This is an excellent beginner run thru medium-elevation forest and scenic gorges, with swiftly moving water but no big rapids. Because of diversions from the South Fork Yuba, the Bear River contains more water than its gentle canyon would indicate. If you are forced to paddle to Combie reservoir boat ramp, add 2 miles. Camping is possible at Placer County Park along the river around mile 3, for a nominal fee.
Sites fill up fast on weekends.
There is a class V run upstream starting at the highway 174 bridge, but it is so short and dangerous that most people find it unappealing. The Bear also has many promising sections with good gradient upstream of Rollins Reservoir, but these sections are mostly dewatered by hydro diversions. Downstream of highway 49, the Bear plummets thru a poison oak infested class V canyon that even stalwart Lars Holbek called a portagefest. mile 0 Put in along a swift section of river on the far side of some willows. A blackberry-lined trail leads down to the river, following hairpin turns of the old road. Most rapids are swift and shallow, dropping around small boulders lodged in gravel bars.