A hidden gem on Big Bear Lake’s North Shore.
Tucked along the quieter, forested north shore of Big Bear Lake, Fawnskin, California, is a small mountain town with a rich and colorful past. Once a bustling stop for stagecoaches and gold miners heading into Holcomb Valley, Fawnskin later blossomed into an artists’ retreat that drew musicians, composers and creatives escaping the city. Its rustic charm, mountain scenery and sense of community have made it a haven for vacationers and locals alike for over a century.
Today, Fawnskin is known for its historic buildings, quirky traditions like the Doo-Dah Parade and “honest” mayoral race, and its role as a protected sanctuary for bald and golden eagles. Visitors can explore old landmarks like the 1924 Fawn Lodge, hike forested trails, or watch the eagles live on the local Eagle Cam. With hundreds of homes nestled in the pines and a warm, small-town spirit, Fawnskin offers a peaceful, nostalgic alternative to the busier resort area on the south side of the lake.
Take a step back in time with this short video featuring rare historical images of Fawnskin and the Big Bear Lake area. From rustic cabins to early lakeside landmarks, these snapshots capture the charm and evolution of this mountain town over the decades. The images were generously shared from the newly published Vanishing Big Bear – Volume 2 and the personal collections of local historians Rick Keppler and Mark Durban, helping to preserve and share Fawnskin’s unique story.
