A hidden cove and island for swimming in Big Bear Lake, California.
Location: Big Bear Lake, California
Hiking Distance: Quick 5 minute walk to the swimming area
Season: Summer
Overview
The granite boulders of Garstin Island (also referred to as China Island or Treasure Island) will be a welcomed site for those looking for a good swimming spot to take a dip in Big Bear Lake. The actual island is private property but many people can be found climbing the boulders to take a dip here in the summer. For those hoping to take a swim in the summer months, arriving early is a must. There is a small pull-out along the highway, but it only accommodates about 6 cars (at most). Herbert H. Garstin and his wife, Maude, built a Chinese style home here as their getaway, after learning that one of their favorite spots would become an island with the building of a new dam in 1911. Today, visitors can enjoy this spot as one of the best swimming holes in all of Big Bear.
Trail Description and Scout’s Story
Our most recent trip to Big Bear Lake was incredibly welcomed, albeit an impromptu one. Almost exactly one year to the day, our daughter, Scout, was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer (germ cell neoplasm). As the one year anniversary of this life changing day slowly approached, my wife and I were adamant that we wanted to spend this day outside in nature and being as present as possible with Scout. After not being able to settle on a destination, one of my best friend’s informed me that his mom had a cabin in Big Bear that we would be welcomed to spend a few days at. We were incredibly grateful and were feeling ecstatic in anticipation of getting up to the mountains after a tremendously hard last year.
After almost nine months of treatment and multiple rounds of chemotherapy, Scout was finally approved for tumor resection surgery on April 24, 2023. After more than 8 hours of surgery to remove the right half of her liver (with tumor attached) and the tumor near her rectum, Scout’s cancer would be placed in remission a few weeks later on May 8th, one day after her 2nd birthday. A month later, Scout’s central line would be removed as well. Our family is currently transitioning back into normal life as Scout’s oncology team monitors her progress with visits every 2 months. This trip was a big step for us in getting back to doing the things that were once so commonplace to us but had become a rarity since Scout’s diagnosis.
Visiting Garstin Island
On this day, exactly one year ago, doctors had found masses in Scout’s abdomen, right lung, and pelvis. For two days thereafter, we would wait for a diagnosis from biopsy. On this day, a year later, we would focus on being together while looking forward to a brighter future. After a good night’s sleep in our friend’s cabin, we awoke, excited to get outside and enjoy the day.
Our first time to Big Bear with Scout, had been when she was only 6 months old. We were so happy to be back and to be able to enjoy this beautiful area with her once again. Our first stop of the morning would be Boulder Bay. As we pulled into the parking lot, we were caught off guard as it began to pour down rain outside. This didn’t stop us, or Scout. Scout ran and jumped through puddles before we finally decided to let her swim in the lake in the rain. After some time enjoying playing in the lake, I elected to dry her off and headed to Garstin Island to try to let her swim there.
Leaving Boulder Bay, we passed by the Castle Rock trail and then shortly thereafter, parked in the small pull-out on the right hand side of the road. At this point, the rain had let up and I was assuming the brunt of it had passed. I exited the car and found the small trailhead leading directly down the hill over loose dirt.
Hiking Down to Garstin Island
I decided just to carry my daughter, watching my step as I side stepped sideways down the loose dirt portion. After a few seconds the trail began to meander through some brush, towards the nearby houses and closer to the lake. As we were nearing the lake, the skies once again opened up and a now torrential downpour began. Coming out of the woods, the trail was now along the access road. Just before reaching a house with a wooden placard clearly numbered 59, the trail veered left and down the last section to the lake. At this point, our daughter, Scout, was shivering a bit and my wife was scolding me for bringing her down the trail in the pouring rain. My wife elected to take Scout back up to the car as I made the quick jaunt to the edge of the lake.
After making my way around a few boulders, I arrived at a good lookout of Garstin Island.
I snapped a few pictures while trying to keep my phone dry, before making my way back up the trail. I couldn’t help but feel a little bummed out that we weren’t able to swim here. Overall, I was just happy to be outside with Scout and my wife and to be making these memories. As I reached the car, my wife again scolded me, telling me to look at how cold our daughter was. Scout looked at me, shivering, and then flashed a smile, as if to tell me that she enjoyed it. With the rain still letting loose, I decided not to push my luck by attempting to do anything else outside. We retreated to the cabin to wait out the rain and enjoy some family time inside together.
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
How to Get to the Garstin Island Trailhead
68 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Following the mile markers along the side of the highway, drive to mile marker 44.65 and park at the pull-out. There is very limited space here, so the earlier you arrive, the better. A clear, loose dirt trail heads directly down towards the lake from here. Clicking on either of the links above will give you directions to the exact pull-out. Make sure to be respectful of the private residences as you make your way along the trail.
Notes, Questions and Thoughts
Is this a fee area?
- No. Adventure passes are not required here and there are no parking fees.
- The property off of the trail is all private. Please be respectful as you pass along the residential areas and stick to the trail.
- The actual area of Garstin Island is private property, as well. Climbing on or jumping from the rocks is prohibited (although you will most likely see others doing it).
- Please pack out everything that you pack in. Trash being left behind can be a bit of a problem here at times. Please clean up after yourself and leave the area as you found it, so that everyone may continue to enjoy this area.
- The nearest restroom facilities are at Boulder Bay Park.
