Bertha Peak through Cougar Crest Trail

Hikes are for Bear Grills type of people. Lol jk. They’re pretty fun. If your a beginner hiker though, only go to the bench at the very top, especially during winter. We just went in running shoes today, and we almost fell off the edge because we were slipping everywhere after the bench. It was crazy. Like legit we were about to die. But it’s aight now because we alive. Cool hike, cool people, my kind of place.

This is my 2^nd hike in big bear area. Compared with last peak (Silver Peak) I did, Bertha peak is much easier and less strenuous. Good for advanced beginner hikers in terms of distance and elevation gain. I enjoy the wide open lake scenery. It’s beautiful.

This is a round trip of 7 miles from Cougar Crest Trail head to Bertha Peak.
Elevation gain — 1310 ft
Trail condition — Good
Where to park — You can park at Discovery Center, 40 971 N Shore Dr, Fawnskin, CA 92 333 OR at the Cougar Crest Trail head parking lot. You will need ADVENTURE PASS if you park at the cougar crest trail head parking lot. The parking lot is a quarter mile BEFORE you get to the discovery center. Here is the exact location, 40 802 – 40 898 N Shore Dr, Big Bear City, CA 92 314.
About the trail — After you reached 2.5 miles from the trail head, you will see the intersection with Pacific Crest trail. Take the RIGHT lane that will lead you to the BERTHA PEAK. You will see BERTHA PK sign after you have passed about 0.3 miles. The final way to the peak is pretty steep and rough. I recommend to get trekking poles.
You will see the amazing view of Big Bear lake from the top.
Generally, it is a popular hike but not crowded. And it is good to be away from the city life and take a nice break here.
Happy hiking !!!