Bertha Peak via Cougar Crest Trail in San Bernardino National Forest, CA

Hike Bertha Peak via Cougar Crest Trail San Bernardino National Forest, CA

Class 1 7.3 miles 1400 gain 3-5 hrs Out + Back May 22, 2024
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Bertha Peak via Cougar Crest Trail GPX Track

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Bertha Peak is a minor summit on the north shore of Big Bear Lake, most commonly accessed via the Cougar Crest Trail. This is a popular hike with views toward the lake for much of the ascent. You could start from Polique Canyon Road from the west instead and just follow the Pacific Crest Trail to save a bunch of miles to reach the summit, but the trail is enjoyable and worth the effort.

The Cougar Crest Trail begins paved for a short time before turning into well-packed singletrack. It ascends through a drainage and up onto a slope, where views of Bertha Peak become visible. The trail then switchbacks at a pleasant grade as it slowly makes its way north, views toward Big Bear Lake throughout. The trail eventually meets with the western ridge of Bertha Peak and joins the Pacific Crest Trail for a short time. An access road leaves the trail and climbs steeply up to Bertha Peak and its summit radio towers. Delamar Mountain is clearly visible to the west.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Bertha Peak
8201 ft
681 rise

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Starting along the Cougar Crest Trail.
Starting along the Cougar Crest Trail.
Initially the trail leads through the forest.
Initially the trail leads through the forest.
Then heads onto a slope, Bertha Peak seen above.
Then heads onto a slope, Bertha Peak seen above.
Ascending switchbacks to the ridge crest above.
Ascending switchbacks to the ridge crest above.
Image 4 from gallery
View back toward Mount San Gorgonio.
View back toward Mount San Gorgonio.
Big Bear Lake seen below.
Big Bear Lake seen below.
Ascending the Cougar Crest Trail.
Ascending the Cougar Crest Trail.
As we reach the ridgeline, a view back toward Big Bear Lake.
As we reach the ridgeline, a view back toward Big Bear Lake.
PCT junction, poorly marked. Keep right.
PCT junction, poorly marked. Keep right.
Ascending via the PCT for a short time.
Ascending via the PCT for a short time.
We took this access road to Bertha Peak.
We took this access road to Bertha Peak.
View back along the road.
View back along the road.
Along the road, Big Bear Lake below.
Along the road, Big Bear Lake below.
A switchback as we near the summit of Bertha Peak.
A switchback as we near the summit of Bertha Peak.
Bertha Peak summit, view south.
Bertha Peak summit, view south.
Bertha Peak summit, view west toward Delamar Mountain (right) and Big Bear Lake.
Bertha Peak summit, view west toward Delamar Mountain (right) and Big Bear Lake.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!