Bean and Bear Lake Loop: The North Shore’s Best Fall Hike
Minnesota’s North Shore is well known for its incredible hiking trails, epic views, and awesome outdoor adventures.
Which is why it’s no surprise that you can find one of the best hikes (I would dare say in the state!) right outside of Silver Bay.
The Bean and Bear Lake Loop is part of the Superior Hiking Trail and winds you through the forest up to an amazing viewpoint of two lakes, shaped like an hourglass.
If you haven’t checked it out yet, you better get on it, especially during the fall months when the leaves begin to change, making it even more magical.
Bean and Bear Lake Loop Hike Details
Distance: 6.5 miles
Elevation: 1,100 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Type: Loop
Estimated Time: 3 hours
Dogs: Leashed
Location: Silver Bay, MN
Above are the details and stats for the hike to the Bean and Bear Lakes overlook.
It’s a fairly long hike coming it as about 6.5 miles roundtrip and has a pretty decent amount of elevation gain for a hike in Minnesota.
But because that’s spread over 3 miles, it really isn’t too terrible aside from a bit of rolling hills here and there.
The first half is part of the Superior Hiking Trail and is probably the most popular day-trip portion of this 300+ mile-thru-hike.
Once you start the loop to head back to the car, you’ll just jump on a spur trail off of the SHT.
You can also cut the loop and just head back the same way you came if you prefer. It’s really up to you!
The trail is dog-friendly, which I love because I love to see all of the hiking furry friends. But please keep them leashed and clean up after them.
This trail is also sometimes called the Twin Lakes Trail, so if you see this name anywhere, just know that you’re still in the right place!
Where is the Trailhead Located?
The trailhead for Bean and Bear Lakes can be a tricky one to find as typing it into Google Maps doesn’t bring you to the start.
Apple Maps does a better job, but it’s best to follow these directions just to ensure that you find the right place.
From Silver Bay, turn left onto Outer Drive, which is found just before the North Shore Adventure Park.
Continue on Outer Drive for about a mile before it turns into Penn Boulevard. Continue for another mile.
After that mile, you’ll come across a parking lot on the right side of the road that, depending on when you visit, might be full.
This is the parking lot for the trailhead. It fills up early, especially during the summer and fall months, so arrive early!
Note: There are no bathrooms or places to fill water here, so be sure that you’re prepared before arriving!
The Hike to Bean and Bear Lakes
Below you’ll find a little run-through of what to expect when you’re on the trail so that you can arrive and be fully prepared!
One great tip to keep in mind while on the trail is to watch for the blue markers on the ground, rocks, or trees. Follow these and you’ll find your way.
The Start
Starting at the Penn Boulevard Trailhead, head out on the trail and enjoy views of Lake Superior in the distance almost immediately.
You’ll soon come to a road that you’ll need to cross before continuing on the trail.
Most of the way before you reach the first viewpoint of the lakes is just through the woods on a well-maintained dirt path.
There are some points where you’ll have a lookout of Lake Superior, the rolling hills around you, and the tops of all of the trees.
Since this is a loop, you can choose which direction you go when you come to the split, but I would recommend that you stick to the left.
Not long after the split, you’ll see the spur for the Penn Creek campsite on the left. Soon you’ll start to see the lakes.
The First Viewpoint
After you start to come out of the woods, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Bean Lake, which is on the backside of the popular hourglass viewpoint.
From here, you’ll hike on a cliff above the lakes, so you’ll have fantastic views from here until you reach the main overlook!
You’ll get to see where the two lakes connect as you continue on the trail.
After you’ve passed Bean Lake, you’ll have made it to the first few views of Bear Lake.
From here, continue on the trail and take the pretty rocky, uphill trail up to the main viewpoint.
Watch your footing here because it is very uneven ground and your heart will be pumping by the time you reach the top!
Right before you start the uphill climb to the top, there’s a small spur trail to the left that brings you down to the Bear Lake backcountry campsite.
I’d recommend stopping here and dipping your toes in the water or even jumping in for a swim! You might see backpackers camping here.
The Main Overlook
You’ll certainly know when you’ve made it to the viewpoint because you’ll have that epic view that you’ve likely seen a million times.
Pack lunch and spend some time relaxing at the lake to reward yourself for making the long trek up.
It’s truly one of the most beautiful views that I’ve ever seen in Minnesota, and you won’t want to rush out of there!
In the fall, oranges, reds, and yellows circle the lakes, creating an incredible contrast between the blue lakes.
If you’re able to do this loop hike in October, that’s really going to give you the most bang for your buck!
The Loop Back
When you’re ready to head back to the parking lot, continue past the viewpoint just a short way and take a right at the junction.
This will bring you back to the Penn Boulevard parking lot. If you go straight, you’ll continue on the SHT.
Continue along this wooded path for a while until you come to another junction, where you’ll stay to the right.
Soon after this, you’ll have made it back to where the trails merged on your way up the hill and will shortly be back to your vehicle!
How Long Does it Take to Hike the Bean and Bear Loop?
How long it’ll take you to complete this hike will depend entirely on your skill level and how fast you walk.
But it takes most people an estimated 3 hours to complete it from start to finish.
If you have kiddos, are a slower hiker, or plan to spend an extra long time at the viewpoint, then plan extra time into your day.
For me, I was up and down in about 3.5 hours and I typically hike at a pretty average speed and like to stop for tons of photos!
The Best Time to Hike to Bean and Bear Lakes Overlook
The best times to complete this hike are anywhere between June and October.
This is when the trail is clear of snow and easy to navigate without having to make your own route.
If you’re looking for fall colors, then definitely plan a time in October to make the trek, because that’s typically when fall foliage is at its peak.
The oranges, reds, and yellows that surround the lakes are absolutely breathtaking and so worth hiking in the chilly weather to see!
Click here to see a chart from the Minnesota DNR to see where the colors are at around the state.
Keep in mind that although this is the best time to visit, it also means that there are going to be tons of others thinking the same thing.
The trailhead will be busy and you will likely see many other people at the overlook.
Arrive early and visit on a weekday if you can to avoid some of the crowds and guarantee yourself a parking spot.
Camping at Bean and Bear Lake
Because the Bean and Bear Lake Loop is a part of the Superior Hiking Trail, there are backcountry campsites available for backpackers.
Penn Creek campsite is the first that you’ll encounter along this loop, not too far after the split in the loop.
There are plenty of places to pitch your tent or hang a hammock, as well as fire rings available.
The Bear Lake campsite is the second on this loop and the most popular because it’s right on the lake’s shoreline.
Again, there are many places to pitch a tent but don’t expect this camping spot to be empty, as many people love staying here.
Where to Stay Nearby
If you’re not a camper and will be doing this loop as a day hike rather than a backpacking trip, then you’ll probably want a hotel to stay at.
In Silver Bay, there are plenty of places to stay, and I’ve listed a few below.
Cove Point Lodge — This beautiful resort features a lodge or small cottages, a firepit on the beach, and a sandy Lake Superior shoreline to relax on.
Private Lake Superior Cabin — This vacation home on Lake Superior offers incredible views, a full house to yourself, and a fire pit by the water.
✔️ For more places to stay near Silver Bay, click here! ✔️
Conclusion: Bean and Bear Lake Loop
Overall, if you’re looking for one of the best hikes on the North Shore, no matter the time of year, look no further than the Bean and Bear Lake Loop.
Showcasing all of Minnesota’s best things, from trees to lakes to the great outdoors, you’ll be admiring the beauty the entire way.
Head there in the fall time and experience a whole new adventure with colorful leaves and beautiful views.
