The Trail
Trip Type: Weekend Out and Back
Trailhead to Bear Lake: 3.9 miles
Altitude Gain: 450 feet
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Season: Early Season Destination
Trail Traffic: High. Given it's proximity to the Bay Area this is a popular weekend and day hike destination.
WSH Trip Rating: 4 out of 5 stars: Excellent early season tune up trip or for novice hikers. Downside is high traffic.
THE HIKE: This is a short 4 mile, relatively flat, easy hike to beautiful Bear Lake. The trail begins with a wide open, well marked and maintained trail. During the first mile the gain less than 100 feet, a welcome start for new hikers. From mile 1 to 1.5 you'll experience the most significant uphill climb, totaling 300 feet. There are one or two small sections that are quite steep but remember, this represents the majority of the climbing for the trip. The final 2.5 miles to Bear Lake adds the final 200' of gain. This last 2.5 miles includes undulating terrain with some rocky sections.
TRAIL TRAFFIC: High traffic Trail/Lake If you travel on weekends be prepared to camp with others.
CAMPING: All available camping is on the West side of Bear Lake. The east side contains reeds making access to water challenging.
TRAIL NOTES: When returning to your car there is a major, unmarked trail junction, (you'll likely miss it on the way up) about a half mile before the parking lot. Stay right when coming down. If you go left you'll be heading for the pack station. No bueno when you're looking to head home.
Getting There
Crabtree Trailhead is a short 3.5 hour drive from most S.F. Bay Area locations. Follow Hwy 108 to Pinecrest (near the Dodge Ridge Ski Resort). Pick up your permit at the Summit Ranger Station just as you arrive in Pinecrest. Then return southwest on 108 about 3 miles to Crabtree Road - follow Crabtree Road to the Trail Head. Ample parking (including an overflow lot are available. The last few miles of the road are dirt but it's well maintained and accessible for most vehicles.