Packwood Lake
1 week ago
Scarlet vine maples along the rocky stretches
4 this month · 36 reports
Bear Creek Mountain
South Cascades
updated 2 weeks ago
The trail to Bear Creek Mountain from the Section 3 Lake trailhead is generally in good condition, with no reported snow as of September 9. However, the road accessing the trailhead remains rough, with reports recommending high clearance vehicles for the final half-mile, which is described as the worst section. Some vehicles with capable AWD can manage it with caution, while others opt to park and walk the short distance to the trailhead, August 2. Water sources are available in the early miles but become scarce closer to the summit. Wildflowers were noted as spectacular in mid-July, with lupine and mountain bog gentian still blooming in early August. Bugs were an annoyance in mid-July, but were not reported as an issue in August or September.
Generated from 9 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Bear Creek Mountain
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 2 weeks ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
The road is rough, particularly the last half-mile, and high clearance vehicles are recommended as of September 9. Some drivers with capable AWD have managed it with caution, while others have chosen to park earlier and walk the remaining distance, August 2.
Water is flowing in Bear Creek about 2.5 miles in, which is noted as the last reliable water source before the final climb to the summit. No recent reports mention water availability further up the trail.
Bugs were reported as an annoyance with ladybugs and flies swarming in mid-July. However, no bugs were reported by hikers in early August or September.
Wildflowers were spectacular in mid-July. By early August, the peak bloom had passed, but lupine and mountain bog gentian were still blooming beautifully. No recent reports mention current wildflower conditions.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Recent2 weeks ago
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
Water still flowing in Bear Creek just before the climb starts - about 2.5 miles in.The bad section of road about 1/2 mile before the end is pretty short - maybe 30-40 yards. What you can see on appro...
Older1 month ago
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
Trail: Bear Creek Mountain (#1130) — Section 3 Lake TrailheadDate: August 8, 2026Stats: 7.2 miles roundtrip, ~1,450 feet of gainFive of us from Yakima Valley Trekkers (plus Zoe, our four-legged member...
Older1 month ago
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
The roads could be handled by any vehicle, with appropriate speed and caution, up to (per Google maps) .4 miles from the Section 3 Lake TH. There, I was one of a trio parked in a small pull off area....
Older2 months ago
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
If you’ve driven to this trailhead before, the road is in the same condition. High clearance definitely recommended. The trail itself is in great shape with fallen trees cleared. The first 2 1/4 miles...
Older3 months ago
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
Did Not Make It To Summit (And I'm Fine With That).Wanted to get the dog out on an adventure, but wasn't totally sure where to go with our sad winter (low snowpack--makes all of these trails question ...
Older12 months ago
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
This trail never disappoints. Beautiful views, somewhat isolated so it’s often uncrowded, and a stunning 360 view from the top.Few notes:1. Bugs are always somewhat of an annoyance in the meadows.2. I...
Older13 months ago
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
The trail report is spot on about the rough road. The last bit has deep ruts and big boulders to navigate. We made it in a pickup and saw several Subarus at the trailhead so it can be done.Trail start...
Older24 months ago
South Cascades
trail was good until about a mile from summit but still able to be followed if paying close attention to the trail
Older25 months ago
South Cascades
The road to this trail hasn’t gotten any better but the hike is worth it. (Hikers with lower clearance vehicles can park and walk up the road an extra half mile or so.) The trail ambles along through ...