Maple & Pine is a three-bedroom cabin in Crestline, California, about 75 minutes from Los Angeles in the San Bernardino Mountains. It sleeps eight, and dogs are genuinely part of the plan rather than an exception we grudgingly allow.
This page covers the honest details — the pet policy, what's nearby for dogs, and the things that are less convenient, because you'd rather know before you drive up than after.
- Dogs
- 2 welcome as standard · no breed or weight limits
- Dog park
- Fenced, off-leash, ~5-minute walk at Lake Gregory
- Lake loop
- ~2 miles, mostly flat and shaded, leashed dogs welcome
- Yard
- Not fully fenced — two decks, forest behind
- Drive from LA
- ~75 minutes, winding for the last 20
- Sleeps
- 8 · 3 bedrooms · 2.5 bathrooms
Why Crestline works better than most mountain towns for dogs
Two things make the difference. The first is elevation: at roughly 4,600 feet, Crestline stays meaningfully cooler than the valley floor in summer — often around twenty degrees cooler. If you've ever cut a summer hike short because the pavement was too hot for paws, that gap matters.
The second is Lake Gregory itself. Many mountain lakes in Southern California either ban dogs outright or restrict them to a narrow stretch. Lake Gregory has a proper fenced off-leash park with separate areas for large and small dogs, and the perimeter path welcomes leashed dogs the whole way round.
Worth knowing: the lake path is mostly flat and shaded, which makes it one of the more manageable loops for older dogs, short-legged breeds, or anyone who doesn't want a climb. It's a genuine walk rather than a scramble.
The pet policy, stated plainly
Two dogs are welcome as standard. There are no breed restrictions and no weight limits — a Great Dane is as welcome as a dachshund. If you're bringing three or more, message first; it can usually be arranged, it just needs a heads-up.
What we ask
- Dogs off the beds and furniture — bring a blanket or bed if yours is used to being up there
- Crated if left alone, and only for short stretches. It's a quiet residential street and barking carries a long way in the mountains
- Clean up in the yard and on the trails; the neighbours are gracious and we'd like to keep it that way
- Let us know at booking that a dog is coming, so cleaning is scheduled properly for the next guest with allergies
What's provided
- Hard floors through most of the main living areas, which makes muddy paws a non-event
- Outdoor space on two decks where dogs can sit out with you
- Towels set aside for dog use, so you're not drying a wet retriever on the good linen
Being straight with you: the property is not fully fenced. It backs onto open forest, and there is wildlife — coyotes are present across the San Bernardino Mountains. Dogs should be leashed or directly supervised outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk. If you specifically need a securely fenced yard to let a dog out unsupervised, this isn't the right cabin, and we'd rather say so now.
Where to actually take the dog
Lake Gregory dog park — 5 minutes on foot
Fenced, off-leash, with separate large and small dog areas. Close enough that it's a reasonable first stop after the drive up, when everyone needs to stretch.
The lake perimeter path — ~2 miles
Leashed dogs welcome. Mostly flat, largely shaded, and it circles the water so there's always a view. This is the default morning walk.
Heart Rock Falls trail
A short, family-friendly hike nearby that dogs handle easily. It follows a creek for much of the way, which is a bonus on warmer days.
Forest trails from the cabin
Trails lead directly into the San Bernardino National Forest from close to the property. Pines, quiet, and very little traffic midweek.
Getting there with a dog in the car
From central Los Angeles it's about 75 minutes: I-210 east, then CA-18 up the mountain. From Orange County, roughly 90 minutes.
The part worth planning for is the last stretch. CA-18 — the Rim of the World Highway — climbs steadily with a lot of switchbacks. If your dog is prone to car sickness, stop before you start the climb rather than partway up, where there are fewer safe places to pull over.
In winter, chains are sometimes required on the mountain highways. Check conditions before you set off, and give yourself extra time.
The rest of the cabin
Beyond the dog-specific parts: three bedrooms sleeping eight, two and a half bathrooms, a full kitchen, wood-burning fireplace, air conditioning and central heat, private garage, and a top-floor game room with a Pac-Man arcade cabinet, pool table and ping pong. There's also a Peloton, and a dedicated work station if someone needs to log on.
You can see every room in the photo gallery, read the full amenity list on the cabin page, or browse what else is around on the Crestline guide.
Common questions
How many dogs can stay?
Two as standard, with no breed or weight restrictions. More than two is usually workable — just message before booking so we can plan cleaning accordingly.
Is there a pet fee?
Pet fees vary by booking platform and length of stay. The exact amount shows at checkout before you pay, with no surprises added afterwards. Booking direct is generally the cheapest route since there's no platform service fee on top.
Is the yard fenced?
No. There are two decks where dogs can be out with you, but the property backs onto open forest, so dogs need to be leashed or supervised outside.
Can dogs swim in Lake Gregory?
Dogs are welcome on the perimeter path and in the dog park. Swim-area rules at the lake change seasonally, so check current signage when you arrive — it's managed by the regional park rather than by us.
Are there vets nearby?
There are veterinary services in Crestline and more in Lake Arrowhead about 20 minutes away. For anything serious, San Bernardino down the hill has 24-hour emergency options. Worth saving a number before you drive up.
What if my dog barks a lot?
Then please don't leave them alone in the cabin. It's a residential street, sound travels in the mountains, and a complaint affects future guests. Dogs that struggle with separation are better off coming along on the walk.