Bear Creek                                                                                         

Bear Creek

The eligibility study for Bear Creek cites that 8.9 miles possess outstandingly remarkable values in regards to recreation, wildlife and fisheries. Bear Creek is a renowned regional freshwater fishery resource and a designated State of California Wild Trout Program Stream. The creek offers numerous sightseeing and wildlife-viewing opportunities, giving it significant recreational value. Wildlife values are attributed to multiple and nesting pairs of the federally endangered southwestern willow flycatcher, and the several pairs of California spotted owls, which nest in the canyon.

The river area is used heavily for camping and hiking, especially in the Heart Bar and Barton Flat areas, which include numerous public campgrounds, youth camps, and picnic areas. It also provides several popular trailheads into the adjacent San Gorgonio Wilderness. In addition, Bear Creek's outstanding trophy trout fishery is a magnet for anglers from throughout the region. The creek is managed by the California Dept. of Fish and Game as a Wild Trout Stream.

A multi-use trail follows much of the river from its upper headwaters at Heart Bar to a few miles past Seven Oaks. The middle segment of this trail links several of the youth camps along the river, while providing a more primitive recreation experience at its upper end. For those willing to negotiate a deep and rugged canyon, the Camp National Recreation Trail provides access to the fishing holes along Bear Creek and the Siberia Creek Trail Camp.

Downstream of its confluence with Bear Creek, the Santa Ana is virtually dewatered by a hydroelectric project owned and operated by the Southern California Edison Company. The original power house for this project will be periodically inundated by the newly constructed Seven Oaks flood control dam. Sadly, the 20 or more miles of the Santa Ana upstream of Bear Creek, and Bear Creek itself, represents what's left of this once naturally free flowing waterway.

How To Get There

From the City of Redlands on Interstate 10, drive Hwy 38 northeast into the San Bernardino Mountains. The Santa Ana River recreation areas begin about 25 miles from Redlands.

General Info:

All information included here, unless otherwise specified, is property of the Deep Creek Fly Fishers Club. If you use our information, we would appreciate a link back, but it is not necessary. Thank you.