Bear Lake Hike

Overview

Bear Lake is a secluded little gem nestled below the scree slopes of Mount Defiance. It can be done as part of the short hike to the top of Mount Defiance (See the Mount Defiance from Wahtum Lake Road Hike), as an add-on to hikes from the Rainy Lake Trailhead, or as a destination in and of itself. There are a couple of campsites back from the lakeshore in the woods. Head 40 yards into the woods on the opposite side of the road from the parking area and come to a large map board and the junction of the Wyeth Trail #411, leading to North Lake, and the Mt. Defiance Trail #413. Go right on the latter trail and head into a coniferous woodland of mountain hemlock, silver fir, noble fir, western white pine, and Douglas-fir. Huckleberry and bear-grass predominate in the understory. Rise slowly to the unmarked Mount Defiance-Bear Lake Trail Junction, indicated by a small cairn. Go left here on the Bear Lake Trail #413A. After a few yards, enter the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. The trail rises gently and crosses the top of a talus field. After reentering the woods, the trail drops down on a rocky tread to the shore of Bear Lake. Newts drift lazily in the waters and the scree slopes of Mount Defiance loom above. Spend a few minutes or a night enjoying the scene.

Trail Stats

Photos

400px-BearLakeMap

400px-BearLakeMap

250px-BearLakeDefiance3

250px-BearLakeDefiance3

250px-BearLakeDefiance1

250px-BearLakeDefiance1

400px-BearLakeDefiance2

400px-BearLakeDefiance2

Tags