It’s not hard to get lured in by the lake lifestyle, especially when your canine companions are welcome on the water. Running seven miles long and half-a-mile wide with 22 miles of shoreline, Big Bear Lake is renowned as the best freshwater fishing destination in Southern California. It’s also a hot spot for watersports and pleasure cruising.
All pups aboard for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding and boating excursions! Be it SUPs, fishing boats or pontoons, watercraft rental options are plentiful from marinas anchoring the lake. You can also take in the scenic beauty of the lake from shore. Stroll along the Alpine Pedal Path, a 3.2-mile paved trail that traces the shoreline and offers easy access to beaches for sandy games of fetch.
Speaking of trails, those are definitely for the dogs in Big Bear Lake, too. With 100 miles of hiking trails, you can choose your adventure based on location, degree of difficulty and preferred terrain—think pine scented forests, high desert vistas and majestic meadows. And thanks to the sheer vastness of the trail network, the opportunities to find peace and solitude with your furry best friends are endless.
If you’ve got kids in tow or simply want a mellower trek, Woodland Trail offers a gentle 1.5-mile loop with views of Southern California’s highest peak, Mount San Gorgonio. Another easy loop, the 2.5-mile Towne Trail starts at Snow Summit and winds through the south shore woodlands delivering lake views all along the way.
For a more invigorating challenge with greater elevation gain, tackle the 7-mile Cougar Crest Trail to Bertha Peak. The sweeping views at the top will surely knock your socks off!
Check the calendar of events to find out what’s happening in Big Bear Lake during your visit.
