Hike to the Bear Lake Overlook

Silver Bay, Minnesota

4.5/5

based on 6 reviews

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Added by Spud Groshong

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.

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.

On the Superior Hiking Trail, camping is only permitted in designated campsites. You can learn more on the SuperiorHiking.org website. Please be respectful and adhere to designated camping areas and Leave No Trace principles.

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Reviews

Mailee Yang

Hike to the Bear Lake Overlook

09/05/18

Went on this hike Labor Day weekend. It wasn’t very busy. There were nice views at the top. The trail goes up and down quite a bit with lots of rocks and mud when after it rains so make sure you wear good hiking shoes.

4.0

Andrew Jaeger

Hike to the Bear Lake Overlook

03/05/17

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.

4.0

Jonathan Portinga

Hike to the Bear Lake Overlook

07/29/16

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.

5.0

Eric Pelto

Hike to the Bear Lake Overlook

07/21/16

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!

4.0

Stephen Menning

Hike to the Bear Lake Overlook

03/21/16

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.

5.0

Explorer

Emily Kent

Explorer

Hike to the Bear Lake Overlook

03/06/16

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!

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Hike to the Bear Lake Overlook

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