7200rpm wrote:Hi All,
I really liked the looks of Bear Lakes loop that goes from Bear Diversion Dam Junction to Lake Italy, Vee Lakes, and the Bear Lakes.
1. The trail has some "cross country" travel required going from Lake Italy to Vee lakes via Jumble Lake. Any idea what kind of cross country we're talking about? I certainly don't mind walking over rocks and up some hills, but I want to make sure absolutely no climbing gear is necessary?
2. The trip is planned for the last week of Sept. I've been trying to read up on what weather will be like, and it seems its too unpredictable. My question is whether this trail is a wise decision for this timeperiod? I don't mind some difficulty, but I don't want to be stupid about it.
3. What rating for a sleeping bag should I consider for this timeframe at 10,000 ft + elevation? I have been looking at 0 degree and 15 degree bags.
4. Also, if anyone has taken the Bear Diversion Dam 4WD road, is this reasonable with a 2000 Ford Explorer?
Fabulous trip! I was trying to talk my backpacking buddy into doing this in mid-September, but
couldn't manage it. I've been into that basin twice -- once via the Bear Ridge trail (what you're proposing) and once out of Pine Creek/Italy Pass. I'm not sure what your x-country experience is,
but you'll need some basic skills.
I'm guessing you'll take the Hilgard Branch to reach Lake Italy? Per the map, the trail fades away and you'll have to pick your way. I've stayed on the left-hand side of creek all the way to Lake Italy. It works with some exploring. I think the guide book (probably Sierra South, don't recall) would have you drop down and cross the creek and ascend to the lake on the right. We could see the trail
leaving the creek and climbing the opposite hillside. The creek has appeared to
be difficult to cross from up above, so I haven't done that. Water should be pretty low this year by late Sept., so you might want to try that route. Others may have good advice. Once you commit to the left side of the creek, you have to stay up there the rest of the way to the lake.
Once you get to Lake Italy, you'll stay on the trail to just below Italy Pass then follow the obvious
route across the plateau toward the saddle above White Bear Lake. There's always been snow to aid the crossing when I've done it. Probably will be all bare rock/talus this year. Jumble Lake is a jumbled mess of big talus blocks and best avoided to my eye. The drop from the saddle down
to WB Lake is loose and gravelly and quite easy. Big steps, plant your heels.
We camped at Big Bear Lake and spent a day hiking the basin. Beautiful area! You will probably
want to return past Vee Lk and down the East Fork to Bear Creek. It has some usage trails but is
basically following the drainage as best you can.
If you get enough snow to cover the talus between now and then, I'd enter and exit via East Fork,
(which you may want to do anyway). Fresh snow on talus can be really risky.
No climbing gear is necessary. Scrambling across talus at worst.
Be prepared for cold weather. One never knows that late in the season. I took my Toyota
4WD pickup in to the trailhead and don't remember any problems. People probably take passenger
cars in there, too, but I wouldn't. This was in the 90's though and conditions may have changed.
Have a great trip!
Cheers, Pete
