Bear Valley Loop

This scenic loop trail winds around beautiful Bear Valley and follows the upper reaches of Fordyce Creek. As you enter the open meadow, the trail splits: the right fork cuts directly through the center of the meadow and crosses Fordyce Creek. This section can become extremely muddy in spring due to snowmelt and seasonal wetness. The creek crossing is usually around 18 inches deep, depending on flow. Fordyce Creek itself is a reliable year-round stream (rarely, if ever, running dry), offering enjoyable fishing opportunities. The creek bed provides relatively solid footing, but the surrounding meadow can remain soggy and boggy well into the season—it's often best to wait until summer for a drier crossing. The Bear Valley Loop serves as a connector between the Perazzo Meadows Trail and the White Rock Lake Trail. If you're making this connection in spring, consider avoiding the southern section of the loop that traverses the meadow to stay on firmer ground.