Paddled Bear a lot this spring, often putting in just above where an old metal bridge crosses the
creek. It makes for about a 4 mile run including most of the best rapids, though there is an even
lower put-in that skips some of the early class 2-3 stuff.<br>
The first mile is generally class 2-3 boogie water, then the river picks up through a few slides
and boulder gardens, fun Class III+ rapids. It ends that stretch with a bend to the right and a
creek coming in on the left (one of the Forks of Bear Creek). The next rapid is a really fun
boulder garden with multiple lines, and probably the best rapid on the river. Another rapid leads
you to a left bend in the river, which leads to a horizon line that is tough to see past. It is
slide that can be run just about anywhere, as the rock that used to be in the landing at the bottom
middle has washed away. A few more boulder garden rapids (and a few bridges) lead you to the end of
the run. Just after the last bridge as you approach the park in town is a great 4-5ft boof rock, a
nice way to end your trip. It's a great stretch to use as a warm-up for a day that includes Meadow,
Fikes, or other similar creeks in the area. I found 350cfs and up to be great levels, it starts
getting pretty scrapy below 300cfs.<br>
The stream was clear of trees as of the Fall of 2011, though it is definitely in a wooded area, so
always keep on the lookout. There aren't many blind rapids though, so you should be able to spot
them in advance.

Was on bear on 8/2/2008 at well over 1,500 cfs. Trees were very much an issue in the upper half.
Only one tree was especially a problem mid-rapid and led to a member of our group broaching,
swimming and walking off. The others were carefully avoidable. Use caution. Another crew took off
of Bear within the first few miles because of wood.

There is quite a bit of wood in the creek due to a tornado that moved through Friendsville earlier
this week. We put in about 3 or so miles above Friendsville and had to portage twice and paddle
around, over and under several other trees. These were easy to avoid today at a little less than
300 cfs but could be a hazard with higher water. Rob Teegarden Edit

This is a lovely stream that is near a road that is usually barely noticeable. When I did it a few
years ago, we put in below an obvious concrete bridge that was too low at that level to navigate.
There was one tree portage and one or two logs to paddle around. The first scoutable drop was a
tight plunge between overhanging branches down a diagonal ramp to the left. The wave at the bottom
was intimidating, but not malevolent. The next big drop is a broken ledge adjacent to the elevated
patio of a house. Scouting is advised. Below here, the channel is worked by bulldozers and less
attractive, but still fun. After an initial cautious run, it's no problem to bomb down in less than
an hour, generally when everything else is too high. The streambed is narrow and fast! Great fun!

I'd say a reasonable minimum for most people would be 225 cfs or so. My first run was at that
level, and the upper portion was extremely scrapey. Personally, I think 250-400 is a nice level,
300-375 being ideal. I'd have to recommend only boating the bottom 3 miles, and taking out at the
park in Friendsville. The Upper section is very pretty, but lots of wood.<br>

I'd have to take issue with the Gertler description - perhaps he was on another stream. I found the
water clear when I was there - wintertime though - and the banks are lined with mountain laurel and
hemlock trees. It is true the last bit has camphouses along it, but I found this run to be
surprisingly pretty given its proximity to the road.