Big Bear Lake Trail
Big Bear Lake Trail Map

Big Bear Lake Trail

Shasta-Trinity National Forest
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Big Bear Lake Trail

Big Bear Lake Trail

Distance: 9.4mi
Elevation: 2,881ft
Time: 5-7h

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The Big Bear Lake Trail is a beautiful adventure through the alpine environment. Explore lush conifer forests, montane meadows, and wander past charming cascades on your way up to the mountain basin. This hike is unrivaled in its beauty, and we cannot recommend it enough.

Big Bear Lake Trail Map

Getting there

This wonderful adventure departs from the trailhead off Bear Creek Loop.

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About

Backcountry Campground

Dispersed Backcountry Camping, wilderness permit required from either the Weaverville or Shasta Lake Ranger Station

When to do

Year-round

Pets allowed

Yes - On Leash

Family friendly

No

Route Signage

Average

Crowd Levels

Moderate

Route Type

Out and back


Big Bear Lake Trail
Elevation Graph


Big Bear Lake Trail Description

Leading adventurers through granite gardens, subalpine forests, and meadows, this route is a quintessential hike in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. This amazing adventure travels into the high country to a lake ideal for fishing, so assuming you have a valid permit, you can try your hand at some trout! Note that the route is overgrown and rocky in areas, so mind your footing and watch for poison oak!

Setting out from the trailhead, the Big Bear Lake Hike follows the Bear Lakes Trail along Bear Creek. If you please, take a walk down to Trinity River before beginning your hike. When you are ready, track northeast along the Bear Lakes Trail through the rocky canyon bound with looming conifers a granite outcroppings. The further you climb, the incline will intensify, demanding the navigation of switchbacks up to the lake.

Eventually, you will reach the shoreline of the shimmering alpine lake bound by granite bluffs adorned with verdant conifers. Admire the picture-perfect scene, and when you are ready, retrace your footing along the path back to the trailhead.

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