Dispelling Expectations: Hiking The Riverbed In Lake Arrowhead

When we left Lake Arrowhead, a rattling rattlesnake greeted us as we walked back towards the car.

Having never been to the mountains outside of the snowing season, I quickly learned what the mountains had to offer in the opposite season. When I first thought of visiting Lake Arrowhead, I imagined skiing in snowcapped peaks during the winter season. After all, what other activities would exist in the mountains? After spending a day there in the summertime, I found out that there was plenty to see and do.

In addition to swimming and kayaking in the magnificent lake, a friend and I spent several hours hiking alongside the Deep Creek riverbed. After driving to a remote location, we detracted from the road and entered uncharted terrain. Armed with merely a liter of water, sunscreen, and a sense of curiosity, we started our journey up the river.

What I expected from the hike was scorching heat from the sun rays, mosquitoes capitalizing on the lack of bug repellant on my skin, and a repetitive view of the temperate forest. What I did not expect was the natural, unequivocal beauty contained in the mountains: smooth gigantic stones, clear calm waters, dynamic pathways, and eloquent shadows from the surrounding trees.

Because most of the snow had melted, the water was shallow enough for us step into. Little fish scurried aside as we carefully tread through the water, all the while holding our shoes and socks upright. The cool water helped me forget about the heat. Later on, prying small leeches off my shorts and back reminded me to never sit against a waterfall again.

To top the day off, when we left the river, a rattling rattlesnake greeted us as we walked back towards the car. I was no more than seven feet from it, and having never encountered one before, I thought that it sounded like a water sprinkling system. I’m glad that it spared my life instead of striking without warning. For that reason, I’m able to share yet another great adventure.

Learn more about Lake Arrowhead, California here. 

Andy Cheng

He was born and raised in Orange County, southern California. He graduated from UC Berkeley, studying political science with a concentration in international relations. In his free time, Andy frequents exercising, spectating eSports, meeting new people, and learning new things.