Metcalf

      In 1888, the Bear Valley Hotel was built by John Metcalf and Gus Knight Jr.. The hotel held 30 people and served as Big Bear's first resort, but later burned on Christmas even 1900. In 1911 the rebuilt hotel, now under the name old Pine Lake Hotel and its 44 cabins, was purchased and was given the name Pine Knot Lodge. John Metcalf was a cattle rancher, like Gus Knight Jr, with 100 head at his Bear Valley ranch, which when sold in 1913 had over 1200 cattle. 

     The Metcalf family also gave their name to the Metcalf creek, and also built a family cabin in 1972 in the Metcalf Bay area. 

Metcalf Cabins

     Big Bear forest cabins, dating back to the early 20th century, are situated all over the San Bernardino forest. The Metcalf Creek Track cabins, near Big Bear Lake, were built in the 1920's and like other forest cabins part of the U.S. Forest Service's Recreation Residence Program. The cabins are personally owned by families and forest lovers, and lease the land from the Forest Service.

    Many cabins feature a rustic style, with large rock fireplaces, beamed ceilings, and unique arcitectural details. 

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