Spokane County owns and maintains Bear Lake and the park that surrounds it. It is located 15 miles north of Spokane on highway 2. The 80 acre park is developed with a paved hiking trail around the lake and has two plumbed restroom buildings, one on each side of the lake. A well maintained playground is available for the kids along with easy safe access to fishing and swimming. There are picnic tables with BBQ grills spaced randomly around the park, all within view of the lake and playground. During normal summer hours, there is a life guard on duty.

Currently, Bear Lake is managed as a juvenile fishing water which entitles juveniles under 15 years of age, licensed adults accompanied by a juvenile, and persons possessing a reduced fee disability license, to fish the lake. Check with the WDFW for exact regulations for fishing this lake. Only small hand launch boats are allowed. No Motors. Bear Lake is stocked with rainbows, largemouth bass, channel catfish, yellow perch and green sunfish. Marc Martyn