Lake Forest

Lake Forest is a planned residential community in Orange County, California, covering Saddleback Valley with low-rise housing and green corridors. Neighborhoods with single-family homes cluster around two artificial lakes, while parks with sports facilities provide space for recreation throughout the area.

The area was part of Rancho Canada de los Alisos from 1842, granted to Jose Antonio Serrano by the Mexican government before California statehood. The settlement went by the name El Toro until official incorporation in 1991, when it adopted its current name.

The name refers to two artificial lakes created in the 1970s, now surrounded by eucalyptus trees that line the shores. Walking paths around the water attract joggers and families with children, while green spaces invite picnics and weekend gatherings that bring neighbors together.

The Sports Park offers basketball courts, baseball fields, and soccer fields for team sports and casual play. Multipurpose rooms are available for community events and activities on most days.

Heritage Hill Historical Park displays four restored structures from the 1800s, including the Serrano Adobe and El Toro School House. The buildings offer a window into daily life of early California settlers and can be visited on guided walks through the grounds.