Idaho · Hiking

Bear Creek

2.5 mi
round trip
228 ft
climb
3,656 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Oct
best months

Is Bear Creek open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Idaho Panhandle National Forests. It doesn't name Bear Creek, so check the source for the area it covers (4 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Idaho Panhandle National Forests. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Bear Creek is an easy, out-and-back hike of about 2.5 miles in the St. Joe Ranger District of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, managed by the Forest Service. The trail rises from a low point of about 3,433 feet to a high of about 3,656 feet, with a total elevation gain of about 228 feet. The route is natural-surfaced and open to both horses and bikes. It is not an accessible trail. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station run to highs around 82°F in July and August, and the station sits roughly 800 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the trail run cooler. The hike is open year-round. Bussel Creek, a canoeing spot, is about a mile away, and the Line Creek Historical Trail is about 1.5 miles off. Camp 3 is about 2.8 miles away, and the St. Joe River Area offers river fishing about 7 miles out.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · May–Oct

    Best time to visit Bear Creek

    Best months: May–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

      33° / 21°

    2. Feb

      38° / 22°

    3. Mar

      46° / 27°

    4. Apr

      53° / 31°

    5. May

      64° / 38°

    6. Jun

      71° / 45°

    7. Jul

      82° / 48°

    8. Aug

      82° / 48°

    9. Sep

      72° / 40°

    10. Oct

      56° / 33°

    11. Nov

      41° / 28°

    12. Dec

      33° / 21°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Elk Rvr, ID, 24.4 mi away at 2,866 ft. The station sits about 800 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.