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Bear Lake

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
48.0598, -121.7370 Map & Directions
Length
0.8 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
75 feet
Calculated Difficulty About Calculated Difficulty
Easy

The Bear Lake trail and road to trailhead are closed for a road improvement project. Tentative reopening in July.

  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Good for kids
  • Lakes

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

None
Saved to My Backpack

If the rugged trek to Pinnacle Lake is too much, but you still want a nice hike to an alpine lake, try Bear Lake. The Pinnacle Lake trail passes Bear Lake, which makes a great destination for new hikers, or those who just want a short stroll. Continue reading

Rating
3.09 out of 5

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Hiking Bear Lake

If the rugged trek to Pinnacle Lake is too much, but you still want a nice hike to an alpine lake, try Bear Lake. The Pinnacle Lake trail passes Bear Lake, which makes a great destination for new hikers, or those who just want a short stroll.

It's also a nice trail all the way to Bear Lake, so you won't have to grapple with any of the roots and rocks you must overcome to get to Pinnacle Lake.

From the trailhead, start out on good trail tread, walking among large cedars for less than a mile, reaching a ‘Y’ intersection with a small sign on a tree. Take the right fork to head over to Bear Lake. This forested lake features good camp spots and a backcountry toilet, perfect for introducing people to overnight camping. Just be sure to get there early if you want to snag a good spot in summertime.

Hike Description Written by
Multiple authors contributed to this report, WTA Community

Bear Lake

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 48.0598, -121.7370 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

The Bear Lake trail and road to trailhead are closed for a road improvement project. Tentative reopening in July.

See weather forecast

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

None

WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.

Getting There

From I-5 in Everett, take exit 194 signed for Snohomish/Wenatchee, then take exit 204 for Lake Stevens. Follow this road for two miles, then turn left onto Hwy 9/9 N Granite Falls. Follow Hwy 9 for 1.5 miles and turn right on to E 92/Granite Falls. In 6 miles, come to a roundabout that has a log sign for Granite Falls.

Bypass Granite Falls by taking the roundabout, following Quarry Road. Stay on Quarry Road through two more roundabouts, and come to a stop sign. Turn left onto the Mountain Loop Hwy.

More Hike Details

Trailhead

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

Bear Lake (#661)

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Darrington Ranger District

Guidebooks & Maps

Day Hiking North Cascades (Romano -- Mountaineers Books)

Green Trails Silverton No. 110

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Bear Lake

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