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    Bear Basin Loop

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Very Hard
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    7.5-10.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    22.9 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    1,197 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Be the first to add a review!
    Directions to Trailhead

    Seeking a day hike in the Trinity Alps Wilderness that checks all the boxes—long, scenic, diverse, and well maintained? Well, the Bear Basin Loop satisfies all those requirements, adding in a few bonuses too! This amazing adventure into the high country will not disappoint.

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    Route Description for Bear Basin Loop

    The Bear Basin Loop Trail is an unassumingly beautiful adventure in the Shasta Trinity National Forest that offers views of the craggy Klamath Mountains and Mount Shasta. Exhibiting the grandeur and diversity of the terrain, you will pass through dense forestlands, montane meadows, alpine lakes, and up granite cliffs along this adventure. Be sure to wear a comfy pair of footwear and dress in layers as insurance against changing conditions. Additionally, though not necessary, the trail GPSP may prove useful, especially when trekking in the winter months.

    Embark on your adventure along the Bear Basin Loop from the Swift Creek Trailhead. Setting you from here, you will be guided northwest along the Swift Creek Trail, which follows the curve of the gurgling creek. Enjoy the relaxing ambiance of the stream and the sights of the encompassing vegetation. Gradually climbing higher into the alpine terrain, you will eventually reach an intersection with the Bear Basin Trail; keep left here. This route will divert you southwest, traveling along Bear Creek and up to a saddle. Here, veer left, and you will be diverted onto the Seven-Up Peak Trail. You will be granted expansive views of the mountainous landscape from this route.

    Continue hiking, merging onto the eastward traveling Granite Lake Trail. This path will guide you down to the charming alpine lake bounded by granite bluffs. Admire the scene, then continue east along the route, eventually reconnecting with the Swift Creek Trail. Keep right and retrace your steps along the Swift Creek Trail back to the trailhead.

    Getting to the Bear Basin Loop Trailhead

    The Bear Basin Trail departs from the Swift Creek Trailhead off Swift Creek Road.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      Dispersed Backcountry Camping

    • When to do

      Year-round

    • Pets allowed

      Yes - On Leash

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      High

    • Route Type

      Lollipop

    Bear Basin Loop Elevation Graph

    Weather Forecast

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    Bear Basin Loop Reviews

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