Home / Mojave Preserve and Desert bikepacking trips / 2007: Henry Coe State Park Mountain-Bike Camping / Day 3: A short day hike from Mississippi Lake to Bear Spring 20
I originally planned to head out to Jackrabbit Lake today, but I think an extra day here at Mississippi Lake to rest a bit and enjoy the area is a better idea.
I consider a day hike up the nearby Bear Mountain Peak Trail, but a walk to Bear Spring, only about four miles round-trip, should be satisfying enough in today's heat.
Time to filter some drinking water from Mississippi Lake.
Making late-morning coffee at the picnic table at Mississippi Lake.
View of my Mississippi Lake campsite.
Heading up the road away from Mississippi Lake (this is actually still part of Willow Ridge Road)
Starting up Bear Spring Road.
Catching some shade on Bear Spring Road (much of the road is exposed to the sun and not shady at all).
A dry creek crossing on Bear Spring Road.
Bear Spring Road, getting closer to Bear Spring
Arriving at Bear Spring.
Close-up of Bear Spring.
Wild California fuschias around a rocky outcrop opposite Bear Spring.
Stachys albens (hedgenettle) in the creek, now dormant and waiting for the fall rains.
Old fence along Bear Spring Road.
Old concrete cistern along Bear Spring Road.
Bear Spring Road drops back down to the level of the dry creek after a short rise.
A small California buckeye tree along Bear Spring Road (aesculus californica).
Back near my campsite, Bear Mountain Peak Trail veers upward from Willow Ridge Road
Time for a pipe and coffee back at the campsite to end the slow and relaxing day.
And more coffee.
Mississippi Lake campsite area just before sunset with Willow Ridge Road passing through.