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Panoramic View from the Hiking Trail’s Edge.
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General Overview:
This Big Bear hike was absolutely beautiful! We did this hike after a recent rainstorm in fall, and the lake views and forest scenery were impeccable. There were even small patches of snow along the way!
Cougar Crest Trail to Bertha Peak hike starts about 2 miles east of Fawnskin in Big Bear, where you’ll see the trailhead located on the left-hand side of Highway 38. Throughout the 6+ mile hike, you’ll find a steady incline, and at some points, a steep grade to climb.
From the parking lot, the trail climbs through a pine forest, where you’ll keep left and climb a ridge with views of Big Bear Lake on your left. Continue onto the Pacific Crest Trail and head east, where the grade will mellow out for a bit before hitting some steep inclines. Look for the trail split of Pacific Crest and Berta Peak, make a right when the trail splits if you are going uphill (see trail sign pictures below). Once you reach the summit of Bertha’s Peak, stay left on the dirt road and continue to climb to the top. Once you arrive, you’ll find 360 degree views of the San Bernardino Mountains and Big Bear Lake.
Total Elevation Gain: 1,200 – 1,500 feet
View Pacific Crest to Bertha Peak Hiking Trail in a larger map
Directions/Address:
- Take the CA-91 E.
- CA-91 E becomes I-215 N.
- Merge onto I-10 E via EXIT 40A toward Redlands.
- Merge onto CA-210 W via EXIT 77B toward CA-330/Highland.
- Merge onto CA-330 N via EXIT 81 toward Mtn Resorts.
- Take CA-330 N to 38 East.
- At Big Bear Dam, continue on 38 (left) along the north side of the lake.
- The signed trail head parking lot is on the left, 2.5 miles east of the town of Fawnskin.
- A National Forest Service adventure pass ($5 for a day or $30 for the year) is required.
- A parking area is located on the left-hand side of highway 38. You’ll see the trailhead and a parking lot. If the parking lot is full, park alongside the highway.
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A Forest Adventure Pass is required for parking. Passes are $5.00/day.
- Camelbak 50-75 oz Hydration Pack
- Sunscreen SPF 30
- Lunch & Trail Snacks
- Cell Phone
- Hiking Boots/Shoes
- Early Fall/Late Spring/Early Summer: We recommend doing the Cougar Crest Trail to Bertha’s Peak during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Because snow is common in the winter, be prepared with the appropriate shoes and warm clothing if you plan on going from November – April. Also, the summer months can also get into the high 80’s and 90’s, so be prepared for that as well.
How it Looks:
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| Start of the trail. |
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| Hiker enjoying the start of the Cougar Crest trail. |
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| Various trees and vegetation border the trail. |
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| Hiker enjoying the scenery. |
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| Small patches of snow! A hiker’s delight in early Fall. |
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| Section of the trail where Cougar Crest becomes Bertha Peak Trail. If you are hiking uphill, stay right. |
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| Final trail marker to Bertha Peak |
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| View of Big Bear Lake |
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| Hikers enjoying views from the trail. |
- Yes, dogs are permitted on leashes.
- Barry-the-Bear: “Wow! This hike wore me out! I knew the elevation was going to be a challenge, but this one really took it out of me. Good thing I practiced the prior week with Los Pinos Peak. Overall it took me 5 hours to complete, including a break at the top of Bertha Peak.”
- Larry-the-Lion: “Okay, Okay, Okay! I know Lions are supposed to be fast, but the Bertha Peak uphill trail section was a challenge. We crawled up the hill, but increased our total pace on the downhill. Unfortunately, we didn’t bring enough food. However, afterwards we enjoyed a tasty lunch North Shore Cafe in Fawnskin.”
- Chris-the-Cheetah:
“Even for me, this hike was a challenge. At first I started to run on the trail, but the elevation started to wear me down. I ended up enjoying the hike at a moderate pace and it took around 2 hours and fifteen minutes to complete.”