The San Bernardino National Forest around Big Bear Lake is a serious destination if you want to get your dog out on real trails in the mountains. The forest sits in the Inland Empire region of San Bernardino County and covers enough territory that you could easily spend multiple days exploring different areas without repeating yourself.

Dogs are welcome throughout the forest, though they need to stay leashed at all times. That’s a reasonable trade-off for access to this much open space. The recreation area around Big Bear Lake itself has plenty to offer beyond just hiking—there’s camping, fishing, and mountain biking if you want to mix things up. The trails range from easy walks along the water to genuinely challenging climbs that’ll tire out even high-energy dogs. Many of the paths are well-marked, which helps when you’re navigating with a dog in tow.

What makes Big Bear different from lower-elevation Southern California hikes is the actual forest canopy and cooler temperatures, especially valuable during summer months. You’re looking at actual elevation and shade rather than exposed chaparral. The views of the surrounding landscape from various points are legitimately striking—granite peaks, evergreen forest, and clear lake vistas.

The recreation area is large enough that you won’t feel crowded even on weekends, and parking at various trailheads is generally straightforward. The higher elevation means you might encounter snow in winter, which limits some options but opens others if your dog handles it well. Spring and fall tend to be the sweet spot for conditions.

Before heading out, check the official National Forest website for current trail conditions and any seasonal closures. Some areas may have restrictions during certain times of year, and weather can change quickly at this elevation. Bring more water than you think you’ll need—the forest gets dry, and you’ll be working harder with the elevation gain than you might expect.