Bear Lake State Park ~ Utah

Bear Lake most definitely is a prime time summer season vacation spot, yet this destination is far enough away from civilization that overcrowding is rarely a problem. This big lake does get busy on weekends, yet an average weekday will offer plenty of peace and quiet. Bear Lake is located on the border of Idaho and Utah where Highway 30 and Highway 89 meet, so it is all paved highways to this place. Even so, the drive to Bear Lake is guaranteed to be a long one from any direction a visitor comes from. On the plus side, the drive will certainly be worthwhile because this gigantic lake boasts some of the bluest water to be found on earth!

A very large natural blue water lake in a picturesque Rocky Mountain setting sure does sound like a dream come true when the heat of summer rolls around. All it takes is one look to be captivated by this big blue lake and I do mean big, because Bear Lake covers over 100 square miles. With a 48 mile long shoreline, there is plenty of room to roam. There are several city parks and state parks on both sides of the Idaho-Utah Border and some offer camping options. There are areas where lakeside lodges, RV campgrounds and seasonal rentals can also be found, especially on the Utah side of the lake. 

The Bear Lake Marina is located on the west side of the lake next to Garden City and it is managed as a Utah State Park facility. Garden City is the best bet for stocking up on food and supplies, because the majority of the southern shoreline is composed of private residences and seasonal lodges. There are several private beaches in this area, so it pays to read the signs. Heading north on the eastern shoreline is where the Utah State Park beaches, day use areas and campgrounds can be found. There are several small craft boat launch ramps in the Utah State Park areas too.

There are so many man made reservoir lakes in the west, that it is like a sigh of relief when a natural body of water is found. Bear Lake is indeed a natural lake and it is over 250,000 years old, so it will not be drying up anytime soon. In fact, the east side of the lake is actually getting deeper as time moves on. The reason why Bear Lake boasts having turquoise blue water has to do with dissolved limestone being suspended in the aqueous solution. The calcium carbonate actually refracts a bluish tint in the crystal clear lake water.

Bear Lake definitely is a haven for summertime boating and swimming. The fishing is world famous and the Idaho Cutthroat Trout State Record (19 lbs) was actually set in this lake. Because Bear Lake is an isolated ancient high elevation lake, many unique species of plants and fish thrive in the waters, so it is best to check the regulations before going on an angling venture. 

Heading off to a big turquoise blue lake in the mountains is a mighty tempting thought when the summer temperatures are in the triple digit range and this is what makes Bear Lake such an appealing place to be. This lakeside destination is in a remote area, so it is best to plan on spending some extra time while there to make the trip worthwhile. Watercraft rentals of every kind can be found at Bear Lake, so all that a visitor needs to do is just show up for the fun in the sun!