00 pm.
October 1st thru March 31 Winter hours 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.

All vessels must be off the lake before sunset.

Telephone
760-389-2281 or
760-389-2303

Reservations
1-800-444-PARK

Online Boating Reservations:
Boat reservations are recommended. Typically, every weekend during the summer the entire block of reservations is booked.

BOATING:

All boats, personal watercraft, kayaks, canoes, sailboards, inflatables, and float tubes must undergo a mandatory inspection. This inspection is to prevent the spread of Quagga and Zebra Mussels. This invasive species threatens the recreational opportunities of the general public, the water delivery infrastructure of California, and the aquatic habitat of Silverwood Lake. These inspections are required to ensure the continued health and well-being of Silverwood Lake. Failure to allow inspection of any watercraft will result in the refusal to launch.

Launch ramps:
Main launch ramp is available for all launching.

Cleghorn small craft car-top launch ramp.

Online Camping Reservations:
Campsites 1 through 95 are available by reservation. Reservations are recommended year round because each reservation is site specific.

CAMPING AND DAY USE:
Rio, Valle and Barranca group camps are available for reservations.

Max Camper Length: 32 Feet
Max Trailer Length: 31 Feet

Willows Picnic Area is open. However, due to mud and flood damage picnicking facilities are limited at this time.

Cleghorn Day-Use is open.

Miller Canyon - Closed to entry! DO NOT ENTER by land routes.

TRAILS:
Pacific Crest Trail is open in the park segment for through foot and horse traffic. HORSES ARE NOT RECOMMENDED north of Hwy 138 to the foot of the dam. Restrooms, water and camp facilities are not available in the park.

ADA:
Camping
There are two family campgrounds and some group facilities. Four family campsites designated accessible may be usable by some persons with disabilities. Current designated accessible restroom stalls have only 34" in front of the seat. Showers are mostly barrier free, but assistance may be needed to adjust controls and shower head.
To reserve a site, phone 1-800-444-7275, or follow this link, SilverwoodLakeatReserveAmerica

Trails
The Cleghorn Hike and Bike Trail is accessible for 0.75 mile through rural areas with vistas of the foothills. Trailhead and parking at either lot #4 or #5. Restrooms at both parking lots may be usable, but designated accessible stalls have only 34" in front of the seat.

Exhibits/Programs
Visitor Center. A new visitor center is in the early contract bidding stage.

Other Information
At the lake marina entry area, a concrete surface vista point (#1) with picnic table as well as fishing access may be usable. less «