Bear Lake Trail #703 / Pinnacle Lake Trail #703.1

Highlights: Mountain views, Forest, Lakes

Distance: 0.3 mile to Bear Lake1.8 miles to Pinnacle Lake

Beginning Elevation : 2700 feet

Ending Elevation: 3800 feet

Difficulty level: Moderate

Map(s): Green Trails #110 Silverton

Visitor Use: Moderate

SUMMARY:

Because Bear Lake is a short hike from the road, 0.3 mile, this popular lake is a good destination for beginning backpackers. The lake is entirely surrounded by forest and although it is 30 feet deep, it offers only fair fishing for the angler.

The Bear Lake area has suffered from the effects of heavy use over the years. You can help by:

Camping at least 100 feet away from shore. Using a backpacking stove since firewood is scarce in the area and cutting live trees is prohibited.

To reach Pinnacle Lake, follow the trail for 0.2 mile from the trailhead and then take the left fork. The trail, which is rocky and rough, can sometimes be muddy. It crosses Bear Creek and then switchbacks through timber, breaking into alpine terrain after 1.5 miles. The lake, sitting in rocky terrain at the base of a steep shore, has several camping areas above it and to the north. Camping is prohibited within 100 feet of the lake.

TRAILHEAD ACCESS:From the Verlot Public Service Center (11 miles east of Granite Falls), travel east on the Mountain Loop Highway 4.5 miles. Turn right (south) on the Schweitzer Creek Road #4020. Continue 2.3 miles to the Bear Lake Road #4021 and continue for 3.4 miles to the trailhead.

Northwest Forest Pass required to park: Yes

TRAILGUIDE

Best Seasons: Summer/Fall

AREA

Darrington, Barlow Pass

RANGER STATION (NEAREST)

1405 Emmens St. Darrington, WA 98241

Open Monday - Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm(360) 436-1155

Verlot PublicService Center

Open Thursday - Monday8 am - 4:30 pm (360) 691-7791

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Notice: Hiking in the backcountry can be dangerous. Information on this website comes from a variety of sources. You have to be responsible for using good common sense and researching trails carefully. Things change constantly in the outdoors.

Use caution while hiking so you can enjoy it safely. Don't get in over your head. A call to the ranger station and avalanche hotline(winter) are highly recommended. Bring the ten essentials and make sure someone knows where you are going and expect to be back.