Minnesota · Hiking

Bear Island

3.3 mi
round trip
154 ft
climb
1,499 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jul–Sep
best months

Is Bear Island open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Superior National Forest. It doesn't name Bear Island, so check the source for the area it covers.

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

Bear Island is a 3.25-mile hike in the Kawishiwi Ranger District of Superior National Forest in northern Minnesota. The trail is an out-and-back with a flat profile, rising about 41 feet from the start to a high point of 1,499 feet before returning. The climb is gentle, with the steepest stretch at about 0.94 miles, and the total round-trip gain is 154 feet. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from the nearby Babbitt weather station show July highs around 77°F with lows near 53°F, while winter highs stay in the teens and 20s. Bikes are allowed on the natural-surface trail. The Bear Island Spur Loop starts just 0.1 mile away, and Bear Island Lake is about 0.6 mile off. Birch Lake Plantation - Spur B and Birch Lake Campground are both within about 7 miles.

Local outfitters

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