Bear Lake is a large scenic lake often called "The Caribbean of the Rockies" for its intense turquoise blue water surrounded by several white, sandy beaches. This lake is nestled in a beautiful rural, historical and recreational setting in the southeast corner of Idaho and the northeast corner of Utah. Often when people refer to Bear Lake, they are talking about the entire area, not just the lake.
With all four seasons Bear Lake has a number of recreational and cultural activities available. You can Jet ski or go sailing. There is hunting for deer, moose and elk on its shores. Fish for huge mackinaw or cutthroat trout, or fly-fish for smaller brook and rainbow trout in one of the nearby streams. In the winter you can snowmobile, go snow skiing at two local ski resorts or enjoy the splendor of cross-country skiing.
One of the largest natural lakes in the Western United States, forty five miles of paved road surround the lake which provides lots of site seeing and abundant public beach access. The Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge is located on the North Shore of Bear Lake. This refuge has over 1,760 acres of marsh, open water and grasslands dedicated to preserving bird and wildlife habitats. The reserve is home to sandhill cranes, herons, the snowy egret, white pelicans and a variety of duck species. The Refuge has one of the largest Canadian goose producing areas in the western United States. Walking trails in the refuge allow you to view the birds and other wildlife. Deer and moose are often seen in the area.
Here is a list of some of the activities available at the lake:
Boating - With over 160 square miles, the resort area is known for excellent boating and water skiing. There are several locations on the water where you can rent boats, wave runners, sailboats, paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks.
Scuba Diving - The water on the east side of Bear Lake is over 208 feet deep. The water is clear and there are caverns to explore. Equipment rental is not offered at this location so bring your own gear.
Sailing - The winds range from gentle, to challenging from late morning until late afternoon.
Camping - There is a variety of public and private campgrounds surrounding the lake. Many are right on the water. From primitive tent only sites to full hookups for RV's, are available.
Hiking - Choices range from taking a stroll along the each, or on the paved Bear Lake Scenic trail. There are miles and miles of forested mountain trails.
Biking - The Bear Lake Scenic trail covers five miles in the Garden City area. A portion of the trail goes through the center of Garden City where you'll find various gift shops and several options to enjoy one of the famous Bear Lake Raspberry Shakes.
Cave Exploring - Minnetonka Cave is a fascinating nine room cave with stalactites, stalagmites, and banded travertine. Take a ninety minute, half mile walk into this beautiful cave, but be prepared for the 400 up and down steps inside. No matter the weather outside, make sure and bring a jacket, since the cave is cool. The cave is located nine miles up St. Charles Canyon.
Horseback Riding - Just minutes from lakeside the trails in Logan Canyon wind through the high mountain wilderness area. You can bring your own horses or there are facilities available to rent.
Fishing - The Lake is known for the Bear Lake cutthroat trout. Lake trout (Mackinaw) including whitefish also inhabit the lake. Options include trolling and jigging from boats which can be done throughout the year. Bring your own poles and go on your own, or choose and experienced outfitters in Garden City and take a guided tour.
ATV's - Bear Lake and the Cache National Forest has hundreds of miles of designated roads and some trails for ATVers. There is even a beach on the North Shore where you can ride your ATV.
Entertainment - One popular venue is the Pickleville Playhouse & Western Cookout.
With a western cook-out of rib-eye steak, lemon herb chicken, or BBQ roast beef. Then watch a live stage production in Pickleville's historic log theater.
Ice Fishing - Is one of the most popular sports at Bear Lake. During normal winters the lake freezes over in January and is known to freeze as much as three feet deep.
Snowmobiling - Even the most skilled hill climbers will find something to challenge them in the Bear Lake areas waist deep powder combined with steep mountains. Casual riders will appreciate the hundreds of miles of groomed trails crisscrossing the mountains. Machines can be rented at Beaver Creek Lodge in Logan Canyon. Snow season normally runs from the end of November to mid April.
Other Winter Activities included sledding, tubing and cross country skiing. There are ice skating rinks created in the winter months in Garden City and Laketown. When the lake freezes over, ice skating is available on the lake. There are no rental skates available so make sure to bring your own.
