14.7 miles (23.7 km) long,[1] it is the largest tributary of Little Traverse Bay in the northwest of the lower peninsula.

The river flows east for about 2 miles (3 km) before turning north through Bear Creek Township, angling northwest to empty into Little Traverse Bay in Petoskey at 45°22′38″N 84°57′39″W / 45.37722°N 84.96083°W / 45.37722; -84.96083.

[2] The river has excellent fishing and provides opportunities for peaceful canoeing or kayaking.

For most of its path in Emmet County, River Road and the Tuscola and Saginaw Bay Railway parallel the river on its west banks.

Including Walloon Lake, the Bear River system drains all or portions of the following cities and townships: