Cougar Crest Trail
Hiking trail · Big Bear Lake, California
The north shore classic — and your gateway to the Pacific Crest Trail.
- Distance
- 5 mi round trip
- Elevation gain
- ~800 ft
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Time
- 2–2.5 hr
- High point
- ~7,600 ft
- Type
- Out-and-back
A steady, satisfying climb through pine and fir on the north shore, opening to ridgeline views of Big Bear Lake and San Gorgonio, the highest peak in Southern California. It's the trail everyone means when they say “let's do a real hike but not a brutal one.” At the top it meets the Pacific Crest Trail; from there it's an optional 0.6-mile push to Bertha Peak (~8,500 ft) for an even bigger view.
Trail conditions, closures and parking requirements change with weather and season, and this valley sits at about 6,750 feet — check current status with the San Bernardino National Forest before you drive to the trailhead.
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