By Kathryn Madden
Any given day on the mountain, you’re likely to encounter local hounds of different shapes and sizes, working in shops, on ranches and even performing rescue operations. Service dogs assist our fellow citizens with needs big and small, and errands and outings usually include our four-legged friends. The endless trails, parks and fresh water bowls available throughout our community encourage everyone to enjoy the best kind of adventure, the one you take with your dog.
Heading up Highway 18 to Crestline, stop and socialize at the dog park located on the South Shore of the Lake Gregory Regional Park or take the lakeside 2.7-mile fitness trail, with perennial mountain scenery and wildlife watching. Stop into Crestline Café, where you can take food to go and feast together on the shaded patio.
Back on the road towards Lake Arrowhead, you’ll find the Cedar Glen Dog Park has separated areas for large and small, to socialize and play in among the trees. A walk around the lake is ideal no matter the season and grab a bite to eat at Belgian Waffle Works, where dogs are welcome on the patio for the best waffles in town. If you’re ready to rest your paws, Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa lays out the red carpet for dogs looking for luxury, Arrowhead Pine Rose Cabins is available for dogs interested in a more rustic cabin and for pups looking to sleep under the stars, the Dogwood Campground is a dog friendly dream.
Whether you’re well rested and ready for more adventure or heading towards rest, all roads lead to Big Bear. If your preference is fresh air and a warm fireplace, a stroll through the village is great for people and dogs, big and small, on leash. Many of the restaurants welcome your pooch on the patio and even serve them water. Stop by Oliver’s Emporium for the latest in doggo fashion and visit House of Jerky for turkey and beef treats your pup is sure to love. If you plan on hitting the slopes, your pup can join you at the base of Bear Mountain and Snow Summit.
The Alpine Pedal Path and Grey’s Peak Trail are bursting with fragrance sure to keep all types of noses busy throughout the year. If your dog considers itself an avid hiker, the six-mile Grand View Point Trail or the easier 1.6-mile Castle Rock Trail will give you and your pup a picture-perfect panoramic view. When it heats up, a dip in Big Bear Lake is a perfect way to cool off. Holloways Marina rents pet friendly pontoon or fishing boats, and Big Bear Marina has fishing boats available to take your paddling friend for a catch and swim. The Bark Park at Meadow Park is open daily for socializing and has small and large dog areas to accommodate any breed.
We share our home with large cats, critters and a few rattlesnakes and the coyotes are out year round, so while out on the trails or taking a quiet stroll through Moonridge, you’re likely to encounter one or more healthy coyotes or just know, whether you see them or not, they see you, and while they’re not particularly aggressive, they are certainly opportunists. If you would like to join in all the fun, the Mountains Humane Society or Big Bear Animal Shelter, have four legged friends also in search of the right companion and available for adoption year-round.
