Upper Bear Creek Trail, Smith Mountain

12 Miles, 3500 Feet Elevation Gain. This hike will climb to Smith Saddle then to Smith Mountain. Then down to Bear Creek for some exploration, a waterfall that was prominent years ago seems to have been swollowed up by trees and plants. Hoping to locate it and clear a path of sorts. Then back up and over Smith Saddle back to the trail head on Hwy. 39.

From Interstate 210 in Azusa, take Azusa Avenue (Hwy. 39) north about 12 miles to the junction at East Fork Road (8.6 miles from the forest station at the mouth of the canyon). Continue straight on Hwy. 39 and drive another 6.2 miles to the parking area along the left side of the road (a quarter mile short of Coldbrook Campground). There is a vehicle gate at this location, and as of the date of the last page update, it is locked and the road is closed beyond. At the trailhead is a pit toilet, a San Gabriel Wilderness display sign, a forest service information sign, and a trail sign: "Bear Creek Tr. No.239W10." A National Forest Adventure Pass is required.