Embrace the Magic of Big Bear’s Maltby Cabins

Photo by Chris Hildebrandt from Chris Hildebrandt Photography

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I’ve spent countless weekends trekking up Highway 330 or Highway 18, leaving behind the concrete sprawl of Los Angeles for the cool pine forests of Big Bear. Every time I pull into town, I feel that special Big Bear hush—a soft rustle through the branches, punctuated by an occasional bird call.
Right in the heart of this peaceful setting lie the Maltby Cabins, each radiating a nostalgic mountain charm that’s impossible to resist.

A Chapter of Big Bear’s Alpine Legacy

When you explore the Maltby neighborhood, you’re stepping into a piece of local history. Back in the early-to-mid 1900s, when Angelenos like me needed a retreat from city crowds and scorching summers, Big Bear’s forested slopes became the go-to escape.
Over time, the Maltby Cabins earned a reputation as a beloved lodging option, where log-beam ceilings and woodsy aromas remind you that this is how mountain living was always meant to be.
From cabins lovingly kept in near-original condition (complete with creaking floorboards and vintage fixtures) to newer builds that still preserve that timeless log-cabin façade, there’s a broad range of getaways to choose from. If you love the flavor of old-school craftsmanship, you’ll find it here; if you’d rather enjoy modern upgrades like stainless-steel appliances, hot tubs, and Wi-Fi, you can have that, too.

Wandering into the Heart of a Maltby Cabin

Walking through the front door of a real-deal Maltby Cabin, you’re greeted by the comforting smell of aged wood. I always look up first—the log beams overhead hint at a century-old construction style that’s both sturdy and impossibly cozy.

Many of these cabins showcase:

Exposed Timber & Knotty-Pine Walls: They lend a soft, golden glow and a sense that each log has its own story to tell.

Stone Fireplaces: Is there anything more soul-soothing than a crackling fire when the mountain night settles in?

Lofts & Winding Staircases: These charming layouts might have you climbing a snug staircase to a lofted bedroom—perfect for watching sunrise light filter into the living space below.

Covered Porches & Decks: Rain or shine, they’re ideal for sipping coffee in
the morning or stargazing under an endless alpine sky.


Each cabin balances warmth and history in a way that truly feels like stepping back to another era—yet with just enough modern touches to keep things comfortable.

A Cabin for Every Style

One of the best things about Maltby Cabins is how they adapt to different tastes. Want a back-in-time vibe with minimal frills? Or maybe you’re after a luxurious, spa-like retreat?

Here are just a few highlights:

1938 Historic Maltby Cabin: This one’s a living time capsule. Between the original wood-burning stove, vintage hardware, and log walls, you can practically feel the decades of mountain stories.

Maltby Modern Log Cabin #2307: A sleek twist on tradition. Granite countertops meet classic log exteriors, and the deck’s hot tub makes for a downright dreamy night under the stars.

Endless Spirit: Aptly named—think vaulted ceilings, whimsical décor, and giant windows framing the forest. Great for families or groups aiming to embrace Big Bear’s natural setting in style.

Rediscovering Simplicity

Spending a few days (or longer if you’re lucky) in a Maltby Cabin gives you permission to slow down. Here, it’s about trading freeway traffic for hiking trails, replacing phone notifications with the gentle crackle of a fireplace, and waking up to bird calls instead of alarm clocks.

Maybe you’ll roast marshmallows at your outdoor fire pit, or curl up in a rocking chair with a well-worn paperback. Big Bear’s crisp mountain air and that hushed morning calm have a way of rinsing away life’s clutter.

Plan Your Getaway

If you’ve never spent a night in a Maltby Cabin, let me be the first to say: make it happen. Head over to BigBear.com to check availability, since these little gems fill up quick—especially when the seasons change or during holiday weekends.

Pack for chilly nights even in summer (mountain weather can surprise you), and if you have a soft spot for wildlife, remember that you’re sharing the woods with curious critters.

Your Own Slice of Mountain Magic

I’ve always believed that Big Bear holds a particular enchantment—something about that mix of majestic pines, pristine lake views, and breezy altitudes stirs the soul.

A Maltby Cabin is the perfect vantage point to experience it all. Whether you’re someone who pines for a simpler time or you just want an elevated kind of rustic comfort, these cabins deliver.So throw on a sweater, lace up those hiking boots, and take a deep breath of that pine-scented air.

Between starry nights, hearty laughs by the fireplace, and the call of the wild just outside your door, a stay in a Maltby Cabin will have you feeling refreshed in ways you forgot you needed. Trust me, once you’ve tasted life up here, you’ll be counting down the days until you can come back.