Jenks Lake is a small alpine lake at about 6,800 feet in the San Gorgonio Wilderness area of San Bernardino National Forest, tucked into a clearing off Highway 38 between Barton Flats and Angelus Oaks. California Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks it with rainbow trout from spring through fall, which makes the shoreline a steady draw for anglers and families looking for low-key mountain time. A paved half-mile path loops the lake with benches along the way — the grade is gentle enough for strollers and wheelchairs, and the full perimeter goes by in 20 minutes at an easy pace.

Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the day-use area: the lake loop, the picnic tables, the restrooms, and the connecting forest trails. The shore is a mix of decomposed granite and grass, easy on paws, and the water stays cool enough for a dip even in August. There is no natural shade on the east side, so morning or late-afternoon visits are more comfortable for dogs during summer. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August — watch the sky and head to your vehicle at the first rumble.

To reach Jenks Lake, take Highway 38 east from Redlands about 30 miles — the turnoff is signed, and the access road runs in about two miles to the day-use parking area. A National Forest Adventure Pass is required, available at the Mill Creek Ranger Station in Mentone on your way up. Cell service is spotty above 5,000 feet on Highway 38, so download offline maps before you leave town.