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View from Bertha Peak surrounded by a forest and mountains.
View from Bertha Peak surrounded by a forest and mountains.
A hiking trail surrounded by trees.
Cougar Crest Trail signage with foliage in the background.
A hiking trail surrounded by trees and foliage.
View from Bertha Peak surrounded by a forest and mountains.
A hiking trail surrounded by trees and foliage.

We would like to thank Heather Hill of Redlands for submitting outstanding photos of her favorite San Bernardino County destination.

Bertha Peak, located in the San Bernardino Mountains, overlooks Big Bear Lake and Holcomb Valley. The hike is approximately 7 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 1,289 feet. The trail is rocky in places, but otherwise easy to navigate. The peak itself has radio towers and antennas, but the views are incredible! To get there, park at the Cougar Crest Trailhead in Big Bear, which is just around the corner from the Big Bear Discovery Center. Hiking permits are not required on this trail, but an Adventure Pass is required to park in the parking lot. The pass can be obtained from the San Bernardino National Forest.


Additional County Update News – August 7, 2025