The nostalgic scent of pine, the crisp mountain air, and a whispering breeze. A village dog that wanders contentedly through the town lodge. A small library with a raised American flag that tells you the librarian of 20 years is in. A night sky filled with more stars than you’ve ever seen.
This is Bear Valley, California: a hidden gem just three hours from the Bay Area.
While destinations like Lake Tahoe struggle under the weight of overcrowding, traffic, and rising prices, Bear Valley remains refreshingly untouched. For decades, it has preserved its quiet charm.
Though better known in the winter months for its ski resort, Bear Valley Mountain, the village transforms into a serene alpine haven at the heart of the Stanislaus National Forest in summer. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself fully in pristine rivers, peaceful lakes, breathtaking hikes, and a small-town feeling that’s increasingly hard to find.
Here’s your insider’s guide to summers in Bear Valley—from someone who has spent 26 of them there.
Where to Play in Bear Valley
Lake Alpine
(Courtesy of @lakealpinelodge)
Lakes
There’s no better way to spend a summer day in the mountains than with a refreshing dip in a lake with picturesque views. Bear Valley has two of them, each with its own unique charm.
Bear Lake is right in Bear Valley Village, just a quick 10-minute bike ride or a 20-minute walk from nearly any point in town. Home to a floating dock and a rope swing for the daring, this small, half-mile-wide lake is a kid-friendly one. Check out Bear Valley Adventure Company (1 Bear Valley Rd.) for kayak, paddleboard, and bicycle rentals during your visit.
Just a 10-minute scenic drive north on Highway 4, Lake Alpine is fed by snowmelt that’s perfect for a cold plunge on a warm mountain day. Lake Alpine offers more than just stunning views—it’s home to four campgrounds, cozy cabin rentals, and the Lake Alpine Lodge (4000 Hwy 4), which has a restaurant, bar, and general store where you can rent canoes, kayaks, and fishing boats to go exploring.
Rivers
About a 20 minute drive south of Highway 4 lies the Stanislaus River, a 96-mile-long stretch of pristine water that cuts through the Sierra Nevada. With its dramatic rock formations and icy fresh water, it’s the perfect half-day trip destination from Bear Valley. From the village, head south down Highway 4 and turn off at the Stanislaus River Campground, where you'll find free parking. A short walk through the campground opens up to stunning rock landscapes and the flowing river, with a variety of paths leading to beloved swimming and lounging spots.
About a 30-minute hike downstream, you'll find a swimming hole fed by a natural rockslide—a smooth, stone-carved chute shaped by years of flowing water that the most adventurous use like a slide—not many visitors know about.
Where to Hike in Bear Valley
Hiking in the Stanislaus National Forest
(Rachel Wolff)
One of the biggest draws of a Bear Valley summer is its abundant hiking opportunities, where there’s often no one else in sight.
For a gentle, shady hike, try the Bear Valley Village to Lake Alpine Trail, an 8-mile out-and-back trip to Lake Alpine—and a mid-hike dip. If you’re looking for a moderate challenge, the Bloods Ridge Trail to Bear Top switchbacks 3.8 miles uphill to the summit of Bear Valley Mountain.
Seasoned hikers should check out the Lower Woodchuck Trail to Wheeler Peak, a 12.5-mile loop. It’s mostly above the treeline, so be sure to check weather conditions before setting out.
Where to Eat + Drink in Bear Valley
The smoked brisket sandwich at the Lake Alpine Lodge Restaurant
(Courtesy of @lakealpinelodge)
Begin your day of lake hopping and hiking with Gold Country Roasters coffee and pastries at Kofi Haus in the Bear Valley Lodge (265 Bear Valley Rd.). Open for lunch and dinner, Sky High Pizza Pub—also in the lodge—does make-your-own pies with a choice of sauce and toppings on housemade dough, as well as a range of classic salads and caprese and sub sandwiches. For a more upscale option, the al fresco Creekside Bistro overlooks a flowing creek and provides a rotating seasonal menu with dishes like blackened salmon sandwiches and bistro filets with blue cheese cream sauce.
Ten minutes up Highway 4 is the Lake Alpine Lodge Restaurant (4000 Hwy-4), where you’ll find classic American fare like juicy burgers, crisp salads, and a standout favorite—sweet potato fries.
For more variety, take a scenic 45-minute drive to the quaint town of Murphys, a local gem known for its huge collection of wineries. For a rotating draft beer and a dynamic food menu that includes barrel-smoked spare ribs and house-smoked teriyaki salmon at the beer garden, try The Watering Hole (223 Big Trees Rd.). The Alchemy Cafe (191 Main St.), which does elevated American comfort food—from sriracha corn fritters and crispy Brussels sprouts to mains like fish and chips, seared scallops, and a signature burger—is another local favorite. While in Murphys, be sure to stop by one of the town’s many tasting rooms to try Calaveras County’s rich, jammy zinfandels and aromatic albariños.
Where to Stay in Bear Valley
The inviting pool at Bear Valley Lodge
(Courtesy of @bearvalleyvillagelodge)
The most popular place to stay in Bear Valley is Bear Valley Lodge (2280 State Rte. 207), a rustic getaway centrally located in the village with easy access to the whole region. The wood-paneled lodge features an on-site restaurant, coffee shop, general store, pool, and pizza parlor.
For water-lovers, Lake Alpine Lodge, just minutes up the highway, features stunning views of the lake and easy access to swimming, fishing, and kayaking. There are fully furnished wood cabins for the comfort-seekers and tent cabins for the adventure-seekers.
Bear Valley also has a variety of privately owned cabins and condos available for rent (try VRBO or Airbnb), whether you’re looking for somewhere for the whole family, a pet-friendly stay, a hot tub with a mountain vista, or WiFi to work from home.
When to Visit Bear Valley
Bear Valley Music Festival
(Courtesy of Bear Valley Music Festival)
From July 18th to August 3rd, the annual Bear Valley Music Festival transforms an ordinary parking lot into magical musical grounds in a two-week event that captures the soul of the season. Beneath the grand white tent—steadfast and unchanged for decades—a stage comes alive with two weeks of captivating performances, spanning every genre from classical to jazz, and rock ’n’ roll to folk.
