Green Valley Lake offers an alpine retreat outside of San Bernardino
Green Valley Lake is a resort alpine community in the San Bernardino Mountains, sitting at an elevation of about 7,000 feet. Surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest, the community offers scenic views and a serene escape from the bustle of Southern California. Residents explore the mountains and enjoy water sports on the private 9-acre lake. "I like the peace and quiet and the fresh air. We're called the 'Lake above the Clouds," says Thomas Lawrence, resident and Realtor at Green Valley Lake Real Estate. "Green Valley Lake is a vacation destination, and most homes up here are second homes. It's a community of about 400 people, but there's almost 1,200 homes up here, and over 90% are vacation homes."
Green Valley Lake’s calm shoreline gives residents a relaxing place for summer recreation.
Evergreen hills surround the lake, reinforcing its nickname: the Lake Above the Clouds.
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Vacation cabins and cottages dominate Green Valley Lake's market
Houses in Green Valley Lake are perched on mountainous hills, nestled among towering pines and cedar trees. Lot size is usually modest, but the forest lots provide a sense of privacy, and many homes have views of the mountains or lake. The community has a variety of log cabins, chalets, lakeside deck houses and Minimal Traditional homes, many built between the 1940s and the 1990s. Prices typically range from $210,000 to $520,000, with properties offering water views at the higher end of the price range. "There are also cottages and a few larger homes over 3,500 square feet," Lawrence says.
Pine‑rimmed cottages like this reflect the town’s classic alpine architecture.
Green Valley Lake cabins range up to about $520K for homes near the water or with views.
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Outdoor activities include water sports and mountain exploration
Green Valley Lake offers plenty of outdoor activities. The lake is well-stocked for fishing from May through October, and is popular for nonmotorized boating and swimming during summer. Hiking enthusiasts can take in the mountain views and explore one of the nearby trails, including the 6-mile out-and-back Camp Creek National Recreation Trail. For winter sports, the Rim Nordic Ski Area is approximately 5 miles east, offering cross-country skiing in the winter and mountain biking in the summer. Across the street, Snow Valley Mountain Resort usually opens in December, offering snowboarding and skiing lessons.
Snow Valley’s ski runs sit minutes from Green Valley Lake for winter outings and views.
Camp Creek Trail provides a wooded, quiet hiking route near Green Valley Lake.
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Nearby communities offer more shopping and dining variety
Green Valley Lake General Store carries groceries, outdoor essentials and operates a deli with hot food. Yeti Diner is right by the lake and has casual fare. Down the street, Black Dog Social Club is a live music venue with drinks and occasional food trucks. About 5 miles south in Running Springs, there are some more restaurants and shops. The popular Old Country Coffee Shop serves classics like biscuits and gravy, as well as steak and eggs. Grocery options include Running Springs Fine Foods and the local farmers market. The nearest Walmart is about 20 miles away in Highland. Lawrence says that locals can also drive to Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead for more shopping options.
Green Valley Lake General Store carries outdoor gear and pantry staples for residents.
Black Dog Social Club hosts live music for Green Valley Lake’s small mountain community.
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Public schools offer interdistrict transfers and career programs
The community is part of the Rim of the World Unified School District, which offers interdistrict transfers through its school choice. Students may attend Charles Hoffman Elementary School and continue to Mary Putnam Henck Intermediate School, which get a B-minus and a C grade from Niche, respectively. Rim of the World High School rates a C-plus, providing career and technical education courses in automotive technology and video production.
The entrance to Mary P. Henck Intermediate School is very welcoming.
Charles Hoffman Elementary has an inviting entrance for students in Running Springs, CA.
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Lantern Festival kicks off summer with lakeside activities
Held in May, the Lantern Festival marks the start of the summer season, with refreshments, community activities and a release of floating lanterns over the waters. “We’ll be celebrating our 100th birthday [in 2026]," Lawrence says, "along with the Fourth of July, which includes a parade.” There will also be a scavenger hunt and other family activities.
Distance to larger communities like Big Bear Lake and San Bernardino
California state Route 18 connects the community to nearby areas, including Running Springs and Big Bear Lake. Green Valley Lake is about 30 miles from downtown San Bernardino and San Bernardino International Airport via California state Route 330. Mountains Community Hospital is about 15 miles away in Lake Arrowhead. Mountain Transit has bus stops along California state Route 18.
Written By
Christina Xu
Photography Contributed By
Austin Lewis
Video By
Austin Lewis
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On average, homes in Green Valley Lake, CA sell after 123 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Green Valley Lake, CA over the last 12 months is $335,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Here is a great opportunity to make this mountain home your own! Situated on two lots with over 8800sq.ft. for privacy along with mature pine trees that adorn the property, room for RV & boat storage. The cabin offers 2 bedrooms and a full bath on the main floor, upstairs is another loft bedroom which could be used as a game room, family room or a media room. The living room boast a natural rock
Charming Mountain Retreat, this cozy, turnkey cabin tucked among tall pines located in the Alpine community of Green Valley Lake. The kind of place where everything's already done, so you can just arrive and breathe fresh mountain air. This exceptional mountain retreat offers privacy and thoughtfully designed living space, featuring two oversized bedrooms and two beautifully appointed bathrooms,
Here is your rare opportunity to own an expansive 2160 square foot home designed for a large family gathering or just a relaxing mountain retreat! Situated on 2 lots with of over 15,500 square feet for privacy along with mature oak and pine trees that adorn the property. Attached is a 3 car over-sized garage with 20' ceilings, that also offers over 400 sq ft of storage, driveway offers parking
Here is your rare opportunity to own this charming true log cabin, which offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of the mountain resort of Green Valley Lake. Surrounded by towering pines and panoramic vistas, cabin boasts breathtaking views of the rugged peaks and serene valleys. This two bedroom layout complemented by a cozy loft bedroom provides plenty of space for relaxation and hosting family
Rare Opportunity to own your own Ski Chalet! Property is nestled among the trees on a 6,000 sq.ft. lot making this ski chalet a peaceful mountain setting. The chalet offers the perfect blend of warmth, comfort and natural beauty, the cabin enjoys a sunny west-facing orientation, filling the interior with golden afternoon light. As you step inside you have two comfortable bedrooms on lower level
Beautiful & Immaculate 4 Bedroom, 2 full baths. Premier Location, just a short walk to the Lake and Village. Beautifully blended contemporary design with rustic elements. 2 bedrooms, 1 BR with a fireplace and 1 bath on main floor which also includes a bonus room which could be used as a game room, workshop or a family room. With over 1900 sf this cabin would be great for large families or a great
Nestled among the towering pines of Green Valley Lake, this inviting mountain home offers the perfect blend of comfort and natural beauty. From the moment you arrive, the lush forested setting sets the tone for the peaceful lifestyle that awaits inside. The main level is designed for both relaxed living and easy entertaining. The warm and welcoming living room centers around a stunning river rock
Come see Briar Lane! Tucked among the pines, this 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom cabin-style home combines soaring, character-rich architecture with the kind of flexible, multi-level layout that's hard to find. From the moment you step inside, dramatic vaulted wood ceilings, exposed beam trusses, and a stunning stone fireplace set the tone, while walls of windows — accented with charming stained glass —
Incredible Views! Experience peaceful mountain living in one of the mountains most popular resorts. Offering incredible views of the trees and mountains from every window, tucked away for privacy and surrounded by nature. This cabin features high ceilings with Tongue-and-groove woodwork and exposed beams, paired with large windows that flood the interior with natural light and frame the scenic
Vintage Cottage, circa 1940's, offers abundant possibilities for dream mountain living throughout each of the four seasons. One bedroom and bathroom on main level, 2nd is a loft bedroom, on a level lot great for RV parking! Perfect for a weekend getaway, wood burning brick fireplace located in the living room for those cold snowy nights in Green Valley Lake. Cottage offers the perfect blend of
Escape to your own mountain retreat! This charming cabin offers the perfect blend of rustic warmth and modern comfort. Designed with an inviting open floor plan featuring a rock wood burning fireplace, the heart of the home is filled with natural light streaming though dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows, bringing the beauty of the outdoors in. The kitchen features cozy bay windows that create a
Great location in Green Valley Lake, with a spacious, level 15,000 square foot lot, offering both privacy and room to relax in a peaceful natural setting. Charming cabin offers the perfect blend of rustic warmth and modern comfort with updated kitchen and appliances . Inside, the open floor plan is filled with natural light and centered around a classic wood burning rock fireplace, adding warmth
Charming Mountain Retreat in Green Valley Lake! Escape to the peaceful beauty of Green Valley Lake in this spacious and inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bath mountain home offering approximately 1,708 square feet of comfortable living space. Surrounded by towering pines, this home combines rustic charm with modern conveniences, making it the perfect place to enjoy all four seasons. The
This updated cabin is tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac street in the charming mountain community of Green Valley Lake, known as the hidden gem of the San Bernardino Mountains. Surrounded by beautiful mountain and forest views, this move-in-ready retreat offers the perfect blend of comfort, charm, and nature. The cozy kitchen features a dining area, tile countertops, and tile flooring. The warm
Charming Fully Remodeled Hidden Gem!!Beautiful 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom mountain home located just minutes from the lake, village, hiking trails, and year-round outdoor recreation. This cozy home has been fully remodeled with stylish finishes throughout, offering a perfect blend of modern comfort and cabin charm. Enjoy an open and inviting living space, updated kitchen, upgraded bathroom, and
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