There’s a reason California has a bear on its flag. The state was full of bears in the mid 1800s and it still is.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife states that between 30,000 and 40,000 American black bears and one California grizzly bear can be seen in California.
The grizzly bear is on the state flag.
Considering there are so many bears living in California, it’s understandable why more than one place is named “Bear Valley.”
There’s a Bear Valley in Alpine County (the ski area), another in Mariposa County (not far from Yosemite), one in Colusa County (near Cache Creek) and the last in Nevada County, on CA-20 near Bowman Rd..
Robert Kerman passed through this last Bear Valley (the Nevada County one) on Sunday, and reported, “Big leaf maple are dominating the color in this area now. Right nearby is the excellent Pioneer Trail hiking area. I saw many hikers coming and going from the parking lot near Bear River.” More about the area can be found HERE.
On his way to Bear Valley, Kermen passed Donner Lake and found it not showing much color. Interesting, as just beyond Truckee along Middle Martis Creek, the color is just about gone. I’ve never seen much fall color at Donner Lake. I figure, the few trees that peak there are about all Donner Lake is gonna get.
Funny. Robert didn’t mention seeing any bears, either. 
- Bear Valley, Nevada County (5,000′) – Patchy (10-50%)
- Donner Lake (5,936′) – Patchy to Near Peak (10-75%) GO NOW!
