Lake Perris
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Lake Perris SRA, or simply Lake Perris is a state recreational area that opened in 1973. It is used for swimming, boating, fishing, etc. It is between the cities of Moreno Valley, and Perris.
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[edit] History
Lake Perris SRA opened in 1973 as a part of the California State Water Project and a State Recreational Area. It greatly affected Moreno Valley and Perris' growth and incorporation. Lake Perris provides water-based recreation for residents of Moreno Valley and Perris. However, not all water sports (such as boogie boarding, surfing) are available here. The water comes from the Sacramento River Delta via the State Water project.
[edit] Geography
Lake Perris is 1,560 feet above sea level and is ringed by hills and small mountains.The untended areas of Lake Perris may seem rocky and barren at first glance, but an harbor an amazing variety of natural wonders.
[edit] Flora and Fauna
The predominant plant community, coastal sage scrub is host to a variety of birds and wildlife. Mule deer, roadrunners, bobcats, coyotes, rabbits, quail, gopher snakes and rattlesnakes may sometimes be seen by day, though they tend to shy away from people. More frequently seen are a wide variety of lizards, rodents, water fowl, and birds of prey. Beautiful displays of wildflowers occur during the rainy season, generally November through April.
The coastal sage scrub community is predominant on the south-facing slopes of the Russell Mountains and Bernasconi Hills and is characterized by shrubby plants including desert encelia, brittlebush, sagebrush, black sage, white sage, buckwheat, and cacti. Conditions are somewhat shadier on hillsides that face north or northwest so that chaparral plants such as chamise, penstemon, and--caution!--poison oak are found.
Remnants of the original perennial grasses that once flourished in this region can still be found in the flat interior of the park surrounding the lake, but the majority of plants that now make up the valley grassland community (including Russian thistle) were imported from Europe by early settlers. Riparian areas near springs and seeps, and on east and south lakes include willows, cattails, elderberry and nettles.
More than a hundred species of birds have been spotted at Lake Perris. Many are migratory, and stop at the park briefly during their travels, while others make their permanent residence here. Larks, loggerhead shrikes, roadrunners, California thrashers, quail, wrens, sparrows, hummingbirds, golden eagles, several varieties of hawks, ospreys, and even bald eagles may be seen. Many varieties of waterfowl use the lake including pintails, widgeons, teals, mallards, shovelers, various geese, and sometimes whistling swans and pelicans. Blacknecked stilts, avocets, killdeer, willets, kingfishers, egrets, and herons are attracted to the water’s edge.
Day and night, hawks and owls are frequently seen hunting for prey. The bike trail offers an easy and convenient way to see some of the birds and other wildlife of Lake Perris. Early morning or dusk are the best times. Ranger-led hikes are conducted during the spring and early summer months.
Most plants and animals at Lake Perris are well adapted to the hot, dry environment. Chamise leaves are tiny and waxy to maximize water loss due to evaporation. Some grasses and wildflowers rush from bloom to seed in just a few short weeks and are able to complete their life cycle within the brief wet season. Kangaroo rats are so well adapted to dry environments that they seldom drink water, and manage to extract the moisture they need directly from their food.
The plants and animals of Perris valley have changed considerably over the last two hundred years due to human activity, but its natural history can be intriguing.
[edit] Weather
Lake Perris has hot, dry summers and cool, moist winters. Rainy weather is limited almost completely to the months between November and April. The area lies at a crossroads of weather influences. Coastal fog (and smog) comes from the west, while “Santa Anas”—strong, hot dry winds—come from the deserts to the east and northeast. The average water temperature is 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
[edit] Activities
Picnicking
The day use areas of Lake Perris offer almost 300 picnic sites with tables and grilling accommodations. Many of the tables are sheltered from the heat of the summer with shade ramadas, and many have lake views. Beaches have grass areas adjacent to the sand for games, sunbathing, and picnicking. All tables and bathroom facilities are wheelchair accessible. One, or all three group picnic areas may be reserved. Under each large ramada Lake Perris supplies tables, grills, running water, and large sinks. Each unit will accommodate up to 200 people and all facilities are wheelchair accessible. Bernasconi Beach also has one group picnic area that can accommodate 25-100 people and has tables, grills, water and chemical toilets. Swimming is not permitted at Bernasconi Beach, but it is accessible to vessels. Reservations for group facilities can be made at the campground visitor services kiosk. Between Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day weekends parking may fill and the park may close to additional visitors for that day. Tables and parking are on a first-come first-served basis. Lake Perris does not allow the possession or the consumption of alcohol in any of its day use facilities. '''Swimming''' <nowiki>Lake Perris has two designated swim areas: Moreno Beach accessed through lots 8,9,10 and Perris Beach that is accessed through lots 1 through 4. Lifeguards are on duty in those areas daily during the summer and on weekends in spring and fall. All swimmers are encouraged to swim in front of the Lifeguard and to swim parallel to the shoreline. There are changing rooms, showers and restrooms located behind towers 2 and 4. There are picnic areas near the beach. SCUBA Diving is allowed at the swim beach at Lots 1-4. Lake Perris does not rent SCUBA gear. The Marina rents water skis, wake boards, knee boards and ski vests. More information about the Marina is available in the Boating and Watercraft link and at 951-657-2179. Hiking, Bicycling, and Horseback Riding
There is a nine-mile hiking and bicycling trail around the lake. It is paved except for a short stretch at the south end of the dam. A hiking trail leads to the scenic overlook at Terri Peak. Another trail (accessible to wheelchairs) offers a fine view of Moreno Pass. Interpretive panels near the campfire center tell the story of the area before Lake Perris was built. A horse trail circles the lake and goes on into the underdeveloped part of the recreation areas. Springtime riders are rewarded with wildflowers. Lake Perris does not rent horses or bicycles.
Rock Climbing
Big Rock is a climbing spot located within Lake Perris State Recreation Area in Riverside County. Big rock is a giant granite rock approximately 180 feet high. It hosts 34 recognized routes that range from a modest 4th class to a 5.10d with one A3 route. Although most routes are single pitch, or suitable for top rope, there are multi-pitches to the upper level of the rock and several of the more challenging routes. It’s popular with beginning and intermediate climbers, but provides some opportunities for more advanced climbers. A route map is provided at the base of the rock, and they are also printed in several Southern California climbing guides. Big Rock has approximately 110 bolts on its face and no more are permitted. For additional excitement try some traverses between routes. If necessary to aid up the flakes, please use nuts only. The climbing area is open year round although the best temperatures are from late September to about mid June. Big Rock boasts a west face so it provides shade in the morning and long evenings during day light savings. Equipment requirements are fairly light: quick draws, runners, 165 feet of rope, and a selection of nuts and/or anchors. It’s an easy approach to the climbing area requiring about a half mile hike along a paved road. Chemical toilets and picnic tables are provided, but climbers must provide their own water, and the park does not rent climbing gear. All climbing is at your own risk. The Department of Parks and Recreation does not install or maintain any fixtures or equipment on Big Rock.
[edit] Lake Perris Water Withdrawal
As of July 2006, 20% of the water in Lake Peris is removed due to safety concerns with the dam. All recreational activities are still allowed. The 35 mph zone is now from the dam to Allesandro Island. It is 5 mph around the island. Swimming is only allowed at Perris Beach (Lots 1, 2, 3, and 4). Reservations are highly recommended in the summer and weekends sell out fast. Since the drawdown there are fewer first-come first-serve spots available for watercraft. In the summer of 2006 (Memorial day to Labor day) most reservations sold out a week or two in advance.
Please check the official website for reliable updates. [http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=651
[1]http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=24006
[2]http://perrisdam.water.ca.gov
