you can see bears in These 20 California Spots

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you can see bears in These 20 California Spots

Seeing a couple of bears during my road trip through California is definitely one of the most memorable moments of my life! So I thought this post could interest others as well.

California offers a variety of natural landscapes where wildlife thrives, and among the creatures you can encounter are black bears. From the dense forests of Yosemite National Park to the unexpected, less typical locations like Joshua Tree National Park, there are plenty of spots across the state to observe these fascinating animals.

This guide will help you find the best places to potentially spot bears in their natural habitat, along with some details about each location, so you can plan your visit and enjoy observing these majestic creatures safely.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is a fantastic place to see black bears, especially in the valley floor meadows, Glacier Point, and the Mariposa Grove. The rich, varied vegetation and abundance of berries and acorns attract these animals. When visiting, you might see them foraging, which is a fantastic sight. Remember to keep your distance and store your food properly to avoid attracting bears to populated areas.

Best Spots: Valley floor meadows, Glacier Point, and the Mariposa Grove.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

These parks are known for their scenic beauty and black bears. Sequoia is sadly still an under-rated national parks but we thought it was so amazing, it’s become one of our favorites! Lucky us, this is where we saw a couple of bears!

Imagine going off to see the General Sherman and finding yourself just a few meters away from a bear cub digging into a tree for honey! We couldn’t believe our eyes!

You can visit Crescent Meadow, Moro Rock, or the Giant Forest for a chance to see these bears. They are often found in the meadows and by the rivers, where they search for food and sometimes cool off. The serene environment coupled with the sight of bears makes for a memorable experience.

Best Spots: Crescent Meadow, Moro Rock, and the Giant Forest.

Lake Tahoe Basin

The area around Lake Tahoe, including Tahoe National Forest and Emerald Bay State Park, is another hotspot for bear sightings. The lake’s surrounding wilderness areas provide a natural habitat for bears, where they are often seen. Keep an eye out for them during your hikes or while enjoying the scenic views around the lake.

Best Spots: Tahoe National Forest, Emerald Bay State Park, and the surrounding wilderness areas.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

At Lassen Volcanic National Park, the diverse habitats create a perfect environment for black bears. Areas like Manzanita Lake, Bumpass Hell Trail, and the Devastated Area offer good chances of spotting them. The park supports a healthy bear population, and seeing them in such a unique volcanic landscape is truly special.

Best Spots: Manzanita Lake, Bumpass Hell Trail, and the Devastated Area.

Big Bear Lake

Despite its name, bear sightings are less frequent here than in the past, but the surrounding San Bernardino National Forest still provides a habitat for them. They are occasionally seen by visitors, offering a thrilling glimpse into the wildlife of the area.

Best Spots: San Bernardino National Forest surrounding the lake.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

This large forest area around Mount Shasta, Castle Crags, and the Trinity Alps is teeming with black bears. The expansive wilderness gives you a great chance to see bears in a more rugged, natural setting.

Best Spots: Around Mount Shasta, Castle Crags, and the Trinity Alps.

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

Near Whiskeytown Lake and the surrounding forested areas, black bears are a common sight. This area provides them with a vast region to roam, and visitors often spot them while exploring the backcountry.

Best Spots: Around Whiskeytown Lake and the surrounding forested areas.

Angeles National Forest

In the Angeles National Forest, areas like Mount Baldy and San Gabriel Mountains are good places to spot bears, especially near water sources and in higher elevations. The Chantry Flats area is also popular among bear watchers.

Best Spots: Mount Baldy, San Gabriel Mountains, and the Chantry Flats area

Stanislaus National Forest

The Stanislaus National Forest, including spots around Pinecrest Lake and the Emigrant Wilderness, is frequented by black bears. Hikers and campers often report sightings, making it an exciting destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Best Spots: Around Pinecrest Lake and the Emigrant Wilderness.

Plumas National Forest

Around Bucks Lake and the Feather River Canyon in Plumas National Forest, you’re likely to encounter black bears. They are often seen near campsites and trails, drawn by the smell of food, so it’s important to handle and store your food properly here.

Best Spots: Around Bucks Lake and the Feather River Canyon.

Mendocino National Forest

In the remote Mendocino National Forest, areas like Snow Mountain Wilderness and around Lake Pillsbury are known for their significant bear population. The solitude of this forest makes any bear sighting a serene experience.

Best Spots: Snow Mountain Wilderness and around Lake Pillsbury.

Sierra National Forest

Sierra National Forest offers several spots like Bass Lake and the Dinkey Lakes Wilderness, where black bears are often seen. Proximity to water bodies and forested areas makes these locations ideal for bear watching.

Best Spots: Bass Lake, Dinkey Lakes Wilderness, and near Shaver Lake.

Tahoe National Forest

In the less frequented parts of Tahoe National Forest, such as around Donner Lake, Sierra Buttes, and Bowman Lake, bears are often spotted enjoying the quiet and ample food sources.

Best Spots: Around Donner Lake, Sierra Buttes, and Bowman Lake.

Eldorado National Forest

This forest is known for sightings around Union Valley Reservoir and the Desolation Wilderness. The high country and lakeside areas are particularly good for spotting black bears in their natural habitat.

Best Spots: Around Union Valley Reservoir and the Desolation Wilderness.

Redwood National and State Parks

While primarily known for its redwoods, this park system also supports black bears. They can be seen in areas like Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Fern Canyon, and Gold Bluffs Beach.

Best Spots: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Fern Canyon, and Gold Bluffs Beach.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Though bears are less common here, the remote areas of Tomales Point and the Bear Valley Trail sometimes offer sightings of black bears exploring the seashore.

Best Spots: Tomales Point and the Bear Valley Trail.

Joshua Tree National Park

Even though it’s not typical bear habitat, Joshua Tree does have occasional sightings in its higher, cooler, wooded areas. It’s a surprising but thrilling place to see a bear.

Best Spots: Although not typical bear habitat, sightings do occur in the higher elevations.

Modoc National Forest

In the Modoc National Forest, places like Devil’s Garden and the South Warner Wilderness are good spots to see roaming black bears, often sighted by visitors.

Best Spots: Devil’s Garden and the South Warner Wilderness.

Klamath National Forest

The Klamath National Forest’s Marble Mountain Wilderness and areas around the Klamath River are home to a healthy population of black bears, seen often by those exploring the remote regions.

Best Spots: Marble Mountain Wilderness and around the Klamath River.

Los Padres National Forest

In the rugged and remote areas of Los Padres National Forest, such as the Ventana Wilderness and around the Sisquoc River, bears are commonly seen, adding an element of excitement to hikes and camping trips in the area.

Best Spots: Ventana Wilderness and around the Sisquoc River.

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