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Fishing
Fishermen will be in heaven trolling on peaceful Lake Hemet, or rowing into pristine waters on Lake Fulmor. Both located less than 15 minutes from the inn, these lakes offer a bevy of reeling opportunities for anglers. The Department of Fish and Game stocks rainbow trout from spring through late fall in Lake Fulmor and year-round at Lake Hemet. Largemouth bass, catfish and bluegill also populate both lakes. Check out the Fishing Network website for details.
Hiking
Get back to nature and discover the amazing vistas, crystal clear streams and waterfalls, and spectacular pine forests of the Idyllwild area and the San Jacinto mountains. Over 275 miles of hiking trails criss-cross the mountains and remote back roads. Hikes range from short walks to challenging treks — like the 7.5-mile ascent to San Jacinto Peak(also reachable by the Palm Springs Tramway). Ask the innkeepers for a map of area hiking trails or check out the hiking page on the Chamber of Commerce website.
Horseback Riding
Experience cool mountain breezes, majestic mountain vistas, and wildflower-filled meadows — all from the back of a trusty mount. The Little Yellow Rose Ranch (951-541-1221) offers guided trail rides, pack trips, riding lessons, and more.
Mountain Biking
With 200 miles of dirt roads and 40 miles of trails, Idyllwild is a mountain biker’s mecca. The challenging 17-mile Ramona Trail loop on Thomas Mountain is considered one of the best rides in the area. Easy and scenic, two-mile Coyote Run offers a different pace for day pedalers. Call The Bike Route (951-659-2023) for information on weekly group rides and rentals, check out Ballistic Wonder for mountain biking tours, or check out the mountain biking page on the Chamber of Commerce website for more details.
Rock Climbing
Rich in rock-climbing lore, the Idyllwild area offers two of the best known granite cliff faces in southern California: Tahquitz Rock and Suicide Rock. Tahquitz Rock has long climbing routes, is shaded most of the day, and offers good crack climbing. Suicide Rock has more climbing routes on its face and is in the sun most of the day. Check out the rock climbing page on the Chamber of Commerce website for more details, and for information on rock-climbing guides and classes try Vertical Adventures Rock Climbing School.
Wildlife Watching
The San Bernardino National Forest’s diverse habitat and climate support more than 2,000 native plants, 75 mammals, 55 reptiles, 13 amphibians, and almost 300 birds. Deer, squirrels, rabbits, quail, and toads are frequent callers, and an occasional coyote sighting is not uncommon. A terrific place for bird watching, many species fly, hover, and perch all over town and on the Strawberry Creek Inn’s grounds. Feathered visitors include Steller’s Jays, California Quail, Purple Finches, Western Tanagers, Mountain Bluebirds, several species of Hummingbirds, Acorn Woodpeckers, Mountain Chickadees, and Northern Harriers.
Winter Sports
Although winters in Idyllwild are generally mild, many times during the season the area becomes a snowy playground perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or just frolicking in the snow. And what better excuse to enjoy the warmth of a wood-burning fireplace, a cup of hot cider, and your sweetheart’s embrace?
Links to general information about Outdoor Adventures in and around Idyllwild:
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