Glen Camp Loop via Bear Valley

The Glen Camp Loop via Bear Valley is a 9.8-mile lollipop with a shared approach at the start and finish; set aside about five hours for walking. Follow Bear Valley Trail south for roughly 3.1 miles, turn onto Glen Trail, continue over a small ridge to Glen Camp, then circle the camp on Glen Camp Loop before retracing the common approach. The 4.6-mile figure associated with the Bear Valley route is one way to Glen Camp, while a shorter local-loop estimate leaves out some of the mapped walk. This is the full inland forest circuit, not the separate Coast Trail route. Its reward is a quiet wooded valley and a real loop near camp rather than an ocean overlook.

Most of the walk follows a shaded forest corridor near Bear Valley Creek. The long approach is rolling, then Glen Trail rises over a small ridge before dropping into the campground’s wooded valley. Stinging nettle and poison oak grow beside part of Glen Trail, so stay on the tread and avoid brushing the plants. Expect a sustained dirt-trail day under a tree canopy rather than open views. Spring ferns, flowers and mushrooms add seasonal interest, but no single overlook defines the route. The loop makes a natural pause at Glen Camp before the return along familiar ground.

Glen Camp is a 12-site hike-in and bike-in campground in a wooded valley. The campground has potable water, picnic tables, animal-resistant food lockers and year-round vault toilets; there is no store, so bring the food and supplies you need. These are facilities at the destination, not services spread along the trail. Overnight stays require a reservation and permit arranged before setting out. Raccoons, foxes and skunks can be aggressive around camp, so secure food and scented items in the lockers. Pets are prohibited on trails reached from Bear Valley Trailhead.

The route is rated moderate, but its 9.8 miles and repeated approach make distance the main challenge; allow time for the ridge climb and a long walk back. Start at Bear Valley Trailhead beside the visitor center. Use the free gravel parking lot; overnight parkers should use that lot rather than the paved visitor-center lot. Toilets are available at the trailhead. Water at Glen Camp is several miles into the hike, so carry what you need for the approach and return rather than treating the campground as an early resupply stop.