Bertha Peak (Big Bear)

Trail: Bertha Peak

Miles: 7.3

Type: Out and Back

My Time: 2.5 Hours

Elevation Gain/Loss: 1355 ft.

Difficulty: Moderate

Parking Permit: Yes

Location: San Bernardino National Forest (Big Bear Lake)

There are many trails you can hike around Big Bear Lake, Ca. If you are looking for a scenic hike, with a small challenge. Then this is the one for you! I have been on this trail two times. Both times I have seen hikers ranging from little kids to elderly people. But I don't know if they all make it to Bertha Peak. As you can do just the Cougar Crest Trail. Which is about 5.3 miles roundtrip and just shy of 900 feet of elevation gain. But to go all the way to the peak... It's 7.3 miles roundtrip and 1355 feet of elevation gain. It is very steady with the incline with the final section to the peak pretty steep! Overall, the terrain isn’t too crazy, so I can see why people trail run it. The final stretch to the peak wouldn't be my first choice to run. Because you gain roughly 400 feet of elevation in less than half a mile(steep). So be prepared for this final incline. I have done both Bertha Peak and Cougar Crest trail. Do note it is the SAME trail. The difference being Bertha Peak continues on the same trail a little further up to the peak. This is done when you reach the PCT, just keep going. DO NOT go on the PCT as this will not take you to Bertha Peak.

Unfortunately, majority of the trail is sun exposed. If you plan to go in the summer time, in the middle of the day, it may get pretty hot! So don’t forget to bring your sunscreen, sun protective wear and extra water. But……because it is not very covered…this means you have many opportunities to view Big Bear Lake. These opportunities will arise once you’ve hiked up roughy halfway. You will probably be enticed to take pictures of the lake as hike up. The peak has what looks like a radio tower. If you're into these, then this is the hike for you.

I did notice they have added some benches along the trail for those who do get tired. This way your breaks will allow you to sit and take in the views. I am pretty positive most/if not all of these benches had lake views. If you don’t think you’re going to make it to the top, then just aim for one of these lake view benches. Dogs are allowed on this trail as long as they are on a leash.

You DO need an Adventure Pass, America the Beautiful Pass, OR just pay for a day pass. The only exception to this is those who are camping in the Serrano Campsite. They have paid for their campsite and are allowed to walk from their campsite. The passes can be bought online, local REI, closest Ranger Station to trailhead or sometimes local Mini Marts/ 7-11’s.

There is a fairly small parking lot at the trailhead which fills up quickly. This trailhead is located on the Northside of the lake. For those who don’t know which side the Northside is. It is the opposite of Big Bear Village(the main little downtown area).

You may also want to try this trail in the winter for a snow hike! I have not hiked this trail in the snow. I have hiked Pine Knot Trail, on the Southside, in the snow and it was a winter wonderland!

As always pack it in and pack it out!

Follow and/or tag me @likes.to.hike