trip report by site editor Rick McCharles
Visiting Big Bear, California for the first time, I made the obligatory hike up from the Discovery Center.
Distance: 5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1500 ft
… Breathtaking views (and a climb requiring breath to be taken!!) are “de rigeur” along the Cougar Crest Trail, located north of Big Bear Lake.
The trail, well-marked and generally in good condition, continues two miles (mostly north) until reaching a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail …
On a clear day, the Mojave Desert can be seen in the distance, and the views of San Gorgonio, Holcomb Valley, and (of course) Big Bear Lake are absolutely awesome. …
When I reached the PCT trail, I met a couple of hikers confused on how to continue up to Bertha Peak.
EveryTrail map and photos.
I posted a few more photos taken with an iPod Touch.
besthike.com 
This brings back fond memories. I over-nighted in Big Bear when I did the PCT and remember viewing the lake which seemed to stretch forever.