How to Get a Bear Harbor Permit
An environmental camp on the largest and most protected cove in Sinkyone Wilderness, at the site of a former logging settlement.
Check Bear Harbor permit availability$5 per person per night (pay at Jones Beach gate or Needle Rock)
Permit Cost
moderate
Difficulty
About Bear Harbor
Bear Harbor Camp is an environmental camp on the largest and most protected cove in Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, at the site of a former logging settlement. The beach is three to four acres and the camp is accessible by Briceland Road, County Road 435, except during the rainy season. Sinkyone offers eight environmental camps, two horse camps, and two primitive camps. Primitive camps offer drive-in access, while environmental camps do not. Environmental camps and horse camps cost $5 per person per night and are payable at Jones Beach gate or Needle Rock, or by mail via check to the California Department of Parks and Recreation at 1600 US 101, Box No. 8, Garberville, CA 95542. There is no ReserveCalifornia booking for these camps — the park's own reservation field reads that there are no upcoming camping or lodging reservations. The park's conditions define the trip. There is no potable water, and you have to haul out your own trash. When wet, the park's twisting dirt roads are impassable for passenger cars. Vault toilets are available throughout the park in all developed use areas. Per-camp site counts exist in only one agency document, the June 2006 Preliminary General Plan and Draft EIR, which lists four sites at Bear Harbor. No current visitor publication breaks the count out by camp.
Bear Harbor is the pivot of the Lost Coast Trail inside the park — the point where the trail stops being a foot path and starts following Briceland Road north toward Needle Rock. It is also the most sheltered landing on a coastline with almost none.
The Experience
A protected cove three to four acres across, backed by Douglas fir and coastal prairie where Roosevelt elk graze. Fog most mornings, and no sound but surf.
Bear Harbor, the site of a former logging settlement, is the largest and most protected cove in the park. It is a large beach of three to four acres and accessible by Briceland Road, County Road 435, except during the rainy season.
On the Lost Coast Trail it is the hinge point: the trail begins at the south end of the park at Usal Beach Campground and remains a foot trail until it reaches Bear Harbor; from Bear Harbor to Needle Rock the trail follows Briceland Road and then resumes as a hiking trail north of Needle Rock. Environmental campsites easily reachable from the southern end of Briceland Road are located at Orchard Camp, Railroad Camp, and Bear Harbor Camp.
The park's 2006 Preliminary General Plan and Draft EIR — the only agency document that publishes per-camp counts — records four campsites at Bear Harbor. Environmental camps do not offer drive-in access; primitive camps do.
What to Expect
An environmental camp — no drive-in access, unlike the park's two primitive camps
$5 per person per night, paid at Jones Beach gate, Needle Rock, or by mail
No potable water anywhere in the park
Vault toilets in developed use areas
A sheltered cove, unusual on this coastline
Briceland Road closed in winter and impassable when wet
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Permit Requirements
Environmental camps and horse camps cost $5 per person per night, payable at Jones Beach gate or Needle Rock, or by mail.
Except for service animals, dogs are not allowed on trails.
Store food and any scented items in a bear canister when camping; items may also be stored in a locked car.
Haul out your own trash — there is no trash service in the park.
Due to rough driving conditions, large trailers and RVs are not recommended.
Day use areas open sunrise to sunset. Day-use parking is $8 per vehicle per day for Needle Rock and Jones Beach.
No trails in this park are Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible.
Gear & Preparation
Required Gear
- •All your drinking water — there is no potable water in the park
- •A bear canister for food and scented items
- •Full trash carry-out capacity
- •Warm, waterproof layers for a fog-bound coast
- •Extra food and supplies in case you are stranded
Recommended Gear
- •Cash or a check for the $5 per person fee
- •A paper map and an itinerary left with someone at home
- •A tide table before walking any beach section
- •High-clearance vehicle for Briceland Road
- •A satellite messenger, since cellphone connectivity is limited
Hazards & Safety
Sinkyone Wilderness SP is one of the most remote parks in California. In an emergency situation, help may not arrive for hours.
Hiking on the shoreline can be dangerous, and cellphone connectivity is limited.
The cold waters off the rugged North Coast are unpredictable and can be deadly, not only for beginners but even for experts.
There is no potable water in the park.
When wet, the park's twisting dirt roads are impassable for passenger cars, and mudslides or fallen trees can close your route home.
Briceland Thorn Road is closed in winter.
Black bears — food and scented items must go in a bear canister or a locked car.
Best Time to Visit
Summer and early autumn, when Briceland Road is open and dry. The road is closed in winter and impassable when wet. The park notes that the remote distance from populated areas limits visitors to weekends or the summer season.
100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience
This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for Bear Harbor?
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Yes, a permit is required. Walk-up permits are available at the trailhead or visitor center, but arrive early as they may be limited.
When is the best time to visit Bear Harbor?
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Summer and early autumn, when Briceland Road is open and dry. The road is closed in winter and impassable when wet. The park notes that the remote distance from populated areas limits visitors to weekends or the summer season.
How difficult is Bear Harbor?
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Lost Coast Trail hikers and campers who want the most sheltered cove on this coastline, and who are prepared to be genuinely far from help.
What gear do I need for Bear Harbor?
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Essential gear includes: All your drinking water — there is no potable water in the park, A bear canister for food and scented items, Full trash carry-out capacity, Warm, waterproof layers for a fog-bound coast, Extra food and supplies in case you are stranded.
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