Beaver Lake

Summary:

Beaver Lake is a medium sized lake surrounded by old growth forest and bogs sitting at an elevation of 440 feet on a lower bench of Bear Mountain. There is a small platform with a pair of benches overlookin the outflow of Beaver Lake. A skiff is generally tied up where the trail reaches the lake but oars may be in poor condition or missing entirely.

Distance and Time: 2 miles; 40-80 min (round trip)

A significant factor in the time it takes to hike this trail is the pace that can be maintained along the initial steep section.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Elevation Change: Moderate

The first quarter mile consists of a series of switchbacks up a steep hillside from the bottom of the valley with an elevation gain of more 200 feet.
After the first quarter mile the elevation change to the lake is slight.

Route Finding: Easy

Trail Condition: Good

In winter sections of the trail may be quite icy.

Seasonal Notes

Spring

Flowers bloom all along the trail starting in spring.
Rufous Hummingbirds may be quite audible and visible along the initial section of switchbacks.
Grayling can occasionally be seen in the stream where the trail passes by.

Summer

Flowers bloom throughout the summer.
Dragonflies are common in the area around the lake.

Fall

The first snow on the surrounding mountains can be a dramatic sight.

Winter

Accessibility is less convenient due to the closure of Blue Lake Road
The trail may be quite icy in places.
The lake may freeze