Kumeyaay Lake

Gazing across the serene expanse of Kumeyaay Lake, can you imagine this tranquil oasis was once a bustling gravel pit? Kumeyaay Lake, nestled within Mission Trails Regional Park, has a captivating story to tell. This isn’t just a body of water. It’s a testament to transformation and resilience, a place where nature reclaimed what industry had taken. Originally, the H.G. Fenton Material Company operated the Monarch Plant here, producing concrete, plaster, and gunite sand until the early 1970s. After the site was mined out, it was reborn as Hollins Lake Fish Farm and Lake Recreational Facility. It was named for Mary Hollins, who championed its creation as a fishing spot for seniors. The rehabilitation efforts included planting riparian vegetation, particularly willow trees. These willows flourished, creating thickets that attracted a very special guest: the endangered least Bell’s vireo. In 1985, the facility closed. The area north of Kumeyaay Lake was designated a mitigation site for the least Bell’s vireo due to the construction of the SR-52 freeway. Today, that area remains protected by locked gates to safeguard the vireo’s nesting areas, preventing a full loop around the lake. You might even hear its distinctive song, described as a rapid, nasal “don’t-you-tell-me-what-to-do” call. Kumeyaay Lake truly blossomed into a vibrant habitat, a haven for both riparian and chaparral plants. In December 2000, Mission Trails Regional Park opened a 46-site campground at Kumeyaay Lake, offering primitive camping for tents and RVs. Currently, the campground is open for overnight stays on Fridays and Saturdays, while day use is permitted throughout the week. The lake is now a remarkable blend of nature’s recovery and human adaptation. The whispers of its industrial past blend with the songs of birds and the rustle of leaves, offering a unique experience for those who pause to listen.