[1] The community is located on Bear Creek, a tributary of the Truckee River 5 miles (8.0 km) west of Tahoe City,[2] at an elevation of 6,480 ft (1,980 m).

Due to the fire danger in the area, the Bear Creek Association created a set of mandatory Defensible space (fire control) requirements for all homeowners and vacant land owners inside the Bear Creek HOA to follow.

[5] Garbage services are contracted to Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal Inc. Electricity is provided by Liberty Energy.

The Alpine Meadows ski resort in the North Lake Tahoe California area, near Squaw Valley.

Minimal accommodations are available at the resort itself, so most people opt for a hotel at Tahoe City, Squaw Valley, Donner Pass, or Truckee.