Getting there: To get to the Bead Lake Loop from the town of Newport, WA, proceed east, across the Pend Oreille River bridge.  At the end of the bridge, take an immediate left turn onto LeClerc Creek RD/Bead Lake Rd. 2 to 2.5 miles up this road, stay right on Bead Lake Rd.  Approx. 6 miles further, turn right on USFS Rd 3215.  This is a gravel road, with a fairly steep climb around a hairpin turn.  A trail head parking lot is located on the right, just past the corner.  Park here to unload.

Staging/Camping: Unload in the Bead Lake Trailhead parking lot.  Be sure to pull off sufficiently to allow others to park in the lot.  Dry camping in the Colville National Forest is available.[read more=”Read more” less=”Read less”]

Difficulty: This route is entirely on USFS roads and county improved roads.  It is rated as easy.  The route is seasonal, open from April through November.  In the higher areas, the road may be impassable due to snow until late spring, early summer.

Highlights: Mostly a forested road, there are viewpoints along the eastern portion of the route.  Wildlife is abundant in the area.  Deer, moose, elk, cougar and bear have been sighted.  Along the western portion of the route, the road passes by an operational slate quarry.

Time and Distance:  This route is approximately 25 miles around.  Allow 3 hrs.

Route Description:  From the parking lot, turn right onto USFS Rd 3215.  Follow this road around the route for 10 – 15 miles, when the road intersects with Bead Lake Rd/Mystic Lake Rd.  Follow this county road west, down past Mystic Lake Campground (no OHVs’ allowed in camground), past the operating slate quarry, past No Name Lake.  On paved road, be alert for the left turn back up to the parking lot on USFS Road 3215.

Other routes nearby:  An extensive network of county and USFS roads in Pend Oreille County exists.  Anytime you are riding in the Colville or Kaniksu Nat’l Forests, be sure to have the appropriate MVUM in your possession.

Services:  Nearest full services are in Newport, WA.[/read]