SoCal Close-Ups: Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead and Idyllwild

Rim of the World Highway (a.k.a. California State Route 18) connects Running Springs, Crestline and several other mountain communities.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

The town of Running Springs is home to a variety of funky businesses, some in A-frame structures.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

You might want to stretch and unwind after the twisting mountain road up from San Bernardino. Pause at Rocky’s Roadhouse in Running Springs.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

Archery is one of the offerings at the Pali Mountain Retreat & Conference Center in Running Springs.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

Who needs a board? Grab an inner tube and slide down the mountain at Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain in Big Bear.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

A snowboarder soars high off a jump at Bear Mountain in Big Bear.   (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

At Grizzly Manor Cafe in Big Bear Lake, Charlie Cunningham mans the stove.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

A bald eagle at the the Big Bear Alpine Zoo in Big Bear Lake. The zoo holds about 160 animals, many injured or orphaned, most of which will be returned to the wild.   (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

Big Bear Lake’s Boulder Bay is outfitted with a dock. The waterfront homes can be pretty upscale.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

Castle Rock Trail, a popular hiking route at Big Bear Lake, climbs a mile to wide views. Its trail head is on Big Bear Boulevard about 500 feet west of Talbot Drive.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

The Inn at Fawnskin is a log-cabin-style B&B on the north shore of Big Bear Lake.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

At sunset, a couple and their dog walk along Big Bear Lake at Juniper Point near Fawnskin.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Lake Arrowhead Village, almost entirely rebuilt in faux Tudor style in the 1970s, is basically an outdoor mall with specialty and outlet stores such as Bass, Coach, Izod and Pendleton, along with the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa.   (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

Idyllwild’s Humber Park features two trail heads leading toward the granite peaks of the San Jacintos.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

The Rainbow Inn, with five rooms, is a popular B&B in Idyllwild.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

The Fireside Inn in Idyllwild offers eight cottages and cabins in town and another eight in the woods at town’s edge.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

Cafe Aroma, one of the busiest restaurants in Idyllwild, offers and inventive menu (maple leaf duck breast, garlic bisque) and on weekends often features live music.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

Mountain Mike’s is a haven of custom leather work, straight-edged razors and mountain-man essentials. Mark Munoz is salesman there.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

State Route 74 (a.k.a. the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway) connects Palm Desert, on the floor of the Coachella Valley, with Idyllwild.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)