Near Big Bear
Snow Summit guide

Trail · San Bernardino National Forest

Cougar Crest Trail to Bertha Peak review

Cougar Crest Trail climbs from Big Bear Lake's North Shore to the Pacific Crest Trail before a steeper final push toward Bertha Peak. It suits hikers seeking a longer climb with lake, valley and high-desert views.

  • Best for: A real climb with summit views
  • 7.3 mi round trip
  • Our score 7.6/10

At a glance

  • Moderate-to-difficult 7.3-mile round trip
  • Cougar Crest Trailhead on North Shore Drive
  • Adventure Pass required
  • Final push to Bertha Peak is steep
  • Best for: a summit climb with a section of the PCT

Our score

7.6 /10

The well-graded trail and broad summit views score strongly; the steep finish and frequent company are the principal drawbacks.

  • Views and payoff 9
  • Trail quality 8
  • Access and parking 8
  • Crowds 4

What it is known for

The Forest Service describes the Cougar Crest section as a two-mile climb to the Pacific Crest Trail, with about 750 feet of elevation gain.

Reviewers describe wide, maintained tread, a gentler opening mile and a much steeper final push to Bertha Peak. Many also mention bringing dogs on the route.

Strengths and limits

Pros

  • Lake, valley and high-desert views
  • Well-graded main trail
  • Includes a Pacific Crest Trail segment

Cons

  • Steep final climb
  • Popular and often busy
  • Full Bertha Peak distance is not published by the Forest Service

Before you go

Is a parking pass required?

Yes. An Adventure Pass is required at Cougar Crest Trailhead, per the Forest Service.

Can bicycles complete the route to Bertha Peak?

No. Bicycles are prohibited on the Pacific Crest Trail segment, per the Forest Service.

Are dogs allowed?

AllTrails reviewers consistently describe the route as dog-friendly, but the official trail page reviewed does not give a trail-specific dog rule. Check current Forest Service guidance.

Where it is

Open in Google Maps

Nearby alternatives

Who reviewed this

Jenna Whitcomb

Jenna Whitcomb

Local guide editor

Jenna Whitcomb edits Near Big Bear. Every trail on this page was checked against the US Forest Service and OpenStreetMap on the date below.

Updated
September 22, 2026