Bear Creek Backpacking
Explore the Wonders of Bear Creek
Bear Creek is an avenue to adventure. Set out from the Bear Creek Diversion Dam near Lake Thomas A. Edison. After 6 miles, join the John Muir Trail and follow it south into a playground of alpine lakes and streams.
From a base camp on Bear Creek at the Hilgard Branch junction, explore Lake Italy, Seven Gables Lakes, Sandpiper, Three Island, Marie, and Rose lakes. Venture cross-country to the half-dozen little bear lakes - Black Bear, Bearpaw, Ursa Lake, and others. While all around you soar breathtaking peaks such as Seven Gables, Mt. Senger, and Mt. Hilgard.
Three Island Lake
Bear Creek - Key Facts
Location: John Muir Wilderness, Fresno County, 51 miles east of Prather over Kaiser Pass.
Trailhead: Bear Creek Diversion Dam, elevation 7,350 feet
Elevation of outlet of Hilgard Branch at Bear Creek: 9,317 feet
Elevation Gain to Hilgard Branch: 2,052 feet (including ups and downs)
Hiking Distance: 9 miles to Hilgard Branch junction
Best seasons: Mid-summer to fall
Campsites: Comfortable sites all along most of Bear Creek; campfires permitted below 10,000 feet.
Wildlife
Bears are common along most of the trail, especially once you join the John Muir Trail. Be sure to keep food secured in bear canisters or properly hung with the counter-balance method over a high tree limb. Rattlesnakes are uncommon along this trail, but travelers should always use caution. Mosquitoes are pesky in the early summer. Plan your trip for late August to avoid the worst of them or September when cold nights keep the mosquitoes away.
Among the birds you may spot along the way are the Mountain Quail, Hammonds's Flycatcher, wrens, chicadees, Western Scrub-Jays, finches, and sparrows.
