Bear at Willow Lake

[KS Jude]

Thanks much for the responses! If I do decide to backpack in I'll be bringing a bear proof cannister.

[tjf242424]

Just hiked out today, July 11, after 3 nights camping just before Willow Lake. We did not see the bear the first 2 days, but saw it yesterday evening and this morning. It isn’t easily scared off, but didn’t cause any problems during our time there. Unfortunately, its death warrant has probably been signed at this point, which is sad. Bad behavior by humans created this problem and the bear will pay the price.

[PGMike]

Any updates on the bear? I was planning on take my wife and young kids to camp at Willow Lake tomorrow and then do KT and CP the next morning, but will do plan B if the bear is still an issue.

[drop_bear]

He was still around as of last weekend. He wasn't ever aggressive the several times I saw him, but he's really good at getting into bags and knows what to look for, so just make sure you hang your bags high and away from the trunk. He starts early and makes his rounds of the campsites for most of the day. Didn't see him at night though.

[PGMike]

He was still around as of last weekend. He wasn't ever aggressive the several times I saw him, but he's really good at getting into bags and knows what to look for, so just make sure you hang your bags high and away from the trunk. He starts early and makes his rounds of the campsites for most of the day. Didn't see him at night though.

Thanks for the reply. I would just bring a bear can + odor bag combo. However, I don't want to have to deal with him coming into the campsite with my little kids.

[Hatteras Jack]

It really sounds like this situation is headed the way of Lake Como 2015. Hope not

[mikec]

I dont understand why anyone who camps in the backcountry doesn't practice bear safety! use a bear canister if your in the high country.
The Rangers should be kicking you out. We need more Forest Rangers!!!!

[joeygoat9]

To me it seems like it would be far easier for the forest service to instigate a camping ban at Willow Lake for a year or two than to let the bear become increasingly accustomed to human food. This way the bear doesn't have to be relocated or killed but hikers can still use the area.

[Montagne]

Any updates on our bear friend? Are there recommended camping locations above or below Willow Lake in an effort to avoid potential encounters?

[nyker]

There are spots above the lake to camp, but you'll be more exposed to weather moving in, so watch your forecast.

When I camped there (see pic I attached below) I found the basin just a wonderful place and just had to set my tent there and watch the landscape (the forecast was fair, with just some rain, so I was ready for that).
Didn't see another person the whole day. I did have some visitors in the night, but wasn't brave enough to open my zipper on the tent to see what was scratching around

[nyker]

Thinking about this more - a few hundred feet in elevation is not likely to deter any bear that's set on finding food, (campfood or other). That wasn't my rationale for setting up there, it was purely aesthetics. Had the forecast been iffy or in winter (avy runout risk) I would not have chosen that spot.

With that said, bears are part of the backcountry, whether its Colorado, Sierras or the upstate NY. If one or more have become habituated, like others have said here, that's a problem already and unless you have your heart set on camping there, I'd suggest do it as a one day trip to minimize the chance of an interaction or camp someplace else, both for the sake of the bear and yourself/family. There are so many awesome places to camp under beautiful peaks that with a little hiking, you can find your solitude.

Enjoy and be safe

[dwoodward13]

I day hiked up to KC/Challenger last weekend. Did not see the bear on the approach in the dark. Talked to several of the campers that spent the night there and none of them mentioned any issues or even seeing the bear. There are some really nice steel cable hangs someone has rigged up (possibly the trail crew working/camping there) that everyone was using.

Hopefully its moved on for its sake.