Drive 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles, and you’ll climb into another world. At 6,700 feet in the San Bernardino National Forest, Big Bear Lake spreads out like a sapphire — seven miles long, half a mile wide, and ringed by forested ridgelines that climb toward 9,000 feet. For travelers with dogs, it’s not just a mountain escape. It’s one of the most dog-friendly outdoor destinations in Southern California.
Water, trails, and alpine air
Dogs that love water will find plenty of room to splash. The lake has 22 miles of shoreline, with coves and inlets where a leash-friendly romp in the shallows is easy to manage. While official swim beaches are for people only, most marinas allow you to launch a kayak or paddleboard with your dog riding up front. Look for the quieter east end near Stanfield Marsh, where herons and ospreys work the shallows and dogs can hop in without heavy boat traffic.
Trails rim much of the lake, and dozens more lace the surrounding forest. The Alpine Pedal Path is a local favorite: three miles of paved trail from Stanfield Cutoff to the Serrano Campground. It’s stroller-friendly, paw-friendly, and offers sweeping views across the lake. For a bigger climb, the Cougar Crest Trail gains 800 feet in two miles and connects to the Pacific Crest Trail. Dogs are allowed on all national forest trails as long as they’re leashed, a rule that protects both wildlife and pets from surprise encounters.
Little-known dog spots
One of the lesser-known gems is the Bark Park at Meadow Park, just a few blocks from the lake’s south shore. It’s fully fenced, with separate areas for large and small dogs, and shaded benches for people. For water dogs, Meadow Park itself has a small beach where leashed pets are welcome in the sand — a rarity in California.
Another overlooked spot is Holcomb Valley, north of the lake. Once a boomtown during the 1860s gold rush, it’s now a quiet meadowland with creeks, dirt roads, and plenty of space for off-pavement exploring. Bring water and keep dogs close; coyotes and the occasional black bear still roam here.
Safety and altitude tips
At 6,700 feet, altitude affects dogs just like people. If you’re coming up from sea level, start with easy walks and pack extra water. Dehydration is the number-one hazard for dogs on summer hikes. Afternoon thunderstorms can drop hail in July, so carry a towel to dry your pup and a blanket for the ride back.
Lake water is generally safe, but keep an eye out for blue-green algae blooms late in hot summers. Big Bear Municipal Water District posts advisories online. In winter, the lake freezes along the edges — tempting for adventurous dogs, but thin ice is a real risk. Stick to the trails when snow covers the shoreline.
Where to stay with dogs
Big Bear has more than 100 cabin rentals that welcome pets, plus dog-friendly hotels like Big Bear Frontier. Many vacation rentals provide fenced yards. If you prefer camping, the Serrano Campground on the north shore is the most pet-friendly, with easy access to the Alpine Pedal Path and lakeshore.
A dog’s alpine playground
Few places in Southern California offer so many options for travelers and their dogs: pine-scented trails, cold mountain water, and a small-town welcome that puts pets on par with people. Whether you’re tossing a frisbee into the shallows, hiking into gold rush country, or just enjoying a cool evening on a lakeside deck, Big Bear Lake proves that the best adventures are the ones you can share with a wagging tail.
