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| Will, on the trail to Bear Lake |
Spring came early in 2006, my friend Will, and I took advantage of
a warm spring day in late March. Our destination, Bear Lake, which is located in the Black River Wild Forest.
The trailhead is located in the town of McKeever to the east of Route 28, on McKeever Road. We started out on an old
dirt road and picked up the foot trail at 1 mile, which follows a small creek. Few patches of snow still remained
along the trail.
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| Cooking lunch on the edge of frozen Bear Lake |
At mile 2, the trail enters a valley with a gradual grade, and crosses
a stream several times. When the climb peaked, we could see the still frozen lake below. We set up camp, then
had some lunch. We explored the area and gathered some wood for the evening fire.
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| Filtering water from a nearby stream |
We filtered water from a stream for drinking and cooking. After
dinner, we started a fire and relaxed for the night. In the morning, just after breakfast, it poured rain. We
packed up and moved out. Soaking wet, our packs felt ten pounds heavier. The pouring rain caused the trail to
become a stream, so the 2.5 mile hike out was much more difficult. Despite the rain, we had a great time,
and look forward to going back again.
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