Baldwin Lake is a shallow, seasonal lake located east of Big Bear Lake in San Bernardino County, California, at approximately 6,700 feet elevation. Unlike its famous neighbor, Baldwin Lake is a natural, ephemeral water body that typically fills during spring snowmelt and gradually dries throughout summer and fall. The lake's water levels fluctuate dramatically year to year depending on precipitation, sometimes disappearing entirely during drought periods.

When water is present, Baldwin Lake offers a unique paddling experience distinct from Big Bear Lake's busier recreational atmosphere. The shallow depths—often just inches to a few feet—create glassy, calm conditions ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding, particularly during early morning hours before winds pick up. Paddlers report covering significant distances across the lake bed when conditions are favorable, with some exploring both Baldwin Lake and Big Bear Lake in a single day during peak water years.

The Baldwin Lake Ecological Reserve protects 156 acres of rare pebble plain habitat around the shoreline, home to endemic wildflowers and endangered plant species found nowhere else on Earth. Birdwatchers frequent the area to observe waterfowl, bald eagles (especially in winter), white pelicans, and numerous migratory species. The surrounding landscape offers views of the San Bernardino Mountains and nearby Bear Mountain.

Access is available along Highway 18 at the intersection with Holcomb Valley Road on the lake's north side. There are no developed launch facilities or marinas—paddlers must carry boats across potentially muddy shorelines to reach water. The lake bottom consists of fine sediment that can make launching challenging. Swimming is not permitted, and motorized boats are prohibited. Timing visits is critical, as the lake may be completely dry or frozen depending on season. Spring typically offers the best paddling window, though checking current conditions beforehand is essential. The remote, undeveloped character provides solitude rarely found at nearby Big Bear Lake, with minimal crowds and a wilderness atmosphere despite proximity to developed areas.