Just the Bear essentials

[indyfabz]

The only approved storage method in US National Parks(?) is a bear canister like above, which you just set on the ground.

Simply not true.  The NPS actually proivides bear boxes in places like Yellowstone and Glacier.  Used them in two campgrounds in the latter two years ago.  Another place that comes to mind in Colonial Creek Campground in the North Cascades.

[staehpj1]

The only approved storage method in US National Parks(?) is a bear canister like above, which you just set on the ground.

Simply not true.  The NPS actually proivides bear boxes in places like Yellowstone and Glacier.  Used them in two campgrounds in the latter two years ago.  Another place that comes to mind in Colonial Creek Campground in the North Cascades.

+1 we generally found that in places with those type of restrictions we were always staying in a campsite with a bear box.  This includes the TA and our trip in the Sierras.  The one exception was a camp just outside Yosemite (Fish Camp), where they advised that we were to keep our food inside our vehicles and out of sight.  Tough to do when on a bike   The camp was full when we arrived and we wound up sharing a site with a nice Dutch couple who let us put our stuff in their vehicle.

[ChromolyWally]

REI has an interesting article about bears along with a list of some places where the canisters are required.  Probably is not a complete list.  Best practice is to check with the federal authorities that govern the specific locations through which you plan to pass.

http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/bear+resistant+canisters.html

My closest encounter with a bear was when one entered my brother's car near Emerald Bay (Tahoe), opened my cooler and ate nearly everything in it.  This campground had bear boxes, but they were totally full.  We put the cooler inside his Prius, closed all vents and windows, and covered it so it was out of sight.  The bear actually opened the door by the door handle.  The car was unharmed, other than food and bear fur all over the inside.

[Fooesboy]

A very big THANK YOU to everyone who has given us some great advise! Lots to think about, especially good to know is the condition of highway 199 from Grants Pass to Crescent City. We have no other option but to follow this route, but for-warned is for-armed.

We leave very shortly from the comfort of our home out into the great unknown!

Let the adventure begin!!!

Ride safe.

Chris & Anita