Lake Chelan State Park - Little Bear Trail — Sunday, Sep. 27, 2015

Central Cascades > Entiat Mountains/Lake Chelan

While In Chelan each September for a conference, I try to find a hike for the very little down time we have. I headed up to Lake Chelan State Park for a quick hike. I wandered around the park checking out campsites before finding the trailhead. It is located in the wide-open RV section right next to the restroom. As soon as I got onto the trail I came across the 3 grazing deer. One stood there and looked at me and ran off with a lot of shooing, the other ran off immediately and the third didn't move from its spot. The trail takes you through a tunnel under Lakeshore Road. There is a chain link fence topped with barb wire on the park side of the tunnel. My guess is that the lock it at night to keep bear out of the Campground. Be sure to get back inside the campground before dark, just in case it does get closed and locked. There was bear scat along the trail so don't let the little kiddos run too far ahead, just in case there's a mama With Cubs. There are 3 blow downs on the Forest Loop, which is primarily Ponderosa Pine. The highest is about 18" above the ground. I'm short and had no trouble. The trail is in good shape. At each junction, there is a trail map. Along the way, interpretive signs provide some good info. Lots of deer, birds and chipmunks. A great 2.3 mile hike for kids. There are two loops, Forest and Savannah, so you can make it as short or as long as you wish. When I returned, The deer that didn't move when I first started on the trail was still in the same location. Hopefully it's OK.