Lake Perris

Lake Perris State Recreation Area Our Mission The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Jewel-like Lake Perris beckons visitors with cool blue waters, pristine beaches, world-class bass fishing, wildlife watching, and miles of riding California State Parks supports equal access. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the park at (951) 940-5600. If you need this publication in an alternate format, contact interp@parks.ca.gov. CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS P.O. Box 942896 Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 For information call: (800) 777-0369 (916) 653-6995, outside the U.S. 711, TTY relay service www.parks.ca.gov Lake Perris State Recreation Area 17801 Lake Perris Drive Perris, CA 92571 (951) 940-5600 www.parks.ca.gov / lakeperris © 2008 California State Parks (Rev. 2016) and hiking trails. H idden among were made of leaves rock-studded hills, and branches laid over Lake Perris State tree limbs set upright, Recreation Area’s surrounded with low 8,800 acres of broad rock walls or other valley are bounded small structures. on three sides by Although distinct social low ridges. The units, the two largest Bernasconi Hills and Rare snowfall on Bernasconi Hills groups — the Cahuilla and the Russell, Apuma, Luiseño — shared similar and Armada Mountains obscure the view of subsistence and settlement adaptations. nearby cities. Inland, the San Bernardino, San The Luiseño ranged west to the coast while Jacinto, and Santa Rosa Mountains, snowthe Cahuilla extended east into the San capped in winter months, stand tall in the Jacinto Mountains and Colorado Desert. distance. The area boasts a rich variety of Their territories overlapped in inland areas, terrains, habitats, and wildlife. including Perris Valley. Lake Perris is located about 65 miles south Artifacts found prior to dam construction of Los Angeles and 11 miles southeast of indicate that both the Luiseño and Cahuilla Riverside. The lake’s clean white beaches, traded with such nearby groups as the enticing blue waters, and rocky Alessandro Serrano, Tongva (Gabrielino), Cupeño, and Island bring nearly one million visitors from Chemehuevi. These cultures are known surrounding communities each year. for their rock art; some is still visible Activities in this popular park include around the lake. Time has weathered fishing, water sports, bird watching, hiking, away rock pictographs (paintings) and rock climbing, camping, horseback riding, petroglyphs (engravings). and visiting the Ya’i Heki’ (pronounced yahee ehkey) Regional Indian Museum. PARK HISTORY Native People For thousands of years, the native California groups who lived here enjoyed the area’s abundant resources and mild climate. Food, water, shelter, and clothing were plentiful. The native people hunted antelope, bighorn sheep, deer, rabbits, birds, and a variety of small mammals. Native seasonal houses Native people’s lives changed drastically with the arrival of Europeans. The native people had no immunity to new diseases; many lost their lives, especially those who had been resettled into crowded mission conditions. Today, community outreach and education help native descendants maintain their cultures through song, dance, crafts, ceremony, and languages. NATURAL HISTORY Summers are hot and dry. The hottest months are from June through September, with an average high of 94 degrees in August. From December through April, rainfall averages about 10 inches; the average high temperature is 71 degrees, with a low of 46 degrees at night. Vegetation A colorful palette of native plants surrounds the lake. The scrub vegetation on the south faces of the Russell Mountains and the Bernasconi Hills typically consists of brittlebush, sagebrush, black and white sages, buckwheat, and cactus species. The shadier northern or northwestern slopes are ideal for chamise and penstemon, interior live oak, and sugar bush. Between November and April, these slopes are covered with colorful wildflowers, including goldfields, California poppies, phacelia, and common fiddleneck. The valley grassland areas, visible in a few isolated locations, are only a remnant of onceabundant perennial grasses. Poison oak also grows in various locations — learn to recognize and avoid it. Wildlife Riversidian sage scrub and chaparral provide habitat for mule deer, bobcats, coyotes, raccoons, California quail, gopher snakes, and rattlesnakes. Though generally shy, these animals can sometimes be spotted during daylight hours. Please do not feed any wild animals that you encounter. Lake Perris is home to more than a hundred species of birds, many migratory. Some birds are here for short stopovers during their migrations, while others are permanent residents. Birdwatchers may see roadrunners, loggerhead shrikes, larks, California thrashers, ospreys, bald eagles, and several hawk and wren types. Waterfowl visitors include duck, goose, and grebe species, along with American pelicans, cormorants, and coots. The water’s edge attracts shorebirds Red-tailed such as avocets, hawk willets, kingfishers, killdeer, black-necked stilts, egrets, and herons. The best time to observe these birds is in early morning and at dusk. Visit the park’s website or check with staff about guided birding hikes or scheduled bird counts. THE WATER PROJECT In 1973 the newly opened Lake Perris State Recreation Area became the southernmost reservoir in the 701-mile California State W­ater Project. When 80 percent full, the lake’s elevation is 1,560 feet above sea level, covering 1,800 surface acres. Located between the cities of Moreno Valley and Perris, the reservoir’s storage capacity has helped nearby desert communities grow. RECREATION For updated hours, lake status, events, and all recreation and reservation information, visit www.parks.ca.gov / lakeperris or call (951) 940-5600 on weekdays. For boat entry reservations and site-specific camping reservations and information, visit the park website or call (800) 444-7275. Fishing — Lake Perris is known for excellent largemouth bass fishing. The lake also has catfish, crappie, carp, and trophy-sized bluegill and redear sunfish. Rainbow trout are stocked fall through spring. For more information, see the Department of Fish and Wildlife website at www.wildlife.ca.gov. All anglers aged 16 and over must carry a valid California fishing license, available from sporting goods stores and the Lake Perris Marina Store at (951) 657-2179. The store rents boats and personal watercraft; it also carries tackle and groceries. Camping — The family campground has tent camping sites without hookups. Electricity and sink water hookups are available in the paved RV sites. Family campsites accommodate up to eight people, with a maximum of three licensed vehicles. No extra-vehicle parking is available. Restrooms are nearby, and a trailer sanitation station is near the campground entrance. Horse Camping — Seven primitive horse campsites — separate from the family campsites — have corrals, water troughs, and chemical toilets. Each site accommodates up to eight people and two horses. Picnicking — Lake Perris has nearly 300 picnic sites — many shaded — in various day-use areas throughout the park. Tables and grills are available. The most popular sites are located near Moreno Beach and Perris Beach. Groups — For a fee, groups may reserve one of six group camps or three group picnic sites; larger groups may combine more than one group site. Swimming — At high lake level, the two designated swimming areas are at Moreno Beach and Perris Beach. Use caution and swim at your own risk. Scuba diving is permitted at the west end of Perris Beach. Changing rooms, showers, and restrooms are located along Perris Beach. Boating — Lake Perris can accommodate more than 200 vessels on the water. Launch reservations may be made in summer, when capacity may be reached early in the day. Alessandro Island — For day-use only, boaters may enjoy the island’s picnic tables, shade ramadas, grills, and restrooms. Hiking, Bicycling, and Horseback Riding — The park’s nine-mile equestrian, hiking, and bicycling trail circles the lake. Another hiking trail ascends to the top of Terri Peak. Ya’i Hek’i Regional Indian Museum — The name of the museum is Cahuilla for “Home of the Wind.” The museum interprets the history and cultural aspects of the native groups who call this region home. Hours are limited; see the park’s website for current hours. Reservations are required for school group tours. Rock Climbing — Big Rock is open year round. It provides climbing opportunities Quagga and zebra Mussels All vessels coming into the park will be inspected for quagga or zebra mussels, invasive aquatic species that are microscopic in the larval stage. If introduced into a reservoir, they can destroy the food chain and ruin recreational opportunities and infrastructure. To protect our aquatic ecosystem, disinfect and dry your boat after each use. Quagga mussels at various To pass the free inspection and help prevent the spread growth stages of these mussels, please make sure your vessel is clean, the bilge and all engine vessel compartments are drained and dry, and the entire vessel is free of any water. For mussel facts and questions about the inspection process or requirements, visit http://www.resources.ca.gov / quagga. for beginning and intermediate climbers, with challenges for advanced climbers.Bring plenty of drinking water. Climb at your own risk — California State Parks does not install nor maintain the fixtures or equipment at Big Rock. Geocaching — Lake Perris has a number of themed geocaches hidden in the park. Lakeview Pavilion — Lake Perris has a multipurpose banquet/special event room that holds up to 130 guests. The indoor pavilion features a full kitchen and AV system, with an adjoining shaded patio and lawn overlooking the lake. The pavilion venue holds events such as weddings, parties, or meetings. ACCESSIBLE FEATURES Accessible facilities are scattered throughout the park for camping, picnicking, fishing, hiking, biking, horseback mounting, exhibits, programs, and restrooms. Beach wheelchairs may be borrowed from the campground kiosk. Accessibility details are linked to www.parks. ca.gov / lakeperris. Visitors reserving accessible campsites must have Disabled Person or Disabled Veteran vehicle license plates or placards with written proof of eligibility. NEARBY STATE PARKS • Mount San Jacinto State Park 25905 Highway 243 (or Palm Springs tram) Idyllwild 92549 (951) 659-2607 • California Citrus State Historic Park 9400 Dufferin Avenue Riverside 92504 (951) 780-6222 60 to WEATHER ADVISORIES 60 Lake Perris Street to Ke . J.F ed y At selected locations in and near boating areas, storm advisories are displayed by flag hoists or lights. Display points are usually Coast Guard Stations, yacht marinas, or municipal piers. A boater should become familiar with the display stations in the area and the meanings of the signals. e M U O T N A I S N Daytime Signals SMALL CRAFT Bea M or en o Moreno Valley Community Hospital S Avenue Iris Mt. Russell HUNTING HURRICANE Winds up to 73 mph Winds 74 mph and up ADVISORY ONLY: (Boaters to use caution, warning only) The flag is usually posted between 25-38 mph, depending on conditions. 38-54 mph GALE WINDS: Windsurfers and other SAILCRAFT allowed. Jet skis and other vessels with less than six inches of freeboard are not allowed. Rental fishing boats fall under this category. 54 mph-up LAKE CLOSURE: No boats, windsurfers, sailboats, or jet skis allowed until lifted. Flag is square with black square in the middle. NO R STORM Winds up to 54 mph 0-38 mph 2704ft 824m U o Via Del Lag Boulevard L L E S GALE Winds up to 38 mph ch Lasselle D ri v e State Recreation Area nn iv Dr UPLAND Moreno Entrance Bikes are NOT PERMITTED on dam. Horses are NOT PERMITTED in beach areas. Perris NO THROUGH TRAFFIC Riverside Community College Moreno Valley Legend GAME Paved Road Unpaved Road Trail: Hiking Lot 15 LAKE PERRIS Campground: Horse a Vi Regional Indian Museum Campfire Center Group Picnic Area Park Office Fisherman’s Lot Information Locked Gate Perris Kiosk Marina De lL P P Store/Marina P d Lot 3 P Lot 4 Marina Small Craft Warning Flag N U 5 mph 5 mph (wet boat storage) Perris Beach Alessandro Island (closed to bikes) Sail Cove O P P P P Lifeguard Headquarters, First Aid Launch Ramps Lot 5 M lle Ro a ag o Lot 2 Lot 1 Horse Staging Area a Power Boat Cove All natural and cultural features are protected by law and may not be disturbed or removed. M Alt Lot 8 U Campground: Hike/Bike Lakeside Pavilion Moreno Swim Beach P Lot 7 Boat Beach P Lot 6 T 5 mph Lot 12 Lot 10 P Ca Campground: RV Dry Boat Storage P P P Pier (non-flush) Pictograph Rock Perris Entrance NO THROUGH TRAFFIC Medical Facility Lake Perris Parking Park Office ra f fi c fl ow 5 mph I L L S 0 0 H t Picnic Area Road 35 mph maximum tra ff i c f E R R S M S Lake Perris Fairgrounds N R BERNASCONI Expressway Alt a aC to Moreno Gate lle Quail 111 Bernardino NF Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains NM p Ex R am on Rd nd Campsites 192-353 ou De er s re sw ay w l Horseshoe Pit a O Tr Coyote De Kiosk to Marina, Perris Beach er Campsites 89-190 a 0 P Lot 5 to San Diego gr Owl Palm 10 Springs mp Nature Corner R oa d n Rd Camp Pendleton USMC 79 ni Petroglyph Rock TRAIL CAUTION: STEEP & ROUGH ay 74 San 215 (climbing OK) i t io Ramona Expy co Big Rock ns Perris Blvd (closed to public) Ca as sw N Outlet Works Area 62 rn es pr PACIFIC OCEAN Beaumont Lake Perris SRA 74 San Clemente Be 10 Mt. San Jacinto SP Campsites uail Q 45-88 P Ex Perris 15 Cleveland NF 20 Mi 30 Km a 91 20 on Ca. Citrus SHP 10 10 m Boulevard 0 San Bernardino Riverside 60 0 Ra Perris 247 San Bernardino NF Campsites 354-390 Bobcat Campsites 1-44 to Perris Gate E Hesperia 15 Amphitheater P B to Las Vegas 1.6 Kilometers 1.4 Campsites 391-432 O A 1.2 I low 1 Mile 0.75 1.0 C D 0.8 to Horse camps I Lake P Windsurfing Perris Evans Swimming 0.5 0.6 0.4 LAKE PERRIS CAMPGROUND Drive Showers A RV Sanitation Station 0.25 0.2 N Restrooms Ramona N A Lot 11 Lot 9 Campground Entrance Campground: Group I A Terri Peak 2569ft 783m S (IN SEASON) P P P see detail map below A Street Campground AREA Lot 14 Lot 13 La ss e l l e Boating ad les Ro ehic v to d Road R E C R E AT I O N AREA Boat Launch se o No Wake Zone (5 mph) Accessible Feature rt clo Lot 16 ag Swimming Area to 215 P lL S TAT E Hunting Area P Di P De Accessible Trail P a Vi Trail: Multi-use HUNTING P Day-Use Horse Trailer Moreno Kiosk Trail: Hike & Bicycle el Via D P Lot 6 P Lot 7 Lago 0 Rd P P Lot 8 Lot 9 75 25 150 225 50 300 Feet 75 100 Meters to Lots 13-14 Lakeview Pavilion to Lot 10 to Lots 11-12 © 2008 California State Parks (Rev. 2016)