Bear Mountain Waterfall
Sitka City and Borough, Alaska
Your visit at a glance
- Waterfall height
- Not recorded
- Location
- Sitka City and Borough, Alaska
- Access status
- Final side-trail condition unconfirmed
- The walk
- Under 2 miles round trip in a 2018 firsthand account
- Ground & access
- The main trail climbs steeply on rock steps and gravel. Trail Works identifies heavy-rain flooding and avalanche exposure; the final unofficial side trail is not verified as maintained or accessible.
Bear Mountain Waterfall is reached from the Herring Cove trail system. Local naturalist Matt Goff describes leaving the main route on an unofficial side trail to its base; this is distinct from the small cascade near the first bridge.
Plan your visit
Herring Cove Trail with an unofficial waterfall side trail
Matt Goff reports a tracked distance just under two miles to the waterfall and back. This historical measurement includes an unofficial side trail, whose present condition is unconfirmed.
The main trail climbs steeply on rock steps and gravel. Trail Works identifies heavy-rain flooding and avalanche exposure; the final unofficial side trail is not verified as maintained or accessible.
Where to start
Herring Cove Trailhead parking at the end of Sawmill Creek Road, six miles east of Sitka. Trail Works directs drivers left immediately after the gate; the final gravel road can have potholes.
Timing & water
Trail Works recommends early spring through late fall for the main route, subject to weather and avalanche conditions. The waterfall side trail needs a current local condition check.
Before you go
Fees, permits and reservation requirements for this visit have not been confirmed; check with the land manager.
Visitor informationVisit sources
More waterfalls nearby
Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.