Nestled in the heart of the San Bernardino Mountains, Running Springs, California, boasts a rich tapestry of history that has shaped its evolution into the charming community it is today.
Early Inhabitants
Long before modern development, the Serrano people, or “Yuhaviatam” (“people of the pines”), were the region’s original inhabitants. They thrived by gathering acorns and herbs and hunting local wildlife, leaving behind numerous mortar holes as evidence of their presence.
Logging Era
In the late 19th century, the area now known as Running Springs was called Hunsaker Flats, named after Abraham Hunsaker, a member of the Mormon Battalion. The abundant timber resources attracted the Highland Lumber Company and later the Brookings Lumber Company, which conducted substantial logging operations from Fredalba to Green Valley Lake. They even operated a narrow-gauge railway to transport logs to a mill located in what is now Fredalba and Smiley Park. Lumber was precariously hauled down the City Creek Toll Road, later named Highway 330.
Transition to Recreation and Tourism
With the decline of the logging industry in the early 20th century, developers recognized the area’s potential for recreation and tourism. Improved state highways in the 1920s made the mountains more accessible, leading to the establishment of vacation properties and camps. The community’s name evolved to Running Springs, reflecting its natural beauty and the numerous streams in the area.
Modern Development
Over the decades, Running Springs has developed into a vibrant community, balancing residential living with tourism. Its strategic location at the junction of State Routes 18 and 330 makes it a gateway to other mountain destinations, while local attractions like the Snow Valley Mountain Resort and the National Children’s Forest draw visitors year-round.
Today, Running Springs stands as a testament to its rich history, offering a blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and a close-knit community spirit.
