By: Eric Troyer
Trip Location: Twin Bears Mountain, 4-5 miles round trip, total elevation gain about 900 feet.
Access: Trailhead in front of Twin Bears Camp at Mile 30 Chena Hot Springs Road (park before entering the camp). After the gate, turn left and follow the Nature Trail as it wraps around the south and west sides of Twin Bears Lake until it meets the Twin Bears Mountain Trail heading north (you’ll soon cross a wooden bridge on that trail). After crossing the Winter Trail turn right and follow the ATV trail to the summit.
Trip Date: Friday, June 12, 2015
Trail or route conditions, wildlife sightings and any highlights from the trip: Twin Bears Mountain is an interesting little hike for people staying at Twin Bears Camp or regulars to the recreation area who have done the other, more popular hikes, plenty of times and are looking for something new. Go all the way to the north summit, which has better views. Take the longer but gentler Compeau Trail back for a round trip.
Truth be told, Twin Bears Mountain Trail is not that interesting compared to Angel Rocks Trail, which is several miles farther down Chena Hot Springs Road. The Angel Creek Hillside Trail and the north end of the Chena Dome Trail also offer better views in the same amount of distance, but if you are curious about a trail just because it’s there, or if you want to check off all the regular trails in the Chena River State Recreation Area, you’ll need to do this one.
Information on the trail is sparse on the Internet. The best information is in the book Outside in the Interior.
Tip: If the Ski Loop Trail draws your interest, do it only if you’re willing to slog through the boggy bottomland. It’s definitely a winter trail.
