Bear Creek Trail is one of the refuge’s most popular hikes, winding through rich riparian and forested habitat dotted with old-growth pine.

A recently added extension now allows hikers to begin from the gravel path connected to the Berg Lane roundabout. The first 0.3 miles are packed hard packed gravel and accessible, descending gradually to Bear Creek. From there, the trail narrows to singletrack and crosses Webking Road near the original Bear Creek trailhead.

The route then follows along a scenic riparian corridor. As the trail hugs the river, the forest floor becomes a soft carpet of pine needles. The creek eventually drops down but the trail stays elevated, offering views of the Auto Tour Route and Homestead Meadow below.

At approximately 2.25 miles, take the left fork to remain on Bear Creek Trail.

Trail surface: Gravel, dirt, sand, grass, and other natural surfaces.

Accessibility: .3 miles accessible

Total Distance: 1.88, 2.88 with the connector

Beaver Overlook Trail shares a trailhead with the Big Pine Loop and follows a 0.2-mile singletrack path to a scenic viewpoint above prime beaver habitat. From this quiet overlook, visitors can look down into the pine canopy, an excellent spot for birdwatching. Woodpeckers and owls are often seen or heard here, especially during their nesting seasons.

Trail surface: Singletrack dirt and other natural surfaces.

The Big Pine Loop travels through thick forested area dotted with boulders shaped and carried by ice age glaciers. This trail often has thing overgrowth especially in the spring. Pants and long sleeves are recommended.

Trail Surface: single track dirt with other natural features

Headquarters Trail is a fully paved, accessible path that follows the creek as it winds gently down to the river. This short, easy route is a great option for accessible birdwatching, with opportunities to see a variety of riparian species along the way.

The paved portion ends at a bench overlooking the river—a peaceful spot to sit and enjoy nature. A short unpaved footpath beyond the bench leads down to the water’s edge for those who want a closer look.

Trail surface: Paved (with a short optional unpaved footpath)

Accessibility: Fully accessible to the bench overlook

McDowell Marsh Environmental Education Trail is a 1.06-mile loop that can be completed as an accessible out-and-back or as a full loop combining both accessible and natural surface segments.

The trail begins in a transitional riparian–ponderosa pine zone, with interpretive signs that share insights about the local ecology. The first 0.5 miles consist of crushed rock and a boardwalk leading through marshland rich with birdlife. Listen for red-winged blackbirds and marsh wrens calling from the cattails. The accessible portion ends at the water’s edge of McDowell Lake.

Beyond the lake, the trail continues as a dirt singletrack path that gently climbs through quiet pine forest before looping back to the parking area.

Trail surface: Crushed rock, boardwalk, dirt, and other natural surfaces

Accessibility: First 0.5 miles are accessible; the remaining portion is not

Mill Butte Trail is a 2.6-mile loop with about 400 feet of elevation gain, offering scenic views, glacial geology, and rich forest habitat. The trail begins as well-maintained singletrack winding through widely spaced pines managed by prescribed burns. The incline is gradual but steady, making for a moderate two-hour hike.

Just past the one-mile mark, look for a cluster of large, perfectly rounded boulders below the trail, evidence of historic glacial activity that smoothed and carried these stones across long distances. The forest here supports a variety of birdlife, including nuthatches, robins, and woodpeckers.

At the top, enjoy sweeping 360° views of the watershed, from snow-capped peaks and pine-covered hillsides to the winding creeks below. On clear days, you can spot 49° North Ski Resort in the distance. After the summit, the trail descends to a short section of doubletrack near the creek before returning to singletrack for the final stretch.

Trail surface: Dirt, sand, and other natural surfaces

The Potter's Pond Paved Trail offers a short walk to a boardwalk and fishing pier.

Trail surface: Paved and Plank

Accessibility: Fully accessible to the fishing pier