Best Buddies Love Big Bear Lake, California
- Luie Boone
- Mar 21
- 11 min read
This travel spot is featured in our sixth blog series, Mutts Mingle.
Big bear? Luie Boone knows a big bear. His name is Bear Bear. Bear Bear is very big. He is very brown. He is also extremely cuddly and polite. He has never once stolen Luie Boone's fiddles or stuck his nose into the garbage looking for more fiddles. Bear Bear mostly sits by Luie Boone's side and listens to Luie Boone bark about all his problems, like, you know, not having enough fiddles and needing to find more fiddles immediately. Which is what good bear friends do.
So when the hoomans brought up a vacation to Big Bear Lake, California, Luie Boone naturally assumed this was Bear Bear's homeland. A majestic kingdom, surrounded by a big lake, with large brown bears who are just like Bear Bear—big, brown, cuddly, and polite. But the hoomans say nah-uh, the bears at Big Bear Lake are actually black bears, which is confusing because Luie Boone's never met a black bear.
Apparently, these bears live in the forests around the lake (so, still their majestic kingdom) and mostly mind their own business. They like berries, bugs, fishes, and sometimes fiddles that the hoomans forget to lock up. Luie Boone can respect the hustle for fiddles; everyone loves fiddles. But the hoomans say you're not supposed to feed the black bears, which seems rude, but Luie Boone will follow the rules because he doesn't want to put his hoomans (or Bear Bear) in any sort of danger.
There's also something called a burro in Big Bear Lake, California. And, no, Luie Boone, we didn't just say burrito. We understand that's devastatingly, disappointing news because burritos are delicious. Burros, on the other hand, are small donkeys. Apparently, they wander around the mountains near Big Bear Lake, just doing donkey things like eating grass and looking mildly concerned about everything. Luie Boone will be leaving them alone. Why? Spooked burros can rear and kick, and no thank you, Luie Boone doesn't want to deal with that on his vacation.
Big Bear Lake, California is one of the most pet-friendly mountain destinations in the United States. Located in the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear Lake offers a relaxed alpine setting where dogs are welcomed on hiking trails, outdoor patios, and many lodging properties. With fresh mountain air, beautiful lake views, and plenty of outdoor adventure, it’s an ideal place for travelers who want to bring their pups along for an exciting vacation!
One of the biggest draws of Big Bear Lake is the abundance of dog-friendly outdoor activities. The area is surrounded by scenic forest trails where leashed dogs are welcome, making it easy to spend a day exploring the mountains together.
A popular option is the Alpine Pedal Path. This is a paved trail that runs along the north shore of the lake. It provides beautiful views of the water, and it’s perfect for a relaxed walk or jog with your dog.
Another favorite is the Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk, one of Big Bear Lake’s most peaceful and underrated walks. This easy, flat boardwalk crosses a protected wetland on the east end of the lake. It’s especially popular with locals looking for a relaxed stroll, families with kids, dog owners, and anyone hoping to spot migrating birds.
Spending time near the water is another highlight of a trip to Big Bear with your dog. Many areas along the shoreline allow leashed dogs, making it easy to relax by the lake or play fetch along the water’s edge. Some boat rental companies even welcome dogs on board, so visitors can explore the lake by pontoon boat, kayak, or paddleboard while their pet enjoys the ride. While dogs aren’t allowed on designated swimming beaches for people, there are still plenty of open shoreline spots where they can splash and cool off on warm days.
If your dog needs some off-leash playtime, Big Bear also has several dedicated dog parks. One of the most popular is the Bark Park. This fenced park features agility equipment and separate areas for large and small dogs, making it a great place for pets to socialize and burn off some energy.
Walking through the town’s shopping and dining area is also a fun activity for visitors traveling with pets. The Village at Big Bear Lake is the town’s main downtown area and is very dog-friendly. The village streets are lined with local boutiques, cafés, and souvenir shops, making it a pleasant place to spend an afternoon strolling with your dog and soaking in the mountain atmosphere.
Dining out with your dog is also simple thanks to the number of restaurants that offer dog-friendly patios. Visitors can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner while their dog relaxes beside them outdoors. Popular options include Amangela’s Sandwich & Bagel House, which is a casual spot known for its breakfast bagels and coffee.
Another popular option is the Bone Yard Bar & Grill, which is a relaxed barbecue restaurant, that goes above and beyond to welcome furry guests. Its outdoor patio is not only dog-friendly but often stocked with water bowls and treats so pups feel just as welcome as their humans. The staff are friendly and accommodating, helping make the experience enjoyable for both you and your dog.
When planning a trip to Big Bear Lake with a dog, it’s helpful to keep a few practical tips in mind. Dogs should remain on a leash in most public areas and on trails, and owners should always carry waste bags and water during hikes. Because Big Bear sits at more than 6,700 feet in elevation, both people and pets may need a little time to adjust to the altitude. Taking it easy on the first day and making sure everyone stays well hydrated will help make the experience more enjoyable.
It’s also important to stay aware of local wildlife. The area is home to animals such as black bears, burros, mountain lions, rattlesnakes, and more, so keeping dogs close and under control helps prevent unexpected encounters. Respecting wildlife and giving animals plenty of space helps keep both pets and the natural environment safe.
Overall, Big Bear Lake stands out as a fantastic destination for travelers who want to include their dogs in their vacation plans. With its combination of scenic trails, lakeside relaxation, pet-friendly lodging, and welcoming restaurants, the town offers plenty of opportunities for adventure and relaxation with your canine companion.
Whether you’re hiking through pine forests, relaxing by the lake, or enjoying a meal on a sunny patio, Big Bear Lake provides the perfect mountain escape for both you and your dog.
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay in Big Bear Lake, California. Check it out below!
Rental Name: The Voges' Lake House
This rental has 3 bedrooms with 5 beds and 4.5 baths.
Photos by bigbearcoolcabins.com
It features the following amenities:
Rustic lakefront cabin
Loft has a queen bed
Wet bar
Game room, including:
Ping pong table
Foosball table
Pool table
Large deck with lake views
Gas barbecue
Outdoor seating
Wooden swing
Private dock
Walk to Lake
What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:
My hoomans picked out a lakefront cabin called the Voges' Lake House for us to stay at during our vacation to Big Bear Lake, California. Naturally, I will be bringing my most trusted team. First is Quackers, my stuffed duck. His main job is naps and emotional support during important resting periods. Next is Bear Bear, my large brown bear. Even though Big Bear only has black bears (which seems like a confusing naming decision), Bear Bear insisted on coming so he can meet the local bears and explain things. Finally there is Sally the squirrel, who is small but extremely brave. Her job is scouting. If there are real squirrels nearby, Sally will be the first to know. The cabin itself sounds incredible. It sits right on the lake and even has its own private dock, which is perfect for important activities like watching ducks, supervising fish, and staring thoughtfully at the water. I will make sure Quackers stays calm if we see real ducks, Bear Bear does not fall into the lake (he's not a strong swimmer), and Sally keeps a careful eye on any suspicious squirrel activity. The hoomans also told me the cabin has six bathrooms. I don’t know why humans need so many bathrooms, but it sounds very organized. There's also a big kitchen where the humans will cook food that travels directly into my nose, which is an extremely important feature in any vacation home. And outside, there are forest trails filled with sticks, smells, and possibly squirrels. Every lake trip needs a responsible dog watching over things. Luckily, I am a very responsible dog. And I will have Quackers, Bear Bear, and Sally helping me.
Paws Venture Here
Luie Boone sniffed out and dug up these local gems for you to check out while vacationing to Big Bear Lake, California!
Grand View Point
Hikers love Pine Knot Trail in Big Bear because it’s shaded for most of the hike to Grand View Point. This well-marked trail starts just a six-minute drive from the south side of the lake, making it easy for visitors to reach. The trail climbs gradually through pine forest and gentle switchbacks before opening up near the summit. Luie Boone loves a good view. It's the paw-fect place for a dog to sit and look extremely important while supervising the mountains.
At the top, hikers are rewarded with a panoramic view of San Gorgonio, the highest peak in Southern California. The hike gains about 1,095 feet in elevation, and reaching Grand View Point makes the trip about 6.6 miles roundtrip. Hikers should watch for horse riders and mountain bikers who also use the trail. Pine Knot Trail is popular and often busy, but hikers say it is well maintained and in good condition.
Big Bear Queen Lake Tour
Luie Boone's already considering a temporary title change to King Luie Boone for this particular adventure. It seems only appropriate when boarding a boat called the Big Bear Queen.
The Big Bear Queen was built for Big Bear in 1973, replacing the Old Sierra, the original tour boat that operated on the lake in the 1930s. The Big Bear Queen name, along with its distinctive hull design, has been carrying passengers on lake tours since 1965.
Conveniently located near the village, this pet-friendly tour offers a fun and informative ride with a local expert. Visitors can hop aboard one of the longest-running attractions in Big Bear Lake and learn about the area’s history and unique features, including stories that date back to the Gold Rush era, all while their dog enjoys the ride beside them.
Get Boards Ride Shop - Veteran's Park
Get Boards Ride Shop at Veteran’s Park rents dog-friendly kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Pups can ride along anywhere on the lake at no extra cost, and the shop also rents dog life jackets if you don't bring your own.
Luie Boone's very confident he could stand proudly on a paddleboard like a true lake professional. He'd absolutely balance perfectly and glide across the water with great dignity. He'd definitely not wobble, panic, and go flopping into the lake. Absolutely not.
Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve
Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve offers visitors and their pups a chance to explore a network of boardwalks designed for safe wildlife viewing. This protected marshland provides an important habitat for waterfowl and other animals that thrive in the area. When you arrive, look at the information boards located around the central gazebo. It explains the types of birds and wildlife you might see and describe how the preserve works to protect and maintain a healthy habitat.
Luie Boone takes wildlife watching very seriously. Mostly because birds are extremely interesting. It's said the best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon, when waterfowl and fish are often most active. Looking out across the water, visitors may notice a small manmade island that was created as a refuge for waterfowl. The island keeps the birds safely away from people while still allowing visitors to observe them from a respectful distance. It’s a peaceful place to watch nature unfold and a great example of how the area works to protect its wildlife.
This easy trail gives visitors a chance to learn more about the plants and trees that grow in the area, all while enjoying time outside with their pup. At the trailhead, hikers can pick up an interpretive guide that matches the twenty numbered signs placed along the path. These signs explain the different types of plants found around Big Bear, including how to tell the difference between Western Juniper and Incense Cedar. Luie Boone plans to examine these signs very carefully. Not because he is studying trees, but because sometimes the best smells happen near important educational signs.
The trail also includes large boulder outcroppings that create natural places for kids (or dogs!) to climb and explore. As the loop nears its end, hikers are rewarded with beautiful views of the lake. It's a relaxing trail that hikers of many ability levels can enjoy, and it's a great place to spend time outdoors with your dog and family.
Sugarloaf Mountain
Luie Boone was very excited when he first heard about Sugarloaf Mountain. A mountain made of sugar and bread sounded like an excellent place for a snack break. Unfortunately, the hoomans explained that Sugarloaf Mountain is not food. It's a real mountain that rises to 9,952 feet, and it's the highest point in Big Bear Valley.
Even though it's the tallest peak in the valley, Sugarloaf is often overlooked by hikers. That turns out to be good news for dogs and their hoomans because the Sugarloaf Mountain Trail is usually much less crowded than other hikes in the area. The trail offers a solid climb through beautiful old growth forest and provides excellent views along the way. While the summit itself does not have a major viewpoint, hikers are rewarded with some of the best panoramas of the San Bernardino high peaks during the hike up. Luie Boone may still be slightly disappointed that there is no actual sugar loaf waiting at the top, but he agrees that a quiet trail with great views is still a very good adventure.
Boulder Bay Park
The crown jewel of Boulder Bay Park is its breathtaking location right along the lake. Towering granite boulders rise from the water’s edge and create one of the most scenic spots in Big Bear. A gravel path winds through the park, making it a perfect place for an easy stroll along the shoreline.
Luie Boone was also very interested to discover that there is a large bear statue at the park holding a welcome sign. The sign says “Louie welcomes you to Big Bear Lake, California.” Luie Boone believes the explanation behind the sign is obvious. The bears of Big Bear Lake clearly heard that Luie Boone was visiting and decided to put up a welcome sign in his honor.
Yes, they spelled his name slightly wrong. But Luie Boone appreciates the effort!
Azteca Grill
Azteca Grill is a restaurant that many visitors say serves some of the best Mexican food in Big Bear. Azteca Grill is also dog friendly, which immediately caught Luie Boone’s attention. Dogs are welcome to join their hoomans at a table on the large covered patio.
Even better, the restaurant has a dog menu where pups can enjoy a chicken or burger bowl served with rice and carrots. Luie Boone believes this is an extremely important development in restaurant history. While the dogs enjoy their meal, the hoomans can choose from a variety of authentic Mexican dishes or try specialties, such as Aguachile or Mole Verde.
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
Big Bear Lake, California
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed:
While my hoomans were planning the trip, they discovered something very suspicious. Apparently, there are stories about Bigfoot in Big Bear! Hikers say they have heard heavy footsteps in the forest near the lake. Some say they have found enormous footprints along quiet trails. Others claim they saw a tall dark figure moving through the trees. Some laugh and say Bigfoot is probably just a bear standing on its hind legs. Bear Bear bristled immediately and looked extremely offended. He does not appreciate hoomans making jokes about bears. Thankfully, Luie Boone’s hoomans have Bear Bear’s back. Could Bigfoot be real? Suddenly, this trip has become a very important investigation.
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