Cougar Crest Trailhead (parking fee area) — Attraction in Big Bear Lake

Best trail views in Big Bear! You’ll enjoy both lake and local mountain views. Our time includes snack time at the top (where it meets the PCT). The discovery center rates this hike as “difficult” but if you take it slow, especially on the rock rubble and steps, you can do it! If you really want difficult, continue on to Bertha Peak. 🥵 We’ve done it before but it’s less enjoyable that Cougar Crest.

Last week this trail had a portion covered by snow, ice and slush but today it was perfect! On the way back, you may accidentally venture off trail near the end. The trail was recently changed and the previous path is still easily visible. No worries though! You’ll connect back to the correct trail shortly.

The only bathroom and trash is at the trailhead. Use them and pack-in, pack-out on the trail. Bring water!

There’s a parking lot that you need an adventure pass for. Other options are leaving from the campground across the street, or the neighboring...

Great, easy, trail, with ample roadside or paid park parking. The trail offers a steady incline heading up the to the peak but manageable for a family. Once near the summit there are great overlooks facing to the south above Big Bear and to the north toward undeveloped lands. About half way fellow hikers have began to collect and stack rocks as an ongoing piece of art with no author and no credit but to hikes unknown. The trail also offers benches sporadically dispersed allowing breaks to be taken. There are no restrooms so go to the bathroom at the trail head. During the summer the trail is best started in the morning when it is coolest and before the mid day hikers arrive from across the region when driving...

The trailhead is located off North Shore Drive (Route 38) and there is a good size loop type parking lot. In the parking lot you will find a standard, single-vault toilet, which was in pretty good shape today as well as an informative interpretive guide bulletin board. The trail itself is 4.8 miles (out & back), with an elevation gain of 816 feet and takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must always be on a lease. As we discovered, the higher you go, the better view of the mountains and lake you will have. Finally, this is a fee-based parking lot, so do not forget to display a valid recreation pass anytime you park...