Bear Lake

Near: Pincrest Lake
Distance: 6.5 Miles
Elevation: 7,100 to 7,700 feet
Vegetation: Pine Forest
Last Visit: November 2019

Bear Lake in the Emigrant Wilderness is a good destination for a relaxed day hike.  The fact that I thought the lake was very ho-hum is a sign that I'm getting spoiled.  It's a pleasant spot with some rocky minor peaks overlooking it.  I was a bit more excited to scramble around the rocky prominence above Bear Lake and the smaller Camp Lake the trail passes along the way.  From those spots you get some expansive views over the valley to the south and into the wilderness. 

Rules

This hike is in the Emigrant Wilderness in the Stanislaus National Forest.  Dogs are allowed off leash if under voice control.  No permit is required for day trips, but wilderness permits are required for overnight camping.  There are not entry quotas for wilderness permits as of this writing, so no need to reserve one.

Trailhead

This hike starts at the Crabtree Trailhead, a popular starting point for backpacking trips into the Emmigrant Wilderness.   Parking is free and pit toilets are available on site.  The last portion of the road in is unpaved, but you don't need a high clearance vehicle. 

Route Notes

Make sure to explore the rocky hill just south of Camp Lake, where the best views of the hike are to be found.

Caltopo link: https://caltopo.com/m/02L4

Pictures

Camp Lake

Scrambling around the rocky hills south of Camp Lake

The view into the Emigrant Wilderness from the rocky hill south of Camp Lake