Little Bear Creek Trail
The easy all-rounder. About 3.7 miles and 2 relaxed hours from behind North Shore Campground (Hospital Rd off Hwy 173), descending along seasonal Little Bear Creek toward the Deep Creek area. Shaded, gentle, quiet, and very dog-friendly. Adventure Pass to park.
The facts
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Distance
- ~3.7 miles
- Elevation gain
- Modest — gentle descent and return
- Time needed
- ~2 hours
- Pass required
- Adventure Pass ($5/day, $30/yr) or Interagency pass
- Parking
- North Shore Campground trailhead area, Hospital Rd
- Dogs
- Yes — one of the best dog trails in the area
- Restrooms
- In the campground (seasonal)
- Cell coverage
- Fades as you descend
- Best season
- Spring for the creek; fall for color
Getting there
North Shore Campground, Hospital Rd off Hwy 173, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352
Get directions →The hike
Starting from the same Hospital Road trailhead area as the North Shore Recreation Trail, Little Bear Creek Trail eases downhill alongside its namesake seasonal creek to Forest Road 2N26Y, about a mile above the Splinter's Cabin trailhead on Deep Creek. The forest here burned in the 2003 Old Fire and the regrowth tells that story — interpretive-sign country, green and dense in spring.
It's the area's default 'bring the dog, bring the kids' trail: gentle grades, shade most of the way, and light traffic. The creek runs strongest with spring snowmelt and often dries by late summer.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Little Bear Creek Trail?
About 3.7 miles, roughly 2 hours at an easy pace. It descends gently on the way out, so the return is a mild climb.
Is Little Bear Creek Trail good for dogs?
It's the best dog hike in the immediate Lake Arrowhead area — shaded, gentle, and quiet. Forest Service leash rules apply; carry water in summer once the creek dries.
Where do you park?
At the North Shore Campground trailhead area on Hospital Road, off Highway 173, with an Adventure Pass displayed. Same trailhead serves the North Shore Recreation Trail.
Facts on this page last verified July 17, 2026. Fees, hours, and access rules change seasonally — confirm with the official source before a long drive.