tips for kayak camping in bear country?

Thanks Allen.

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And don't forget about raccoons and other critters...I have heard stories where they have taken off with equipment just as much as food (foxes will steal PFD's, for instance, to use as bedding material after they have chewed it up).

Raccoons are more sneaky - they know how to undo latches and such to get inside, and will often rip hatch covers completely off if they are hinged. So be prepared for everything! LOL.

We are getting to do some camping in bear country in the coming weeks, so this was a good topic to bring up!

-Cherie

On a rafting trip on the Rogue years ago out guide had a portable, solar powered bear fence. Not sure how small it packed down, but it was pretty neat.

I agree with others... Bear can for the food, clean camp, and you should be good to go.

Keep a couple pots and pans or other noise makers by your bedside in case you need to scare off any curious bears.

Finally something I can comment on that's truly relevant and potentially helpful!

Many years ago I was working for the Park service, surveying fish in the backcountry lakes. We'd swim the circumference of the lake counting and estimating size of trout. Saw some strange things during those surveys.

At one particular lake there were plastic shopping bags suspended in the water column inverted and anchored with a 8' piece of line and a big rock.  They looked like they'd been there a couple years.  We regularly cleaned trash out of the lakes, so I snagged the bag and swam to shore. Inside were packaged and canned foods.. clean dry and refrigerated by the cold water.  We puzzled about this a little but finally decided they were food caches.  It was not uncommon for people who wanted to hike the Pacific Crest Trail to stash food, pans, sleeping bags or clothes under and behind rocks along the trail. But critters would regularly find food and spread it across the landscape.   

This method of caching underwater seems like it would be bear proof. And unlike backpacker(who I presume had to brave the cold water to swim out to their caches) kayaker can simply paddle out, drop a hook and drag it up. Heck, for just an overnight leave a buoy on it like a crab trap.

That's my 2 cents.
Bioman.

Good idea! The only risk is that a park ranger might confiscate it:)

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This is good too. Read whole sign.

This is like how you tell a black bear from a grizzly bear. If being chased climb up a tree as fast as you can. If it follows you it is a black bear. If it knocks the tree down its a grizzly.

 

This is good too. Read whole sign.

 

Is the out-of-doors = the out house?