Skip to main content
ForestMatters, LLC

Bear Wallow Trail

Mendocino National Forest, California · 3 min read

Distance
6 mi
Elevation Gain
1,200 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
April through October
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
5 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
No Lot
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
Dispersed
Google MapsApple Maps

Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Bear Wallow Creek corridor through mixed oak and conifer forest
  • Snow Mountain Wilderness access with little-used trail
  • Spring wildflowers on the oak woodland slopes
  • Black bear and wild turkey commonly encountered in the area
  • One of the gentler wilderness routes in the Mendocino interior

Overview

The Bear Wallow Trail follows a creek corridor into the Snow Mountain Wilderness in Mendocino National Forest, providing a gentler alternative to the summit trails in one of California's most remote wilderness areas. The 6-mile out-and-back gains 1,200 feet through mixed oak woodland and conifer forest, staying close to the creek in the lower sections and climbing to open ridgeline views above. Black bears and wild turkey are commonly encountered throughout.

No permit required. Dogs are welcome on leash.

The Route

Miles 0 to 2.0: Creek corridor. The trail follows Bear Wallow Creek upstream through blue oak, black oak, and canyon oak woodland. The creek runs through a rocky channel, audible throughout the lower section. Spring wildflowers on the hillsides above the creek are exceptional in good rain years. Black bear sign (diggings, tracks, scat) is commonly present in the creek margins.

Miles 2.0 to 3.0: Transition and ridgeline. The trail climbs away from the creek into mixed conifer forest: white fir, ponderosa pine, and incense cedar replacing the oaks. The grade steepens in this section. The wilderness ridgeline appears ahead with views opening to the north toward Snow Mountain.

Mile 3.0: Turnaround. The trail reaches a ridgeline saddle with views in multiple directions. The turnaround is at the saddle; retrace the route back.

When to Hike

April and May for wildflowers at their best. September and October for bear and turkey activity. June through August for comfortable temperatures in the creek corridor.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 1.5 to 2 liters of water. Creek water available in the lower section but requires treatment. Bear spray recommended for this active bear area.

Trailhead Access

Forest Road 18N01 from State Route 20, east of Stonyford. High-clearance recommended.

Practical Details

No permit is required for day hiking on this trail. Dogs are welcome on leash. No restroom facilities are at the trailhead; plan accordingly. Water sources are present along the trail but require treatment before drinking. No cell service is available in this area; download offline maps before leaving the main road.

The recommended season for this trail is April through October. Conditions outside this window may include challenging weather, trail closures, or reduced accessibility. Always verify current conditions with the Mendocino National Forest ranger district before visiting, particularly at the beginning and end of the recommended season when conditions are most variable.

Before any visit, review the Leave No Trace seven principles and our checking conditions guide for current fire restrictions, trail closures, and ranger district advisories. The America the Beautiful pass covers day use fees at developed recreation areas where applicable. Veterans and active military have additional access options covered in our veteran benefits guide.

Nearby

The Snow Mountain Summit Trail is the demanding summit option in the same wilderness. See our bear canister guide for overnight bear country camping. Follow Leave No Trace principles.

Trailhead Parking

Bear Wallow Creek Trailhead on Forest Road 18N01, off State Route 20. Gravel road. Pull-off for 6-8 vehicles. No fee.

← Back to Mendocino National Forest

More Trails in Mendocino National Forest

moderateout-and-back

Anthony Peak Lookout Trail

2.5 mi700 ft gain
May through October

A 2.5-mile out-and-back to a historic fire lookout on Anthony Peak (6,054 ft) in the northern Mendocino National Forest, with panoramic Coast Range and Sacramento Valley views.

3 min read

moderateout-and-back

Bloody Rock Trail

5 mi1,400 ft gain
May through October

A 5-mile out-and-back to a dramatic volcanic rock formation in the Snow Mountain Wilderness of Mendocino National Forest, with views across the northern Coast Range and the Sacramento Valley.

3 min read

easyout-and-back

Eel River Trail

3.5 mi200 ft gain
April through October

A 3.5-mile out-and-back along the upper Eel River in Mendocino National Forest, through valley oak and conifer forest with swimming holes and wild trout fishing.

3 min read

easy-moderateloop

Lake Pillsbury Loop

6 mi500 ft gain
April through October

A 6-mile loop around Lake Pillsbury, the largest lake in Mendocino National Forest, through mixed oak and conifer forest with consistent lake views and fishing access.

3 min read

easyout-and-back

Mill Creek Trail

4 mi300 ft gain
March through November

A 4-mile out-and-back along Mill Creek near the Mendocino National Forest headquarters in Willows, through riparian oak and alder forest with fishing access and easy terrain.

3 min read

moderateout-and-back

Sanhedrin Mountain Trail

4.5 mi1,300 ft gain
May through October

A 4.5-mile out-and-back to Sanhedrin Mountain (6,175 ft) in the southern Mendocino National Forest, with views across the inner Coast Range and a historic fire lookout.

3 min read

strenuousout-and-back

Snow Mountain Summit Trail

8.5 mi2,800 ft gain
June through October

A strenuous 8.5-mile out-and-back to the summit of Snow Mountain (7,056 ft), the highest peak in the Coast Range south of the Trinity Alps, with panoramic views from the Sacramento Valley to the Sierra Nevada.

3 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

Are bears actually seen on the Bear Wallow Trail?
Yes. The Bear Wallow Creek area is named for its black bear population and bears are regularly encountered here, particularly in fall when acorns fall and bears are feeding heavily before denning. The USFS recommends making noise while hiking to avoid surprising bears, carrying food in sealed containers, and giving bears plenty of space if encountered. See our bear canister guide for overnight food storage.
Is the Bear Wallow Trail good for spring wildflowers?
Yes. The lower oak woodland sections of the Bear Wallow Trail are excellent for spring wildflowers from late March through May in good rain years. Blue dicks, brodaea, clarkia, and various other Coast Range species bloom on the drier hillsides. The creek corridor supports water-loving species including monkey flower and various sedges.
Can I connect to the Snow Mountain Summit Trail from Bear Wallow?
The Bear Wallow Trail is within the Snow Mountain Wilderness and can be combined with other trails in the wilderness for multi-day trips. However, the direct connection to the Snow Mountain Summit Trail requires route-finding skills and is not a maintained trail junction. For hikers wanting to summit Snow Mountain, the Milk Ranch trailhead approach described on the summit trail page is the more practical access.