Hike to the Bear Lake Overlook
Minnesota › Superior Hiking Trail to Bear Lake
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Activities:
Camping, Photography, Hiking
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Skill Level:
Beginner
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Season:
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Distance: 6.4 miles roundtrip. Elevation gain: 400 ft. Beautiful view of Bean and Bear Lakes. Day hike with camping options. Beautiful fall leaves.
Leave from the carpark on Superior Hiking Trail. The trail climbs a little before descending into a valley and winding around the hills.
In about 2.5 miles, you will reach a clearing with an overlook above Bean Lake. Some people camp here, but the actual camp site is about another mile down the trail.
At around 3.6 miles you will see a communal campsite on the right, with a number of first-come-first-serve sites, and a trail to the lake. From here it is a quick climb up the trail to the overlook at Bear Lake, where you can see both Bear and Bean Lakes together.
Pack List
- Water
- Sleeping bag
- Protein bars
- Camera gear
Beautiful hike today, still snowy, but quite silent and serene. There were about 1-2 inches of snow on hard pack, in some sections there were frozen knee deep post holes from another hiker in softer snow. Awesome hike, can't wait to do it in the summer and fall.
7 months ago
My wife and I hiked this SHT section in mid April and there was still quite a bit of snow left. This made the hike a bit harder but it was still a very scenic and worthwhile hike.
about 1 year ago
This is one of the best hikes in the state in my opinion. The only problem is that it's tough to get that great lake campsite now because the secret is out!
about 1 year ago
This was a nice hike that I used to do either with a partner or even solo when I needed a quick weekend away. The best campsite in my opinion is located on the far end of Bear Lake. After the cliffs/lookouts continue on the trail and follow a small trail on the left that descends to Bear Lake. There are two campsites close together right near the lakeshore.
over 1 year ago
This was more or less my first loop hike in northern MN in the fall, and it was absolutely well worth it. Aim for peak fall-color time and you won't be disappointed in the least!
over 1 year ago
