San Bernardino National Forest https://www.fs.usda.gov/sbnf
Leaving Lake Perris I searched for back roads vs the freeway. I found Ramona Parkway leads east toward the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa mountain ranges. Take route 74 up the mountain and there’s an exciting switchback road that I had not used before. I often go to Idyllwild in the Summer to cool off from the desert heat. Route 74 is the best way to get there from Palm Springs and I usually take route 243 on the north end of Idyllwild just for a diversion and another beauty of a road. I followed route 74 west side and enjoyed one of the best views I have seen in this mountain range.
Heading toward Lake Hemet.
Lake Hemet is another reservoir and built in the 1930’s. I often stop in the day use area when traveling to Idyllwild and have lunch. There are picnic tables and plenty of shade trees to lounge under. I had not thought about kayaking in the lake. I called the National Forest service to inquire. I’ve seen motor boats and pontoons and one time I did see some fisherfolk in a tricked out kayak made for fishing. I called the San Bernardino National Forest ranger station and asked about kayaking in this lake. The ranger said kayaking is allowed but must be launched in the paid camping area. Not sure I like having to pay a camping fee to use my kayak. The next time I go up to cool off I will inquire at the Lake Hemet store where passes are sold as suggested by the ranger. If you have a National Park Pass it can be used as a day parking pass in the picnic area.
#iedaytripper
