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Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Hard
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
878 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
15.1 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
5-7h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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Directions to Trailhead

Big Bear Lake Trail

Measurement:

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Table of contents

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.

Route Description for Big Bear Lake Trail

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.

Getting to the Big Bear Lake Trail Trailhead

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

Route Information

  • 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

Weather Forecast

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