Wilderness Lodge

Pine trees crowd right up to the deck railings here, and inside, wood-lined ceilings climb to a peak above a great room that holds its warmth through every season. Wilderness Lodge is the San Bernardino cabin people picture when they say they want to get up to the mountains --- timber, stone, tall windows full of green, and enough space for everyone to spread out without tripping over each other.

The main level opens up all at once. A stone hearth anchors the living room, oversized windows pull the forest in from three sides, and there's enough seating that nobody ends up perched on an armrest. The kitchen is fully equipped and sits open to the room, with bar stools at the island for whoever's supervising. The dining table seats eight, so pancake mornings and long, loud dinners both work. Laundry is on-site, which matters more than it sounds like it does after a day in the snow.

Four bedrooms sleep the group. Two are set with king beds, a third has a full, and the fourth is built for the younger crowd with a full-and-queen bunk. Three full bathrooms keep the morning shuffle from turning into a bottleneck --- one with a soaking tub, the others with glass walk-in showers.

Outside is where this cabin earns its keep. Decks wrap the exterior across multiple levels, shaded by tall pines and set up for slow mornings with coffee. A covered gazebo holds a firepit ringed with cushioned lounge seating, which is where everyone ends up once the sun drops behind the ridge. A separate outdoor dining table sits under its own umbrella for meals in the trees.

The lake is a five-minute walk from the front door, and lake access comes with the home --- close enough that time by the water happens before anyone thinks about the car keys. Lake Arrowhead Village is a short drive down the road, with waterfront shops, casual restaurants, a full grocery store for provisions, and the Arrowhead Queen for an hour on the water. SkyPark at Santa's Village is close enough for a spontaneous afternoon with the kids, and Heaps Peak Arboretum has a gentle interpretive loop through dogwoods and sequoias that works for all ages. Trailheads are scattered across the ridge, Blue Jay adds a few more dining options a couple of miles west, and Snow Valley sits about twenty-five minutes east when the slopes open. Big Bear is a manageable day trip if the group wants a bigger mountain.

AvantStay provides a personalized hospitality experience to elevate your stay. With our Concierge Service, guests have access to our tech-enabled services like fridge stocking, private chefs, massages, transportation, special occasion celebrations, baby gear rentals, ski gear, beach gear, and more. For anything you need, we're at your fingertips via concierge@avantstay.com.

Known as "The Alps of Southern California," the beautiful Lake Arrowhead is a well-kept secret, even from California natives. The quaint, European-style Lake Arrowhead Village makes a good place to pass your days, but visitors most often spend their time delighting in the area's outdoor activities. Water skiing on the lake, fishing, and ATV riding are all popular pastimes in summer, while in winter, snow sports fanatics can get their fill of skiing on the local slopes. Whatever time of the year you visit, the temperate climate and numerous opportunities for adventure ensure a fun time for all.

Local Attractions: Will Abell Memorial Trail at Arrowhead Ridge, San Bernardino National Forest, LuluBelle's Coffee House and Bakery, The Lakefront Taproom Bar and Kitchen, Lake Arrowhead Brewing, Stone Creek Bistro, SkyPark at Santa's Village, Lake Arrowhead Village, Heaps Peak Arboretum

Home Truths:

Parking Details:

All bookings over 30 days require a security deposit to be charged after booking.

STR Permit: #CESTRP/2024/01022