Hike to the Bear Lake Overlook
Silver Bay, Minnesota
Description
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
Nearby
Superior Hiking Trail: Bean and Bear Lake Loop
Explore Black Beach Park
Kayak along the Shoreline of Tettegouche State Park
Explore Palisade Head
Hike to Tettegouche Lake Overlook
Hike to High Falls and Two Step Falls
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