Cougar Crest Trail
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Cougar Crest Trail
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The Cougar Crest Trail is a fantastic moderate length hiking route in San Bernardino National Forest that will offer a bit of a challenge and provide beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. While out hiking the trail, you will work your way uphill through the forest and take in the beautiful views of the surrounding area, before arriving at the endpoint of the route at a junction with the PCT. Hikers should take note that you will need an Adventure Pass in order to park at the trailhead, otherwise you can park 0.4mi east at the Big Bear Discovery Center.
Getting there
The trailhead for the Cougar Crest Trail can be found along CA-38, just 0.4mi west of the Big Bear Discovery Center.
About
| Backcountry Campground | Serrano Campground |
| When to do | March-November |
| Pets allowed | Yes - On Leash |
| Family friendly | Yes |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | High |
| Route Type | Out and back |
Cougar Crest Trail
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Cougar Crest Trail Description
For those adventurers in the San Bernardino area that enjoy moderately challenging hikes that offer the reward of beautifully scenic lake views, the Cougar Crest Trail near Fawnskin will be a great option to explore.
Setting out from the trailhead, you will make your way to the north and enter into the tree cover, where you will immediately begin climbing up the hillside. Take some time here to enjoy the natural beauty of the forest, as you work your way up the hillside and take in the beautiful views of Big Bear Lake behind you to the south.
Eventually, you will reach the top of the ridge and follow the trail east, where you will come to the endpoint of the hike at a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail, just short of the summit of Bertha Peak. After a quick rest, simply head back downhill along the same route to return to the trailhead where you began.
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