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In 1881, miner James Smart homesteaded in the meadow in the eastern part of the valley that would become known as Moonridge. His intention was to use this area as a cattle ranch. He registered his ranch as the JS ranch. He traveled to San Bernardino to purchase his new branding iron, but on the way home, the branding iron somehow feel and the top part of the J broke off. Not wanting to waste the money he had already spend, he decided that there was nothing wrong with being the IS ranch.

James Smart sold out to George Rathbun and his son-in-law Will Talmadge in 1892. In 1906, Rathbun sold his interest to Will and retired. In 1913, Will Talmadge’s brothers, John and Frank, bought out all of the holdings operating under the IS brand. The Eastern ranch was called the upper IS.

Albert S. Spaulding, a Los Angeles developer, purchased the IS ranch in 1923 from the Talmadge brothers. The 1440 acres was developed into lots, roads, and an 18 hole golf course. To mark the entry to this new development named Big Bear Woods, the Moonridge Arcs were constructed at the entry way of Big Bear Blvd. This new area was promoted in the Los Angeles newspapers through a promotional 2 day tour for $10. Guests received a complete travel package with travel, room, meals, and entertainment.

An attraction of the development was the “Trail of the Seven Wonders”. This trail took these visitors along the stream that ran through this area. The owners ran a contest to name the area, with the winner winning a lot in the development. The winning name was Moonridge. Moonridge was also the location of one of the largest amphitheaters that could accommodate up to 5000 people.

Modern Moonridge has evolved from a residential development to encompass a true multi-use area with residential and commercial zones that cater to locals and tourists alike. Moonridge is the most unique area of Big Bear Lake where you can stay, dine, shop and recreate.