Beat the Heat at Lake Fulmor

Escape the heat and enjoy a day of fun and relaxation at Lake Fulmor

Pretty but little, Lake FulmorHeather Monroe

Do you need to escape the oppressive heat of the? Maybe you're feeling cooped up and need a change of scenery. Enjoy the cooler mountain air with a relaxing day at Lake Fulmor!

Lake Fulmore is a tranquil and picturesque Oasis, full of outdoor activities and fun! Located only 14 miles from Banning on Highway 243, this little lake has a lot to offer. The five-acre lake is surrounded by tall pines, oak, Douglas fir trees, and opportunities for fun.

History

The area where Lake Fulmor now lies was once a canyon with a rambling creek. People from the Cahuilla tribe spent summers there when it became too warm in the desert.

In 1947, the US Forest Service built Highway 243 to connect the San Gorgonio Pass to the San Jacinto Valley and the town of Idyllwild. The aptly named "Indian Creek" flowed right over the proposed highway from where Lake Fulmor stands today.

Engineers built a dam to allow passage of the new road, and the man-made lake was filled by 1948.

Lake Fulmor was dedicated in 1950 and opened for public use. The lake is named in honor of veteran surveyor Alex C. Fulmor. In keeping with Mr. Fulmor's vision of a family recreation area, he oversaw the installation of picnic tables and a wooden bridge. In addition, several paved trails made this day-use area accessible to most people. The lake was stocked with various fish such as rainbow trout and bluegill to the delight of anglers across the Inland Empire.

Lake Fulmor was an instant success, and as many as 100 cars a day would come out for a day trip. Since then, the lake has remained an endearing fixture of our landscape enjoyed by three and four generations of Pass Area residents.

Before You Go

The lake is accessible by any vehicle. You might need chains in the winter. Although you won't need reservations, you will need a Forest Adventure Pass to park, which you can purchase at retailers such as Walmart or Big5 Sporting Goods for $5 a day or $30 a year. Exercise caution when crossing the highway to access the lake.

Dress for the weather you have, not the weather you want at Lake Fulmor. In the summer months, the weather tends to stay well above 80°F but rarely climbs above 90°F. Autumn can become chilly at 5,300 ft above sea level, but not intolerable. Winter transforms Lake Fulmor into a snowy wonderland. Occasionally, the lake freezes over but not enough to safely walk or ice skate.

There are handicap accessible restrooms on both sides of the lake, if nature should call.

Activities

Boulder at Fulmor Lake with rock-lined trail in the back groundHeather Monroe

Enjoy a picnic at any of the tables scattered around the scenic five-acre lake. Just know that the only trash receptacles are in the parking lot, not at the lake itself, so pack several trash bags. Some of the picnic areas have barbecues but check if there are any fire warnings if you plan to grill.

If fishing is your thing, there is a beautiful wooden pier that juts out over the water beneath the shade of a sycamore tree. The lake is stocked in spring through fall with bluegill, rainbow trout, catfish, and largemouth bass. Don't forget your fishing license, as the area is patrolled by a ranger who checks.

If you need a super easy hike, Lake Fulmor has you covered. The trails are mostly paved, but all very smooth with a gentle incline. Once a wooden bridge at the end of the lake allowed a person to hike around the parameter. Recently, a fallen tree collapsed half of the bridge. You can certainly climb up and walk across, but it is not passable by wheelchair. A footpath near the entrance, parallel to the road, allows easy access to both sides of the lake.

A fallen tree obstructs the bridge.Heather Monroe

Swimming in the lake is not prohibited but also not recommended. First of all, there are no lifeguards on duty, and help is far away. Secondly, no one tests the water quality to know if it is fit to swim in. Of course, most locals will argue that they've been swimming in the lake their whole lives and took a swan dive off the top of the infamous diving boulder—those who decide to swim do so at their own risk and against the advice of those who know better.

Swim at your own riskHeather Monroe

Don't miss seeing the ancient bedrock grindstones left by indigenous Americans who called this place home. Walk the trail above the bathrooms, directly across the path from the fishing pier. You will see a large, flat rock with deep holes ground into it next to a large boulder. Long ago, women used these holes to grind acorns and other plants into coarse flour for bread.

Bedrock Grindstones at Lake Fulmor, inches from the trailHeather Monroe

Plants and Animals

Trees above the LakeHeather Monroe

Several types of animals inhabit the area. Bobcats, cougars, ground squirrels, jackrabbits, and skunks are just a few of the animals who make their home at Lake Fulmer. Bird watchers visit to see the redtail hawks, western bluebirds, and Steller's Jays. Children enjoy the friendly-ish mallard ducks. Tree frogs hop around the lake's edges.

There are other animals that you likely don't want to run into. As mentioned, you might see a bobcat or even a cougar at Lake Fulmer. Diamondback rattlesnakes hide under rocks, and bushes, and tall grass. Bear sightings in the area are exceedingly rare, but a brown bear makes its way to the lake once in a while. Try to stay aware of your surroundings, and avoid interaction with such animals.

A rattle snake relaxes in the shade, just out of sightHeather Monroe

The lake is surrounded by Douglas Fir trees, manzanita, cattail, and oak trees. Where there are Oaks, there may be poison oak. Poison Oak resembles oak leaves, only they grow along a vine and sometimes resemble a shrub or sapling.

Poison Oak or a Sapling? Hard to say.Heather Monroe

So pack the kids and lunch, and head up to Lake Fulmor and dodge the heat advisory. Have a picnic and a scavenger hunt. Catch a few fish if you can. Just stay safe, and enjoy the view!

Lake FulmorHeather Monroe

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