Cougar Crest Trail Big Bear review for summit hikers

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.

The route

The Cougar Crest Trail to Bertha Peak is a trail located at the Cougar Crest Trailhead, found on North Shore Drive and State Highway 38. This trailhead is situated about 0.6 miles west of the Big Bear Discovery Center and approximately 2 miles west of the Stanfield Cutoff. The entire route covers about 7.3 miles for a round trip, with an elevation gain of roughly 1,348 feet. The visitor bureau classifies this trail as intermediate to difficult.

The trail begins with a gentle incline for its first mile. After this initial stretch, the route starts to gain elevation more noticeably. Along the way, the Cougar Crest Trail intersects with the Pacific Crest Trail. Continuing from this junction towards Bertha Peak involves a steep hike of about 0.75 miles. This final section offers expansive views across Big Bear Valley and the surrounding high desert landscape.

What to expect

The Cougar Crest Trail winds through various settings along the North Shore of Big Bear Lake. Visitors should be aware that wildlife encountered on the route can include bobcats and rattlesnakes. For those relying on public transport, the Trolley to Trails service, which stops at Cougar Crest, operates seasonally. This service runs from early May through early October.

A parking pass is required for access to the Cougar Crest Trailhead. An Adventure Pass is necessary. The trail is popular, meaning you are likely to encounter other hikers during your visit.

Scoring breakdown

Our scoring for the Cougar Crest Trail to Bertha Peak considers four elements. Views and payoff measure what you see along the way and at the end. This trail received a score of 9 out of 10 in this category. Strengths include lake, valley, and high-desert views, as well as a segment of the Pacific Crest Trail.

Trail quality assesses the tread, markings, and upkeep. It accounts for 20% of the total score. This trail earned an 8 out of 10 for trail quality. Reviewers note a well-graded main trail and wide, maintained tread. Reviewers also mention many people bring dogs on this route.

Access and parking evaluate how easy the trailhead is to reach and park at, also making up 20% of the score. It also scored an 8 out of 10. The trailhead is the Cougar Crest Trailhead, located on North Shore Drive. An Adventure Pass is required for parking here.

Crowds measure how busy the trail gets, comprising the final 20% of the score. This trail received a 4 out of 10 for crowds. The trail is popular and often busy. The full distance to Bertha Peak is not published by the Forest Service.

Overall assessment

The overall score for the Cougar Crest Trail to Bertha Peak is 7.6 out of 10. This score is the weighted sum of the four criteria. The trail offers a well-graded path and broad summit views that contribute positively to its score.

The principal drawbacks noted are the steep final climb to Bertha Peak and the frequent company on the trail. The Forest Service describes the initial section as a two-mile climb to the Pacific Crest Trail with about 750 feet of elevation gain.