Big Bear, CA
I quiet mountain community full of back country adventure.
Sherwin Creek Campground – Inyo National Forest
Sherwin Creek Campground is a popular, scenic campground in the Inyo National Forest, located in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains just outside the town of Mammoth Lakes, California (about 2 miles away).
Description
Set at approximately 7,600 feet elevation in a beautiful grove of Jeffrey pines (with some aspens), the campground sits along lower Sherwin Creek. It offers a peaceful, shaded forest setting while remaining convenient to town amenities. The campground features around 85–87 sites organized into three main loops, plus a separate loop of tent-only walk-in sites. Sites are generally spacious and can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 35–60 feet, depending on the spot.
It’s a favorite for those who want easy access to both wilderness adventures and the services of Mammoth Lakes. The campground typically opens in late May or early June once snow melts and closes in the fall. Bear activity is high in the area, so each site has a bear-proof food locker, and proper food storage is strictly enforced.
Amenities
- Picnic table and fire ring/grill at each site
- Bear-proof food storage locker at every site
- Potable drinking water (spigots throughout the campground + RV water fill station)
- Vault toilets
- Trash collection (bear-proof dumpsters)
- Camp hosts on site
- Firewood for sale (often available from the host)
- No hookups (no electric, water, or sewer at sites)
- No showers or dump station
Activities in the Area
- Fishing — Excellent stream fishing for trout right along Sherwin Creek.
- Hiking & Backpacking — Direct access to trails like the Sherwin Lakes Trail and Valentine Lake Trail, which lead into the John Muir Wilderness (wilderness permit required for overnight stays).
- Mountain Biking — Easy access to trails; you can even bike into town.
- Off-Roading / OHV Use — Popular area for off-road vehicle enthusiasts; a motocross park/event is nearby.
- Photography & Nature Viewing — Beautiful scenery with pines, creek, and mountain views.
- Other — Horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and hunting (in season). In winter, the area is close to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities.
Because of its proximity to Mammoth Lakes, campers can easily drive in for groceries, restaurants, shopping, or additional activities like visiting the Mammoth Lakes Basin, Hot Creek, or heading up to Mammoth Mountain for hiking, biking, or gondola rides in summer.
Note: Always check current conditions, fire restrictions, and availability on Recreation.gov, as the campground is reservation-friendly and popular. Bear awareness and proper food storage are essential here.
Bitterbrush Campground – Inyo National Forest
Bitterbrush Campground is a scenic, year-round campground in the Inyo National Forest, located along Bishop Creek in the Eastern Sierra Nevada near Bishop, California.
Description
Situated at approximately 7,000–7,350 feet elevation, about 13 miles west of Bishop via State Route 168 (Line Street), Bitterbrush sits along the banks of Big Pine Creek/Bishop Creek. It features a single-loop layout with 30 single-family campsites.
The campground is popular in spring and fall because it often remains below the snow line or has only light snow when higher sites are inaccessible. It offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, snow-capped peaks, and the Owens Valley, with many sites located creekside amid piñon and Jeffrey pines. The setting provides a mix of open and shaded areas (though shade can be limited in some spots).
It operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations. Fees are typically $23–$31 per night during the main season, with an extra vehicle fee. Camping is free but unstaffed from November through March. It accommodates tents, trailers, and small RVs (max length around 25 ft), with some tent-only sites.
Amenities
- Picnic tables and fire rings/grills at each site
- Bear-proof food storage lockers (important — this is an active bear area)
- Vault toilets (generally 2, available seasonally)
- Potable drinking water (mid-May to mid-October; none in winter)
- Trash bins (serviced in summer)
- Pets allowed
- No showers, hookups, or dump station
- Some cell service (one of the better spots farther up the canyon)
Activities in the Area
- Fishing — Bishop Creek offers good trout fishing
- Hiking & Backpacking — Nearby trailheads access the John Muir Wilderness, including routes toward lakes, peaks like Chocolate Peak, and longer treks
- Wildlife viewing — Common sightings include birds, deer, and occasional eagles
- Scenic driving & photography — Bishop Creek Canyon is especially beautiful in fall with changing colors
- Mountain biking and nature trails
- Picnicking and relaxing by the creek
- Stargazing — Excellent dark skies in the Eastern Sierra
- Winter camping — Possible due to lower elevation
- Nearby attractions include other Bishop Creek campgrounds, South Lake, Lake Sabrina, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, and the town of Bishop for resupply.
Tips: Bring bear awareness practices, prepare for variable weather (hot days/cool nights), and note that it can get busy on weekends. It’s a great base for exploring the Eastern Sierra while staying relatively close to Bishop. Always check current conditions on the USDA Forest Service website, as details like water availability can change seasonally.
Masonic California – Mono County Ghost Town
Originally known as Lorena, Masonic California is a ghost town located in the mountains north east of Bridgeport, California. Masonic was founded in 1860 by masons and therefor the name of the town. The Masonic District was a natural follower to the excitement is neighboring Aurora and Bodie. This area was small in scale comparatively and a stamp mill wasn’t onsite until 1907. The population maxes out at about 1000 people, and about four years later the excitement began to wane.
Early Beginnings (1860–1900)
The ghost town of Masonic, located approximately 10 miles northeast of Bridgeport in Mono County, California, emerged in the 1860s when a group of Freemasons discovered gold in the region. Named for the fraternal order, the settlement was initially called Lorena and developed into three distinct sections: Upper Town (originally Lorena), Middle Town, and Lower Town (formerly Caliveda). Situated in a canyon near the Nevada border in the Bodie Hills, Masonic’s early gold claims were overshadowed by larger strikes in nearby Bodie and Aurora, leaving the area largely undeveloped for decades.
In 1900, a 16-year-old prospector from Bodie named Joe Green rediscovered gold, establishing the Jump Up Joe Mine. Unable to finance its development, Green sold the claim, which sparked renewed interest in the Masonic Mining District. This district, spanning roughly 6 by 12 miles, encompassed over 40 claims at its peak and set the stage for Masonic’s brief boom.
Boom Years (1902–1911)
The discovery that transformed Masonic occurred on July 4, 1902, when partners John Stuart Phillips, Caleb Dorsey, and John M. Bryan struck a rich quartz ledge, founding the Pittsburg-Liberty Mine—named for Phillips’ hometown of Pittsburgh and the Independence Day holiday. Ore from the mine assayed at values between $35 and $800 per ton, with a reported nugget in 1904 valued at $4,000 per ton. This strike triggered a mining boom, and by 1906, Masonic’s population reached approximately 1,000 residents.
Infrastructure developed rapidly to support the growing community. By 1904, new roads linked Masonic to Bridgeport and Bodie, facilitating freight and passenger traffic. Lumber was transported nearly 50 miles from Mono Mills via the Bodie & Benton Railroad and six-horse wagons over Geiger Grade. Stagecoach lines connected Masonic to Wellington, Nevada, and Conway Ranch in the Mono Basin by 1906–1907. Telephone service arrived in 1905, and Middle Town saw the construction of a solid aspen-log cabin for Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Carpenter, notable for its rare glass-paneled door.
Middle Town became the commercial center, hosting a post office (established as Lorena in 1905, renamed Masonic in 1906), a general store, a livery stable, a butcher shop, and a hotel/boarding house. Lower Town featured the Jeffry Hotel, two saloons, and the Pittsburg-Liberty Mill, while Upper Town housed mine offices. The Masonic Pioneer newspaper, published by George Montrose of the Bridgeport Chronicle-Union, began in November 1905 but ceased after 2–3 years. Despite its growth, Masonic lacked a formal Masonic lodge, churches, or brothels, and maintained a relatively orderly reputation compared to Bodie, with no recorded shootings. Social life flourished, with dances featuring the Bodie Orchestra attracting large crowds.
In 1907, the Pittsburg-Liberty Mine opened a 10-stamp mill, allowing on-site ore processing. By 1910, the mine had produced approximately $700,000 in gold (equivalent to millions today). However, the ore veins were inconsistent, and production began to decline by 1911.
Decline and Abandonment (1911–1930s)
Masonic’s prosperity was fleeting due to shallow and uneven ore deposits. By 1911, mining activity had significantly decreased. A tramway constructed in 1913 to transport ore to the mill provided only temporary relief. The post office closed in 1912, briefly reopened in 1913, and shut permanently in 1927, with services transferred to Bridgeport. By 1920, the population had dwindled to just 12 residents, and mining activity nearly ceased by the 1930s. World War II’s ban on non-essential gold mining delivered the final blow, leaving Masonic abandoned.
Masonic Today
Today, Masonic is a true ghost town with minimal remnants, primarily in Middle Town, including stone cabin ruins, the timbered frame of the Pittsburg-Liberty Mill, and parts of the aerial tram system. Accessible via a 12-mile 2WD road from Bridgeport or an 8-mile 4WD route from Sweetwater Road, the site offers stunning views of the Sweetwater Mountains and Bridgeport Valley. Local lore suggests the ghost of John Phillips haunts the nearby Chemung Mine on Saturday nights, adding to the town’s eerie allure. Unlike the preserved Bodie State Historic Park, Masonic remains a “wild” ghost town, attracting adventurers and historians seeking an unpolished glimpse into California’s gold rush era.
Masonic’s ruins stand as a testament to its brief but vibrant history, reflecting the transient nature of mining towns in the American West. Its remote location and sparse remains preserve its rugged authenticity, making it a compelling destination for those exploring Mono County’s past.
Masonic Trail Map
Upper Sage Flat Campground – Inyo National forest
Upper Sage Flat Campground is a scenic, family-friendly campground in Inyo National Forest, located about 9–10 miles west of the small town of Big Pine, California, along Glacier Lodge Road (off US Highway 395).
At an elevation of roughly 7,500–7,600 feet (sources vary slightly), it sits along the banks of Big Pine Creek in a narrow canyon. The campground offers shaded sites beneath mature Jeffrey pines and cottonwoods, providing a peaceful alpine setting with direct creek access. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the Eastern Sierra Nevada, including trails into the John Muir Wilderness.
The campground typically operates from late April or mid-May through mid-October, depending on snow conditions. It features 21 single-family campsites (some sources note around 20), most of which are well-shaded and can accommodate tents, RVs, and trailers up to about 30–40 feet. Sites include paved parking aprons. Reservations are recommended during peak season (late May to mid-September) through Recreation.gov, though some first-come, first-served availability exists outside peak times. Fees are generally around $29–$31 per night.
Amenities
- Campsites: Picnic table, campfire ring (with grill), and bear-proof food storage locker per site. No hook-ups (dry camping).
- Restrooms: Flush toilets and/or vault toilets (facilities are frequently praised for being exceptionally clean and well-maintained by camp hosts).
- Water: Potable drinking water available.
- Other: Paved parking aprons (most ~40 feet long), camp hosts on-site during the season, and trash collection. No showers or dump station.
- Regulations: Active bear country—food and scented items must be stored in provided bear boxes. Maximum stay 14 days. Pets allowed (leashed, max 2 per site). Quiet hours typically 10 PM–6 or 7 AM.
Activities
- Fishing: Big Pine Creek is stocked annually with rainbow, brown, brook, and alpers trout. Great stream fishing right by many sites; nearby Tinemaha Reservoir offers additional opportunities.
- Hiking & Backpacking: The 1.5-mile Big Pine Creek Trail leads into the John Muir Wilderness, with access to waterfalls, Lon Chaney’s historic cabin, and the stunning Big Pine Lakes chain. Views of Palisades Glacier (the southernmost glacier in the U.S.) are a highlight. Longer backpacking trips possible with proper permits.
- Swimming: Cooling off in the creek during summer.
- Wildlife Viewing & Nature Appreciation: Excellent stargazing due to dark skies and minimal light pollution. Birdwatching and viewing of local animals.
- Other: Picnicking, photography, horseback riding (nearby pack stations), and exploring the broader Eastern Sierra (including ancient bristlecone pines in the White Mountains). Nearby Glacier Lodge area adds more recreation options.
Wildlife in the Area
This is a rich Eastern Sierra ecosystem. Visitors commonly report:
- Mammals: Black bears (very active—proper food storage is mandatory), mule deer (frequently seen along trails and in the woods), and possibly smaller mammals like squirrels or chipmunks.
- Birds: Various songbirds, raptors, and migratory species. The area supports good birdwatching opportunities.
- Fish: Rainbow, brown, brook, and alpers trout in Big Pine Creek.
- Plants & Trees: Dominant Jeffrey pines and cottonwoods provide shade. Surrounding high-elevation terrain features sagebrush, wildflowers (in season), and other Sierra conifers. The broader Inyo National Forest includes ancient bristlecone pines nearby.
The campground is known for its clean facilities, attentive hosts, peaceful atmosphere, and beautiful setting. It’s ideal for nature lovers seeking a mix of relaxation by the creek and access to world-class hiking and wilderness. Always check Recreation.gov or the Inyo National Forest website for current conditions, fire restrictions, and availability, as mountain weather can change quickly.
Joseph Raphael De Lamar
Joseph Raphael De Lamar (1843–1918) was a Dutch-born American maritime adventurer, mining magnate, and financier who rose from poverty to amass a $29 million fortune, leaving a lasting legacy through his contributions to mining and philanthropy.
Early Life
Joseph Raphael De Lamar was born on September 2, 1843, in Amsterdam, Holland, to Maximiliaan de la Mar, a banker, and Johanna Teune. His father’s death when Joseph was four plunged the family into poverty, leaving his mother to raise seven children. As a young boy, De Lamar stowed away on a Dutch ship bound for the West Indies, working as a cook’s assistant after being discovered. This sparked a maritime career, and by age 23, he commanded a ship, gaining a global education through extensive voyages.
Maritime and Submarine Ventures
De Lamar’s early career was defined by bold ventures. He became a ship’s captain and, during the American Civil War, a submarine contractor, salvaging sunken vessels. In 1872, he raised the Charlotte, a steamship carrying Italian marble, off Bermuda, succeeding where others failed. A near-fatal incident in 1874, trapped for 36 hours in a diving suit while inspecting the Steamer William Tibbitts at Martha’s Vineyard, led him to abandon diving. He then traded along West African rivers, profiting despite significant crew losses to disease.
Mining Career
In the late 1870s, De Lamar joined the Colorado gold rush, studying chemistry and metallurgy to enhance his mining expertise. In 1879, he bought the Terrible Lead Mine in Custer County, Colorado, for $5,500, selling it in 1885 for $130,000. In Idaho, he extracted $1.5 million in gold and silver from a mountain near Silver City, selling a half-interest to the De Lamar Mining Company of England for $2 million. He invested in Colorado’s Cripple Creek and built a cyanide-process mill in Mercury, Utah, expanding it to process 1,000 tons daily. In the 1890s, he explored copper prospects in Bingham Canyon, Utah, influencing its development. His mining legacy includes ghost towns named Delamar in Nevada, Idaho, and California.
Political and Financial Career
In 1891, De Lamar served as an Idaho state senator, chairing key committees but declining a U.S. Senate candidacy. Relocating to New York, he became a secretive Wall Street financier, known as “the man of mystery” for his reserved yet successful dealings, influencing major business interests without seeking public office.
Personal Life and New York Society
In 1893, De Lamar married Nellie Virginia Sands, a John Quincy Adams descendant, and they had a daughter, Alice. After their divorce, he raised Alice alone. To cement his status in New York’s Gilded Age, he commissioned a Beaux-Arts mansion at 233 Madison Avenue, completed in 1905 with features like an automobile elevator. He also built Pembroke, a Long Island estate, housing an Aeolian organ and Tiffany stained glass. Despite his wealth, his reserved nature kept him on the fringes of elite society.
Later Years and Legacy
An accomplished organist, De Lamar hosted grand events, including Alice’s 1915 society debut. He amassed art, including sculptures and paintings, for his homes. De Lamar died on December 1, 1918, in New York from pneumonia following surgery, leaving a $29 million estate (roughly $480 million today) to Alice and $10 million to Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and Columbia for medical research. His Madison Avenue mansion, later home to the American Bible Society and National Democratic Club, became the Polish Consulate in 1973 and a New York City landmark. In 2023, De Lamar was inducted into the American Mining Hall of Fame, cementing his rags-to-riches legacy.