Lake Perris is located in the Inland Empire area of Southern California. It was built in the early 1970's to serve as a reservoir in the California Water Project in order to provide drinking water for Southern California residents. It is in the process of being partially drained to allow for repairs on the dam. This does not seem to have affected its popularity. Lake Perris can be very crowded on hot days as well as long weekends. This recreational facility offers camping, boating, fishing, horseback riding, picnic areas, hiking and biking trails.. There is a bicycle trail which nearly goes the circumference of the lake, about 9 miles. Just off this trail is a rock displaying pictographs by Native Americans. There is also a Native American museum which is open on weekends and Wednesdays. A day use pass costs $10.
