Beautiful Bear Lake on the Utah-Idaho border, is the second largest fresh water lake in the state after Utah Lake. It is sometimes referred to as the “Caribbean of the Rockies” because of it’s beautiful turquoise blue water. This is due to the refraction of limestone particles in the water.
To get to Bear Lake from most places in Utah you will drive through beautiful Logan Canyon.
Bear Lake is a popular place for boating, waterskiing, tubing, jet skiing, kayaking, and fishing. As you can see the water looks a little different depending on the sunlight and blue of the sky.
The beaches aren’t fine sand, but have tiny rocks and sea shells, but you can still build a sand castle. My kids love to collect the little shells!
There are many public beaches, including Bear Lake State Park, Rendezvous Beach, and North Beach State Park.
Bear Lake has lots of fish, including Bear River cutthroat trout, Lake trout, Bonneville cicso, Bonneville whitefish, Bear Lake whitefish, Bear Lake sculpin and others.
Bear Lake looks really cool when there is a storm with rain and wind, creating white-capped waves.
Bear Lake is away from light pollution, so it can be a great place for starry night photography. This photo below was taken in July 2022.
In 2021 we were there during the full moon. It’s also great for bird watching. Of course I only had my cell phone for this Great Blue Heron.
Bear Lake is a beautiful place to watch the sunrise or sunset!
Bear Lake Stats:
Beaches $20 – free depending
Pets allowed – Some beaches (watch for signs)
If you are getting there through Logan Canyon, you can make quick stops at the Hobbit Caves or Tony Grove. For a longer hike, go to the Wind Cave.
