The town of Lake Elsinore became developed and took off in1888. It was a stop on the famous Butterfield Stage route. The healing waters of the mineral springs here, drew in visitors from far and wide.
Coal and clay mining, gold, ranching, fruit, and nut growing, helped drive growth. A series of boom and bust cycles over the years changed Lake Elsinore from a bustling vacation getaway, to a dried out lake for about 10 years.
A catastrophic El Nino year flood submerged much of the town as well. The Holy Fire brought to mind the book Dante’s Inferno. It changed the one innocent looking lakeside town into a literal hell on earth.
Today Lake Elsinore is a thriving and still steadily growing city, just off the 5 freeway, the main route between San Diego and Riverside counties. The lake is the main draw for visitors, during the warmer months of the year.
The town and lake are set amidst some fairly dynamic scenery, with majestic mountains on all sides, and nice views in every direction. There are great hiking trails all around the town of Lake Elsinore in the Santa Ana Mountains, along with a couple short trails near town.
Local Trails
Sitton Peak (Elev 3225) – 10 miles 5-6 hrs 2037 ft gain
Chiquito Falls Loop 9.1 miles 4.5-5.5 hrs 1571 gains
Walker Canyon 9.2 miles 5-6 hrs 1761 gain
Ortega Falls 0.2 miles 30 min 39 ft gain
Fishermans Camp 4.3 miles 2-2.5 hrs 471 gain
Tenaya Falls 4.7 2.5-3.5 hrs 679 ft gain
Historic Downtown
Historical Sites
The Crescent Bath House aka “The Chimes,” where people took the healing waters
Good Eats
Best Restaurants in Lake Elsinore
Jack’s Bar-B-Q Open Daily 10am-Midnight with Live Music Fri-Sun 7-10
Main Street Kitchen and Tap – Hours Vary, Opens at 11am
Annie’s Cafe – Open 7am-1:30pm
Michi Tacos – Open 10am-10pm, and Open late until 11pm on Friday and Saturdays
Serafina Hikes 