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If you hike long enough in the Trinity Alps or anywhere else in the mountains of Northern California, you’ll see a black bear. In my several dozen backpacking trips and day hikes in the Trinity Alps, I’ve probably seen a black bear about a third of the time, always with no problems.
In this post, Ken DeCamp writes how he was attacked by a black bear while hiking near East Fork Lakes in the Trinity Alps, and what he did to survive in the aftermath of the attack.
Ken DeCamp in the hospital shortly after the black bear attack on the East Fork Lakes Trail in the Trinity Alps. Note: that’s not the black bear that attacked Ken! (Black bear photo by Neal Herbert, National Park Service)
Normally, you don’t have to be very concerned about a black bear attacking you. Black bears shy away from humans, and they’ll usually run or at least shamble away as soon as they notice you, especially in the Trinity Alps where they are not as acclimated to human presence as bears elsewhere are, such as in Yosemite National Park.
However, that doesn’t mean bear attacks don’t occur. Ken DeCamp’s story…
Prior to the Bear Attack: Hiking a Remote Trinity Alps Trail
Nobody wakes up on a Saturday morning thinking “this is the day I might not survive — that I might never see home or family again.” In all my years, it’s a thought that has never crossed my mind: not even a whisper of “maybe — it could be.” We go about our business as if we are immune from the dangers that surround us, never giving survival a second thought — until in an instant we find ourselves entirely at the mercy of things totally out of our control.
On Saturday, August 15th 2020, I found myself in one of those situations. Fortunately, all the stars lined up for me on that day and I can honestly say I am VERY happy to be sitting here relaying my story from the relative comfort of my studio.
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East Fork Lakes Trail: Where the Bear Attack Happened
So, on that Saturday morning, I stuffed everything I’d need for the day in my day pack, grabbed my camera gear, said my goodbyes and headed for the East Fork Lakes Trailhead in the Trinity Alps, which is located in the Canyon Creek Lakes drainage. My aim was to re-visit this pretty and somewhat isolated basin, maybe find some new wildflowers to photograph, and then spend some time documenting a beautiful relict population of quaking aspen found not too far below the lakes.
The East Fork Lakes Trail is not for the faint of heart. Most casual hikers avoid it because, after leaving the trailhead, it quickly turns straight uphill and remains steep for a couple of miles until it breaks out into the country around Buck’s Ranch and then flattens out a bit in the area below East Fork Lakes.
At 10:30 a.m. it was already 97°. I was hot and thirsty, so I stopped on the far side of the last creek crossing below East Fork Lakes. I dropped my pack and camera in the shade of some willows, grabbed my water bottle, and then stepped down to the edge of the creek to fill it with cold water. I took a long drink, re-filled my bottle, replaced the cap, and stepped back up onto the bank next to my pack. I put the bottle back into the side pocket, hoisted the pack onto my back, and then stooped down to grab my camera.
X marks the approximate spot of where the bear attacked Ken on the East Forks Lake Trail. Note the Canyon Creek drainage. (Photo courtesy Ken DeCamp)
The Bear Attacks
It was at this point that, in an instant, my day came crashing down around me. As I turned to start back up the trail, I found myself face to face with a juvenile black bear. It was a shock to me and I believe the same for the bear.
In the moment it took for the bear to react and take a swipe at me, all I remember is that I ducked. A paw caught me above my left eye: a claw ripping down through my forehead and eyelid. The force of the blow spun me around and threw me down into the creek head first. I vaguely remember the blow as my head hit the rocks. I was knocked unconscious.
Bear Attack: Immediate Aftermath
I am not entirely sure how long I laid there in the creek — maybe 10 or 15 minutes. But when I finally came to, I found myself almost entirely in the water where it was actually washing over my eye and part of my mouth. Two inches lower and I could have drowned.
At first, as I struggled to sit up, nothing registered except the pain in my head and all the blood pouring from the wound. I also had a major concussion, which made it hard to come to grips with the seriousness of the situation.
When I was finally able to gather myself together, I crawled out of the creek and up the bank on my hands and knees, soaking wet, my left eye bleeding profusely and my head pounding. Survival mode set in and all I could think about was trying to staunch the bleeding and get on my feet so I could get back to my truck.
I pulled a handkerchief out of my camera bag and held it to my eye and started back down the trail. Even with the handkerchief and pressure, I could not stop the flow of blood, which had me very concerned because I am on blood thinners.
Once on the downhill side of the creek, I saw signs that the bear had walked right over me and headed down the trail for about 20 yards before moving down into the brush along the creek. It dawned on me that the bear hadn’t even messed with me while I was out, and to this day I consider myself very lucky that it wasn’t hungry!
Getting Back to the Truck
With my limited vision I struggled to follow the East Fork Lakes Trail back to Buck’s Ranch. It was extremely difficult and at about this time my headache grew significantly worse and I began to get very dehydrated. I stopped long enough to drop my pack and dig out my water bottle. I drank maybe 1/4 of the water, slung my pack back up and continued on.
It was only about ten minutes later that tremendous waves of nausea overtook me and I had to sit down. I remained seated for a few minutes and then it hit me. I threw up until I experienced nothing but dry heaves.
I sat there for several minutes trying to stop the blood flow and regain a little composure before I stood up and started walking again. Just past Buck’s Ranch the trail disappeared into the trees and deep shade. It was at this point that I lost the path because I just couldn’t see through all the blood and sweat. Everything was swimming before me, even in my good eye.
It is fortunate that I know this part of the Trinity Alps so well because, even with the condition I was in, I knew how to get back to my truck, trail or no trail. Since I couldn’t see very well and had lost the trail, I knew I had to take the route of least resistance, which meant sliding on my back side down the steepest parts of the ridge through any opening I could find, all the while fighting nausea and a severe concussion headache.
It took me almost six hours to get back down to the road. By that time, I was beyond exhausted and very sick. At one point I laid down at the edge of the road and nodded in and out of sleep for about half an hour before I finally got up and started up the road to my truck.
Over and over again I could walk only 25 or 50 yards before the headache and nausea overtook me and I would have to rest. I don’t know how many times I had to throw up on the way out, but it was at least several dozen. It took me over an hour to walk the quarter-mile to my truck.
East Fork Lakes Trail Map, Trinity Alps. The map helps you understand where the bear attack occurred and how far Ken had to go to get back to his truck. (Courtesy of Caltopo.com)
Getting Medical Attention
In my state of mind all I could think about was getting to a hospital before it became impossible for me to keep moving. I set my sights on Mercy Hospital in Redding and after about two hours finally made it to the emergency room parking lot. I got out of my truck, began walking towards the entrance, and pretty much collapsed.
Excellent emergency room doctors and nurses took me in immediately and for three days initially and several days afterwards took excellent care of me. They stitched up my wound, settled the pain to manageable levels, and monitored me closely.
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Long-Term Effects of the Bear Attack
It is now almost five months later and I am still dealing with slight vision problems in my left eye. I’ve been fitted with new scleral contact lenses that have helped immensely, and I’m doing recommended eye exercises designed to alleviate my problems with depth perception.
All-in-all, things are pretty much back to normal. I count myself very fortunate and I can deal with the vision problems. In the end I survived, and that is what really matters.
Ken on the road to recovery from the bear attack wounds. (Photo courtesy Ken DeCamp)
Bear Attack: Key Takeaways
There is no way to prepare properly for the possibility of something like a bear attack happening to any of us, but what it all boils down to something my Dad told me many years ago: “You do what you have to do — no matter what the situation — because you ALWAYS have to come home.”
An experience like this won’t keep me from returning to my backcountry adventures, in the Trinity Alps or anywhere else. Life is too short and there is too much to experience to ever be fearful of something like this happening again.
If there is a lesson to be learned it is this:
Always be aware of your surroundings and never take your safety for granted.
2023 Update from Ken: Two and a Half Years After the Bear Attack
Things are going pretty well these days but, because of the bear attack, my vision is still problematic and not going to get any better. Walking over rough ground is a bit more difficult now as my left eye takes a bit of time to catch up with my right when trying to focus. I am getting better at navigating on the trails, but forward progress is quite a bit slower than it was before the attack as I have to be very careful about how and where I step because my sense of balance is affected.
When I fell during the attack I damaged my left knee and right shoulder, resulting in surgery to the knee and upcoming surgery to the shoulder. I underwent physical therapy to try and alleviate some of the shoulder problems, but in the end, while it helped somewhat, surgery has become the only real option. I can no longer run or do the gnarly mountain bike rides I use to enjoy (largely because of the vision issue) but I am thankful I can still hike and backpack, albeit very slowly.
My shoulder surgery is slated to be done this spring, which might put a crimp in backpacking until mid-summer. This might affect my ability to do my photography for a few months, which in turn may or may not put a temporary hold on gathering new wildflower images for a third edition of my book.
Ken DeCamp in 2022, two years after the 2020 bear attack in California’s Trinity Alps Wilderness. (Photo courtesy Ken DeCamp)
It’s the old thing about the leg bone attached to the knee bone, attached to the… you get the idea. I have to say, it is frustrating to be faced with all this after a lifetime of being very active. I do consider myself lucky, though, to have survived and, even with limited physical ability, to still be able to do some of the things I have always enjoyed.
By the way, another man was attacked by a bear in the same area this past fall and his injuries looked an awful lot like mine. This was covered in the Trinity Journal. Same bear? I wonder!
Switzerland was a real test of my abilities to get out into the mountains and navigate some of the more difficult trails, but even at that it was a great experience. This was my 4th trip to the Diemtigtal and I am looking forward to more!
About Ken DeCamp
Ken DeCamp had a 38-year career in Fire, Land Management Planning, and Public Affairs with the USDA Forest Service. He’s the author of Wildflowers of the Trinity Alps: Including the Marble Mountain Wilderness, Russian Wilderness & Trinity Divide, which is available at select bookstores in Northern California and Southern Oregon. You can also order directly from Backcountry Press, or you can buy it on Amazon. Read my interview with Ken about his book.
California’s national forests and BLM lands have thousands of miles of dirt roads with lots of spots for dispersed camping (boondocking). My book provides all the info you need to get started (but is not a guide to specific sites):
Wow! Never heard of a bear attack in the Trinities before. Meeting and surprising a juvenile bear sounds like the worst case scenario. We usually backback in groups, so I think bears hear us and split before we ever get in close contact. This is a good reminder of why I whistle, sing and scrape my feet as I go in the wilderness, I never want to surprise a mountain lion or bear. In Yosemite I also find noise to be my best defense.
You’re smart to make some noise on the trail. I often hike alone and usually don’t make noise, but I try to be very aware of my surroundings, and I do make noise if I’m going through dense brush where I can’t be easily seen.
“I found myself face to face with a juvenile black bear. It was a shock to me and I believe the same for the bear.” ha ii’m imagining the other side. To Ken, in his words, it’s a “bear attack”. The bear’s story would have been in terms of self-defense, its most narrow escape from a terrifying human.
This is my favorite comment. I was thinking the same thing. I imagined two people rounding a corner, scaring each other, and accidentally throwing hands out of reflex. We wouldn’t call that an attack. I’m glad they’re both alive though.
The takeaway lesson for me, as someone who HAS hiked a lot alone in remote mountains of Montana and seen black bears, is now were I to do it again I would always have at least a Spot satellite device to message for help while hiking alone. Or something like this is even better. It’s the minimum required for anyone out hiking alone. I’m so glad the author was fit enough to make it to safety! Amazing story.
Thank you for sharing your incredible story. I have taken myself high up and into the Trinity Alps and I cannot even imagine the ordeal you went through to get yourself back into civilization for medical care. I enjoyed your writing style by the way and your telling of the arduous trip back to your vehicle had me on the edge of my chair.
I agree with Diane, your writing style had my attention the entire time. It was more than just the story that kept me interested. It was in the writing that did it. Although your story alone is enough to do the same. I’m pretty sure the average Joe who didn’t know the surrounding like you did wouldn’t be alive to tell his story. Even then I feel like at any moment after the bear followed your trail could’ve been the last. You must have a purpose you still have left to do. Writing may even fall into that purpose as well.
The take away for me is, why did Ken not use a PLB to get help? Yes he walked out, but he could just as well have collapsed and bled to death. And this is a retired Forestry guy? He wasn’t prepared
Basically he got slapped very hard from the bear for creeping up on him. Just unfortunately the bear had long claws and there was a big drop and way to fall.
I rarely backpack or dayhike with anyone anymore because shooting wildflowers, fungi, lichens, slime molds or any of the other myriad things that catch my eye is very time consuming and few people have the patience to stand around while I do my thing. I sometimes measure my forward progress in feet while most folks want to move on. That’s not to say that I don’t do many long distance hikes but when i do it’s usually because I want to get myself to a destination where I stand a good chance of finding a particular thing I want to photograph. AND, one of the things I enjoy photographing is wildlife when I have the opportunity – bears included. You just can’t make a lot of noise if you want to get up close and personal with a bear – NOT as up close and personal as this incident proved to be – but you get my drift. On this particular day I could possibly have been more in tune with my surroundings but who knows? One thing to remember about bears is this – in several backcountry areas where bear bells were in fashion the bears learned that they sounded more like dinner bells and came running much to the dismay of the hiker. Many years ago on early spring trips into Morris Meadows, and much to my delight, it was common to see a dozen or more bears in the meadow in the evening hours. Crowds and dogs have pretty much sent the bear packing these days… sadly enough. Anyway… I think the gist of my thinking is this: keep your eyes and ears open and simply be aware of your surroundings – it can pay great dividends.
Hi Ken. I get why you want to hike alone etc, however, moving forward, would you consider getting some sort of satellite device? I have an Inreach mini where I can push an sos button and communicate with family and emergency personnel via text through my phone via satellite.
Ken, I am so glad you made it back and are on the mend! I LOVE your Trinity Alps wildflower book! One my life pleasures is identifying wildflowers and other plants, and to photograph them ( in a completely amateur way). Your book is an essential part of my toolkit for that.
All the best for your full recovery!
Hi Jane… I am so glad you are enjoying our Wildflower Guide. It makes me feel good that folks are actually hauling it into the mountains! My best to you…
As a youngster, my geologist father taught me a lot about being alone in the wilderness…how to be observant, know my surroundings and always be able to get back to the car or camp. That’s fine if you get separated from your pack but I really think that it is best to not hike or camp alone. I usually take my dog with me if I go hiking alone but still anything can happen.
Ken an amazing and well-told story, so glad you made it out to tell us about it. Just wondering, as you drove yourself out, almost 2 hrs to Mercy Hospital, Redding, why you passed so many other opportunities for emergency medical care? [businesses and homes with folks & phones, 9-1-1, fire depts, Trinity County Life Support, Trinity Hospital] I’m not trying to to give you a hard time, i just wonder, as a former EMT here, what you were thinking? A lesson for hikers mite be: plan for disaster. If i’m going to a in a non-home area, where are the emergency resources?
Single minded focus. Mercy is just a few minutes away from my home which made it much easier and convenient for my family to help out. I considered the hospital in Weaverville but passed it by anyway. I did take the precaution of always pulling off the highway whenever I saw traffic coming from behind or from in front. I took extraordinary care to not put anyone else in danger with my terrible vision. I never lost my focus on what was important and that was to get to help I could count on.
I’m thinking do to your severe concussion, you really weren’t thinking too clearly! Thanks quite a story and we’ll told. Glad you’re recovering and able to at least get out there. Could you be the nice guy we talked with at Big Boulder one day several years ago? We’re a couple of old Canadians! Clem & Lynn…
Thanks for the article John. I’d heard about this story from Ken’s son who is a friend of mine and I work with. From the little I know I believe Ken has lived an interesting life and this is a remarkable story. Thank you to both you and Ken for sharing this. I’m glad he’s on the road to recovery. Hope you are doing well.
Thanks for the account of the bear attack. Hiking with a dog, even a small dog, is a good way to be warned about a bear in the area and a deterrent to keep bears away. Also, if backpacking, a dog in camp at night is a nice safety precaution. I have hiked in the Trinity Alps and the Sierra Nevada range for the past 59 years and have many good experiences where I was alerted to a bear in the area before I realized it was nearby, and have observed a 19-pound American Eskimo dog scare off bears on numerous occasions.
Paul Richins, Jr.
Author: “Mount Whitney: The Complete Trailhead-to-Summit Hiking Guide” and other hiking books
When I had two golden retrievers, they more than once chased off a bear, much to my concern, actually. But I totally agree about dogs being a great way to be both aware of bears and to shoo them away.
As I mentioned earlier… dogs scare bears off which makes it very difficult to photograph them. I know people like their dogs but I don’t like them around when I’m hiking or backpacking. In nearly 75 years in the backcountry this is my first run-in with a bear. I will take my chances sans dog.
As a retired Deputy, I learned a long time ago to fight back! If you survive an attack long enough to realize you have survived, you probably will survive. Many cops suffer an assault and just give up and die. Whether you’re shot, stabbed or attacked by a bear, it’s your mindset and will to live that will pull you through. I was in many scraps and ended up in a hospital several times. Just remember, NEVER give up!
As an aside, I live at the base of the Trinity Alps. I’ve had numerous encounters with bears while hiking and fishing. In every one of there encounters, the bear just wandered off. However I know the next encounter can be a fight for life. Be prepared!
Ken, I’m sorry you had to go through that but I thank you for sharing your story and keeping us all aware that accidents can happen to anyone. Bears happen, life happens, you deal with it as best you can at the time. It’s easy for others to judge, but they weren’t there.
It would be nice if you could carry a loaded handgun in the woods at least! There’s also been a few mountain lion attacks already this year! Down here in southern California we have signs that tell these mothers taking their 8-9-year-old kids on a hiking loop that they will have to fight off a 150-200 pound mountain lion with their bare hands, what a joke!!!
Ken, my best wishes to you. I’m so glad you are recovering. Like you I’ve had dozen of bear encounters in the Klamaths and elsewhere. Now I live with grizzlies occasionally coming into our city limits. We always carry bear spray here in southeastern BC, but I don’t when in the Klamaths. I’m thankful to you for reaching out and reminding us that rare black bear attacks can occur. Happy healthy hiking to everyone.
I agree with others who have said Ken should carry a PLB when hiking alone. My husband and I are considering getting one, as we hike remote canyons in the desert, off trail, and you never know when something could happen. I am so glad he made it to help. True grit, Ken!
Your story just rocked me this morning. Buck’s Ranch and East Fork Lakes are very well know to myself and my Trinity friends who own property at the top of Canyon Creek. Hiking to Bucks Ranch was the first hike I ever took in Trinity County (1973). We went all the way over to Rush Creek Lakes on that trip. And I must say that trail steep as it is helped me learn how to hike and get my second wind. If you can keep going on that trail, you are ready for anything! Knowing it as well as I do, made your plight and hike out of there a very visceral experience for me to read. I’m so glad you are doing well now. And by the way, we all love your Trinity wildflower book.
Thanks so much for the comments Lory and I am heartened that my wildflower book finds a home in your pack! Like you… the East Fork Trail was one of my first hikes into the Trinities back in the mid-50s…
Interesting books on black bear behavior include those old ones written be Benjamin Kilham.
Being In an isolated area alone on anticoagulants is how my Fatheer-in-Law died. Even simple accidents can cause one to bleed to death easily.
I am so glad the author survived this.
Thank you so much for giving us a blow by blow account of your encounter. I too backpack alone into wilderness areas always with my trusty Spot and my dog. Being aware of your environment and making noises certainly are important, but the unexpected happens. While hiking deep in the Yolla Bollys I was coming up a steep ridge trail, and unbeknowst to me, a bear was coming up the other side, and we had an eye to eye encounter inches apart at the top! Fortunately the bear was as surprised as me and ran back down. Life hangs in that split second. I am grateful that you survived. We need you for your future books and articles – they are wonderful.
I’m so glad you’re alright. This must have been terrifying and disorienting. I recently broke a bone for the first time after many years of sport and adventure. I’ve joked that the ratio of fun to injury has been pretty darn good. Not saying anyone should have to pay to play like you did, but still, for all the time spent out there, you just understand the risk and do your best. I wonder whether this affects your feelings and fears about going out in the future, any PTSD? Best of luck in recovery! Thanks for sharing your story.
Hi Doug… This experience has not changed anything for me. I’ve been back out doing what I love to do and have just chalked this up to one of life’s experiences. I really don’t consider it any more dangerous to be out in the mountains than riding my bike in traffic or flying. I’ve had many encounters with bears in my lifetime and all but for this one ended well. I learned a long time ago that if you live life in fear of what MIGHT happen you never really live life. Thanks for the good luck wish… I am just about 98% back to normal… whatever that means!
Thanks for the illustrative story about your bear attack experience. As another oldster who wanders alone also, I started carrying an InReach because I wanted to minimize inconvenience my family or SAR if I couldn’t self rescue. I admire your grit in getting yourself out.
Your encounter at creekside fits with Herrera’s observations that stream sounds hide human sounds and increase the chance of surprised bears.
On rereading your account, it was a hot midmorning and you were heading upstream on a not well used trail. Morning air would have been sinking down toward you so the bear would not have had long range smell warning (as it was coming downstream and you were heading upstream). With that heat (97) it is surprising that at 10:30am the convection thermals had not changed direction upstream.
This is a great reminder to me and other solo wanderers to pay attention to wind direction and background sound when in bear country to avoid surprising these mountain people.
Thanks for your vivid and personal story.
I was just in the Trinitys today (April 16th 2022). Luckily my dog almost always alerts me to the presents of bears before I see them. Today she came back to me and walked near by while sniffing the air which almost always means there’s a bear near by that I can’t see.
I’ve done at least ten back pack trips into the trinity’s and almost with out fail see one or two bears. Thanks for the story and I’ll double my alertness out there in the future.
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My compact guidebook has the 125 best day hikes:
Ken DeCamp had a 38-year career in Fire, Land Management Planning, and Public Affairs with the USDA Forest Service. He’s the author of Wildflowers of the Trinity Alps: Including the Marble Mountain Wilderness, Russian Wilderness & Trinity Divide, which is available at select bookstores in Northern California and Southern Oregon. You can also order directly from Backcountry Press, or you can buy it on Amazon. Read my interview with Ken about his book.
California’s national forests and BLM lands have thousands of miles of dirt roads with lots of spots for dispersed camping (boondocking). My book provides all the info you need to get started (but is not a guide to specific sites):
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Wow! Never heard of a bear attack in the Trinities before. Meeting and surprising a juvenile bear sounds like the worst case scenario. We usually backback in groups, so I think bears hear us and split before we ever get in close contact. This is a good reminder of why I whistle, sing and scrape my feet as I go in the wilderness, I never want to surprise a mountain lion or bear. In Yosemite I also find noise to be my best defense.
You’re smart to make some noise on the trail. I often hike alone and usually don’t make noise, but I try to be very aware of my surroundings, and I do make noise if I’m going through dense brush where I can’t be easily seen.
“I found myself face to face with a juvenile black bear. It was a shock to me and I believe the same for the bear.” ha ii’m imagining the other side. To Ken, in his words, it’s a “bear attack”. The bear’s story would have been in terms of self-defense, its most narrow escape from a terrifying human.
This is my favorite comment. I was thinking the same thing. I imagined two people rounding a corner, scaring each other, and accidentally throwing hands out of reflex. We wouldn’t call that an attack. I’m glad they’re both alive though.
The takeaway lesson for me, as someone who HAS hiked a lot alone in remote mountains of Montana and seen black bears, is now were I to do it again I would always have at least a Spot satellite device to message for help while hiking alone. Or something like this is even better. It’s the minimum required for anyone out hiking alone. I’m so glad the author was fit enough to make it to safety! Amazing story.
Here’s the link for another device https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Lightweight-Handheld-Satellite-Communicator/dp/B07CR7PL54
Thank you for sharing your incredible story. I have taken myself high up and into the Trinity Alps and I cannot even imagine the ordeal you went through to get yourself back into civilization for medical care. I enjoyed your writing style by the way and your telling of the arduous trip back to your vehicle had me on the edge of my chair.
Thank you Diane! I never thought of myself as an engaging writer… your comment gives me hope!
I agree with Diane, your writing style had my attention the entire time. It was more than just the story that kept me interested. It was in the writing that did it. Although your story alone is enough to do the same. I’m pretty sure the average Joe who didn’t know the surrounding like you did wouldn’t be alive to tell his story. Even then I feel like at any moment after the bear followed your trail could’ve been the last. You must have a purpose you still have left to do. Writing may even fall into that purpose as well.
The take away for me is, why did Ken not use a PLB to get help? Yes he walked out, but he could just as well have collapsed and bled to death. And this is a retired Forestry guy? He wasn’t prepared
Really, that’s your takeaway? Come on, man!
Probably both bear and man were surprised because the sound of the creek subdued other sounds.
I think a single paw swipe by a surprised bruin hardly qualifies as a “bear attack.” Glad your close to normal.
You must be kidding.
I hope you never have to go through this… it could change your mind.
Obviously it was more than a paw swipe because it knocked him for a very dangerous ‘loop’.
Well said!
Basically he got slapped very hard from the bear for creeping up on him. Just unfortunately the bear had long claws and there was a big drop and way to fall.
I rarely backpack or dayhike with anyone anymore because shooting wildflowers, fungi, lichens, slime molds or any of the other myriad things that catch my eye is very time consuming and few people have the patience to stand around while I do my thing. I sometimes measure my forward progress in feet while most folks want to move on. That’s not to say that I don’t do many long distance hikes but when i do it’s usually because I want to get myself to a destination where I stand a good chance of finding a particular thing I want to photograph. AND, one of the things I enjoy photographing is wildlife when I have the opportunity – bears included. You just can’t make a lot of noise if you want to get up close and personal with a bear – NOT as up close and personal as this incident proved to be – but you get my drift. On this particular day I could possibly have been more in tune with my surroundings but who knows? One thing to remember about bears is this – in several backcountry areas where bear bells were in fashion the bears learned that they sounded more like dinner bells and came running much to the dismay of the hiker. Many years ago on early spring trips into Morris Meadows, and much to my delight, it was common to see a dozen or more bears in the meadow in the evening hours. Crowds and dogs have pretty much sent the bear packing these days… sadly enough. Anyway… I think the gist of my thinking is this: keep your eyes and ears open and simply be aware of your surroundings – it can pay great dividends.
Hi Ken. I get why you want to hike alone etc, however, moving forward, would you consider getting some sort of satellite device? I have an Inreach mini where I can push an sos button and communicate with family and emergency personnel via text through my phone via satellite.
Ken, I am so glad you made it back and are on the mend! I LOVE your Trinity Alps wildflower book! One my life pleasures is identifying wildflowers and other plants, and to photograph them ( in a completely amateur way). Your book is an essential part of my toolkit for that.
All the best for your full recovery!
Hi Jane… I am so glad you are enjoying our Wildflower Guide. It makes me feel good that folks are actually hauling it into the mountains! My best to you…
Morris Meadows used to be black bear heaven! Such a lovely place.
As a youngster, my geologist father taught me a lot about being alone in the wilderness…how to be observant, know my surroundings and always be able to get back to the car or camp. That’s fine if you get separated from your pack but I really think that it is best to not hike or camp alone. I usually take my dog with me if I go hiking alone but still anything can happen.
Ken an amazing and well-told story, so glad you made it out to tell us about it. Just wondering, as you drove yourself out, almost 2 hrs to Mercy Hospital, Redding, why you passed so many other opportunities for emergency medical care? [businesses and homes with folks & phones, 9-1-1, fire depts, Trinity County Life Support, Trinity Hospital] I’m not trying to to give you a hard time, i just wonder, as a former EMT here, what you were thinking? A lesson for hikers mite be: plan for disaster. If i’m going to a in a non-home area, where are the emergency resources?
Single minded focus. Mercy is just a few minutes away from my home which made it much easier and convenient for my family to help out. I considered the hospital in Weaverville but passed it by anyway. I did take the precaution of always pulling off the highway whenever I saw traffic coming from behind or from in front. I took extraordinary care to not put anyone else in danger with my terrible vision. I never lost my focus on what was important and that was to get to help I could count on.
I’m thinking do to your severe concussion, you really weren’t thinking too clearly! Thanks quite a story and we’ll told. Glad you’re recovering and able to at least get out there. Could you be the nice guy we talked with at Big Boulder one day several years ago? We’re a couple of old Canadians! Clem & Lynn…
Thanks for the article John. I’d heard about this story from Ken’s son who is a friend of mine and I work with. From the little I know I believe Ken has lived an interesting life and this is a remarkable story. Thank you to both you and Ken for sharing this. I’m glad he’s on the road to recovery. Hope you are doing well.
Dionne texted me about the connection you have with Ken. Small world!
Thanks for the account of the bear attack. Hiking with a dog, even a small dog, is a good way to be warned about a bear in the area and a deterrent to keep bears away. Also, if backpacking, a dog in camp at night is a nice safety precaution. I have hiked in the Trinity Alps and the Sierra Nevada range for the past 59 years and have many good experiences where I was alerted to a bear in the area before I realized it was nearby, and have observed a 19-pound American Eskimo dog scare off bears on numerous occasions.
Paul Richins, Jr.
Author: “Mount Whitney: The Complete Trailhead-to-Summit Hiking Guide” and other hiking books
When I had two golden retrievers, they more than once chased off a bear, much to my concern, actually. But I totally agree about dogs being a great way to be both aware of bears and to shoo them away.
As I mentioned earlier… dogs scare bears off which makes it very difficult to photograph them. I know people like their dogs but I don’t like them around when I’m hiking or backpacking. In nearly 75 years in the backcountry this is my first run-in with a bear. I will take my chances sans dog.
As a retired Deputy, I learned a long time ago to fight back! If you survive an attack long enough to realize you have survived, you probably will survive. Many cops suffer an assault and just give up and die. Whether you’re shot, stabbed or attacked by a bear, it’s your mindset and will to live that will pull you through. I was in many scraps and ended up in a hospital several times. Just remember, NEVER give up!
As an aside, I live at the base of the Trinity Alps. I’ve had numerous encounters with bears while hiking and fishing. In every one of there encounters, the bear just wandered off. However I know the next encounter can be a fight for life. Be prepared!
Great comment!
Ken, I’m sorry you had to go through that but I thank you for sharing your story and keeping us all aware that accidents can happen to anyone. Bears happen, life happens, you deal with it as best you can at the time. It’s easy for others to judge, but they weren’t there.
Absolutely right Ann… thank you!
It would be nice if you could carry a loaded handgun in the woods at least! There’s also been a few mountain lion attacks already this year! Down here in southern California we have signs that tell these mothers taking their 8-9-year-old kids on a hiking loop that they will have to fight off a 150-200 pound mountain lion with their bare hands, what a joke!!!
Ken, my best wishes to you. I’m so glad you are recovering. Like you I’ve had dozen of bear encounters in the Klamaths and elsewhere. Now I live with grizzlies occasionally coming into our city limits. We always carry bear spray here in southeastern BC, but I don’t when in the Klamaths. I’m thankful to you for reaching out and reminding us that rare black bear attacks can occur. Happy healthy hiking to everyone.
I agree with others who have said Ken should carry a PLB when hiking alone. My husband and I are considering getting one, as we hike remote canyons in the desert, off trail, and you never know when something could happen. I am so glad he made it to help. True grit, Ken!
Your story just rocked me this morning. Buck’s Ranch and East Fork Lakes are very well know to myself and my Trinity friends who own property at the top of Canyon Creek. Hiking to Bucks Ranch was the first hike I ever took in Trinity County (1973). We went all the way over to Rush Creek Lakes on that trip. And I must say that trail steep as it is helped me learn how to hike and get my second wind. If you can keep going on that trail, you are ready for anything! Knowing it as well as I do, made your plight and hike out of there a very visceral experience for me to read. I’m so glad you are doing well now. And by the way, we all love your Trinity wildflower book.
Thanks so much for the comments Lory and I am heartened that my wildflower book finds a home in your pack! Like you… the East Fork Trail was one of my first hikes into the Trinities back in the mid-50s…
Interesting books on black bear behavior include those old ones written be Benjamin Kilham.
Being In an isolated area alone on anticoagulants is how my Fatheer-in-Law died. Even simple accidents can cause one to bleed to death easily.
I am so glad the author survived this.
Thank you so much for giving us a blow by blow account of your encounter. I too backpack alone into wilderness areas always with my trusty Spot and my dog. Being aware of your environment and making noises certainly are important, but the unexpected happens. While hiking deep in the Yolla Bollys I was coming up a steep ridge trail, and unbeknowst to me, a bear was coming up the other side, and we had an eye to eye encounter inches apart at the top! Fortunately the bear was as surprised as me and ran back down. Life hangs in that split second. I am grateful that you survived. We need you for your future books and articles – they are wonderful.
I’m so glad you’re alright. This must have been terrifying and disorienting. I recently broke a bone for the first time after many years of sport and adventure. I’ve joked that the ratio of fun to injury has been pretty darn good. Not saying anyone should have to pay to play like you did, but still, for all the time spent out there, you just understand the risk and do your best. I wonder whether this affects your feelings and fears about going out in the future, any PTSD? Best of luck in recovery! Thanks for sharing your story.
Hi Doug… This experience has not changed anything for me. I’ve been back out doing what I love to do and have just chalked this up to one of life’s experiences. I really don’t consider it any more dangerous to be out in the mountains than riding my bike in traffic or flying. I’ve had many encounters with bears in my lifetime and all but for this one ended well. I learned a long time ago that if you live life in fear of what MIGHT happen you never really live life. Thanks for the good luck wish… I am just about 98% back to normal… whatever that means!
Thanks for the illustrative story about your bear attack experience. As another oldster who wanders alone also, I started carrying an InReach because I wanted to minimize inconvenience my family or SAR if I couldn’t self rescue. I admire your grit in getting yourself out.
Your encounter at creekside fits with Herrera’s observations that stream sounds hide human sounds and increase the chance of surprised bears.
On rereading your account, it was a hot midmorning and you were heading upstream on a not well used trail. Morning air would have been sinking down toward you so the bear would not have had long range smell warning (as it was coming downstream and you were heading upstream). With that heat (97) it is surprising that at 10:30am the convection thermals had not changed direction upstream.
This is a great reminder to me and other solo wanderers to pay attention to wind direction and background sound when in bear country to avoid surprising these mountain people.
Thanks for your vivid and personal story.
“Mountain people” … haha I love this. Ken thanks for sharing. What a story!!!
I was just in the Trinitys today (April 16th 2022). Luckily my dog almost always alerts me to the presents of bears before I see them. Today she came back to me and walked near by while sniffing the air which almost always means there’s a bear near by that I can’t see.
I’ve done at least ten back pack trips into the trinity’s and almost with out fail see one or two bears. Thanks for the story and I’ll double my alertness out there in the future.