California · Hiking

Bear Creek

8.6 mi
round trip
2,052 ft
climb
3,644 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Apr–May, Oct
best months

Is Bear Creek open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Shasta-Trinity National Forest. It doesn't name Bear Creek, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Bear Creek is a hard hike in the Hayfork Ranger District of Shasta-Trinity National Forest in California, managed by the Forest Service. The trail is about 8.6 miles long, with a one-way elevation gain of 2,052 feet, and it rises from a low point of about 2,045 feet to a high of about 3,644 feet. Late spring and early fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Weaverville show May highs around 77°F and September highs around 88°F, while July and August average in the mid-90s. That station sits well below the trail, so temperatures on the route run cooler. The trail is on natural surface and allows horses. Pasture Gulch and Knowles Gulch Trail both start within a third of a mile. Miners Creek, a canoeing spot, is about a mile away, and Skunk Point Group Campground is roughly 7 miles off.

  • Best time to go · Apr–May, Oct

    Best time to visit Bear Creek

    Best months: April–May and October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      50° / 31°

      16 wet

    2. Feb

      55° / 31°

      14 wet

    3. Mar

      61° / 33°

      14 wet

    4. Apr

      68° / 36°

      10 wet

    5. May

      77° / 42°

      7 wet

    6. Jun

      86° / 46°

      4 wet

    7. Jul

      95° / 52°

      1 wet

    8. Aug

      94° / 50°

      1 wet

    9. Sep

      88° / 44°

      2 wet

    10. Oct

      75° / 36°

      6 wet

    11. Nov

      57° / 33°

      13 wet

    12. Dec

      47° / 31°

      17 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Weaverville, CA, 18.6 mi away at 2,058 ft. The station sits about 1,600 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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