Splash Landing

Grown-Up Fun at Lake Hemet's Splashing Eagle Waterpark

The Splashing Eagle Waterpark at Lake Hemet proves waterparks aren’t just for kids. This action-packed floating waterpark, just offshore in the 470-acre lake nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains, presents plenty of adult-size challenges. Challenge 1: You have to swim through the chilly water to reach it! Sure, the mandatory life jackets help keep you afloat, but every play structure in the park is out beyond where you can stand. Challenge 2: Hoisting your body out of the water and onto the structures. Challenge 3: Maintaining your footing on the wet and slippery inflatable structures that bob around in the water.

Then the fun really begins! Climb the 14-foot King of the Mountain Ice Tower, a massive climbing wall, or ascend the Summit Express, a towering slide that requires a steep climb to reach the top. Or practice your gymnastics skills on the floating trampoline before sending your friends flying on the summer camp classic: the blob (not as easy as it looks in the movies!). Or perhaps test your balance skills on the giant multiperson teeter-totter. Or just climb any of the structures to enjoy the view of the lake from the top—watch for trout jumping out of the water! Tired and need a break? Relax on the sandy swim beach, or walk over to the marina to pick up some ice cream. Your admission gives you in-and-out privileges all day, so don’t worry about packing it all in at once! This is summer: no need to rush.

Lake Hemet Recreation Co. is at 56570 Hwy. 74 in Mountain Center. From Hemet, follow CA-74 east for 18 miles, and then make a right on Lake View Dr. The lake will be on your right. The waterpark is open Thursday through Monday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. No dogs in the waterpark.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Taking the Stage: Tyler Ranch

    Hike the recently opened Tyler Ranch Staging Area in Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, with 18 miles of new trails. This 6.5-mile loop up Sunol Peak is a challenge and rewards with exceptional views of seasonal iridescent hills.

    View
  2. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunset Hike (and Manly Lake Vista!) at Dante's View

    It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. On clear days you get views of both the highest and lowest points in the contiguous U.S. 

    View
  3. Swing into Spring

    Swing into this 7.1-mile hike in the hills of Half Moon Bay! It’s got gorgeous views, fields of spring wildflowers, and a hidden rustic tree swing.

    View
  4. The Carson Show

    Carson Falls is ready for primetime. This three-tiered, 100-foot stunner is hidden back in a canyon outside of Fairfax and reached on a 3.25-mile (round-trip) hike.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Lava Lava

    Once a land of volcanic activity, Mojave National Preserve shares plenty about its past via a quick yet adventurous hike to the Lava Tube in the Cima Dome Volcanic Field.

    View
  2. Kelso Dunes

    The hike to the top of Kelso Dunes in the Mojave National Preserve is only 3 miles (out and back), but you’ll feel like you’ve hiked much farther by the time you’re done.

    View
  3. William Kenyon Overlook

    Some of the best vistas of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are easily accessible via a short and sweet 1.25-mile (round-trip) hike just off the CA-78. Enter your next favorite desert viewpoint: the William Kenyon Overlook.

    View
  4. Beaudry Bountiful

    There are no cars allowed on Beaudry Loop, but this 6-mile hike takes you on a wild ride. You’ll be climbing 1,500 feet up the southern Verdugos along a chaparral-lined trail with gorgeous mountain and urban vistas every step of the way.

    View