The Sky-Bear Valley Loop is a 10.8-mile circuit from Bear Valley that climbs 1,200 feet to the crest of Inverness Ridge via Sky Trail, traverses the forested ridgeline, descends to the coast, and returns flat through Bear Valley. It's the most complete single-day loop from the main trailhead — forest, ridge, coast, and valley in sequence.
Overview
The loop connects four distinct landscapes in one outing: the dense Douglas fir forest of the ridge ascent, the forested ridgeline with limited ocean views, the coastal scrub and grassland near the shoreline, and the easy floor of Bear Valley on the return. It's mostly within the Phillip Burton Wilderness. The 2020 Woodward Fire burned portions of the coastal section, creating a patchwork of recovery habitat.
What to Expect
The climb to the ridge via Sky Trail is the main effort — sustained but not brutal. The forested ridgeline has dense fir thickets that limit views at Mount Wittenberg's summit. The descent to the coast and return through Bear Valley are gentler. Divide Meadow along the Bear Valley return has vault toilets.
Tips & Logistics
Starts at the Bear Valley Trailhead, south end of the Bear Valley parking lot. Dogs are not allowed. No permit required. Allow 5–6 hours. Fall offers the clearest ridge and coastal views; spring brings wildflowers in the open sections.