Malibou Lake, California

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Malibou Lake, California is a small, private reservoir in the Santa Monica Mountains of Los Angeles County. It sits between Malibu Beach and the Conejo Valley, near Malibu Creek State Park and inside the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. The lake area includes rugged mountains, private homes, cabins, and a club, all around a lake that covers about 350 acres. The shoreline is roughly 1.9 miles long, and the water is up to about 27 feet deep.

Etymology
The area’s name comes from the Chumash people, who called the region Humaliwo, meaning “the surf sounds loudly.” The name Malibou was later used to avoid confusion with Malibu Lagoon.

History
- In 1922, George Wilson and Bertram Lackey bought 350 acres to create a remote residential community around a lake. They formed the Malibou Lake Club.
- For several years the lake stayed dry. In 1926, a heavy rain filled the lake for the first time, and celebrations followed.
- The Malibou Lake Clubhouse (built in 1924) offered many amenities, including a ballroom, dining room, and recreation facilities. It burned down in 1936 and was replaced by a smaller building.
- The current clubhouse and surrounding homes helped preserve the lake area from mass development. The lake has filled and drained several times due to weather, most notably refilling after rains in 1961.

Geography
Malibou Lake lies at the bottom of a defile where Medea and Triunfo Creeks join to form Malibu Creek. The area is part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and is about three miles north of the Ventura Freeway. A dam-bridge sits at the lake’s southern end, and the area often overflows into Malibu Creek when rainfall is heavy.

Film location
Malibou Lake has long been a popular filming site because it’s close to Hollywood. It has appeared in more than 100 films and TV productions since the silent era. Notable titles include Frankenstein (1931), The Ring (2002), and Many other famous movies and TV programs. The area has hosted shoots for classics like MASH, The Bad Seed, Young Frankenstein, and scenes in The Office.

Notable people
- Ronald Reagan owned a nearby ranch (now a state park) and was once named honorary mayor of the area.
- Other famous visitors and residents have included actors such as Elizabeth Montgomery, Arthur Edeson, and Robert Hays.

External link
Official Malibu Lake website: maliboulake.org

Malibou Lake remains a private, scenic spot in the Santa Monica Mountains, known for its history, film connections, and preserved natural beauty.