Big Bear Pups

Four Paws Up for Big Bear

Waggin’ ways to plan the best dog days. By Lauren Eberle

No bones about it: Big Bear Lake is one of the pet-friendliest destinations in all of Southern California. From the trails and the lake to the shops and resorts, dogs are not only welcome, they’re wooed! But don’t just take our word for it. We caught up with five creatures great and small, who shared their secret Big Bear spots with us.

LUNA

AGE: 14 months HOMETOWN: Big Bear Lake, CA

“Hiking is my favorite! You can find me sniffing up and down Rathbun Creek Trail, Cougar Crest Trail, and the Discovery Center Nature Trail. My mom tells me that hiking in fall-time is the best. If only I could see more of the pretty colors!”

CHARLIE & WALLY

AGES: 4 | BREED: Mixed Terriers HOMETOWN: Los Angeles, CA e @itscharlieandwally

“Hiking is a must whenever we visit! We’re small, so we love trails where we can climb rocks with our hoomans to get a better view! Woodland Trail is so paw-some — it’s very terrier-friendly, with lots of spots to rest and look at squirrels (and yes, OK, the towering pines, too). If you go, don’t forget to bring munchies for everyone!”

BODIE

AGE: 4 | BREED: Husky | HOMETOWN: Rancho Cucamonga, CA | e @bodie_husky

“My family loves to visit Big Bear in all seasons. We hike the trails, walk (ahem, race) by the lake, and explore The Village at Big Bear. (Whenever I’m there, I keep my sniffer ready — some shops stock snackies!) I love it when we rent out a cozy cabin with a bunch of other floofs. Slumber party, slobber party! The more, the merrier!”

ZOOEY

AGE: 3 | BREED: English Springer Spaniel HOMETOWN: Pasadena, CA e @travelpockets

“Watching my paw-rents sled at Cougar Crest Trail is a blast! I always give my mommy a million kisses when she gets to the bottom of the hill. And we love the beach off the Alpine Pedal Path; I’ll watch the ducks and take a dip in the lake. The best part is running up and down the beach and feeling the sand between my toes. Puttin’ my paws in both sand and snow on the same day? I call that ‘Bearadise!’” THROW YA A BONE

TREAT-WORTHY TIPS

Keep your hoomans leashed while you’re hiking, just in case walkies turn into zoomies.

Don’t ruff it — many hotels, resorts, and rentals here welcome good boys and girls. Bonus points for fenced-in yards and doggie accessories.

See and be seen at the Bark Park at Meadow Park, on the south shore of the lake.

Wanna go for a ride…and a dive? You’re welcome on the water, if your hoomans rent a pontoon or fishing boat. Rather climb on a kayak? Getboards can rent your pawrents a kayak for two. Just don’t forget your life jacket!

Oliver’s Emporium is a store just for us! They’ve got a big case of dog-friendly cookies and donuts, plus pet accessories, dog boots, life jackets, sweaters, and even pajamas!

Keep an eye on your hoomans at mealtime on the patio of one of Big Bear’s pet-friendly restaurant, such as BLT’s Sandwich Bar & Grill, Tropicali, Big Bear Lake Brewing Company, and Nottinghams Restaurant. That’s what we call four paws up!

CARE FOR BIG BEAR Dogs love Big Bear for many of the same reasons that we humans do: for the fresh air; the pristine trails, parks, and beaches; and the abundant wildlife. Help keep Big Bear clean and wild by picking up after your dog and disposing of waste properly, and by keeping Fido on a leash — and a safe distance away from local wildlife.