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Bear Lake

Bear Lake's blue waters are referred to as the "Caribbean of the Rockies."

Elevation:

5,924 Feet

Bear Lake State Park is a beautiful place to explore in northern Utah and southeastern Idaho. It is located along the Utah-Idaho border and encompasses more than 6,000 acres of stunning scenery. The area features two large lakes, Bear Lake and Bear River, as well as five smaller bodies of water. Visitors can take advantage of fishing and boating opportunities, as well as hiking and picnicking spots.

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geology

Bear Lake State Park is located in the Bear River Range, a mountain range that runs through northern Utah and southeastern Idaho. The area is characterized by its volcanic origins, with lava flows dating back to the Tertiary period (about 40 million years ago). This means there are plenty of interesting geological formations to explore in this area, including layered sedimentary rocks, volcanic cones and lava tubes.

history

The area now known as Bear Lake State Park has been a popular recreational spot among locals and visitors alike since the late 19th century. The first settlers were the Shoshone, Ute and Bannock tribes with fur trappers and hunters arriving in the area around 1818. They quickly discovered the abundance of wildlife in the region, including bears (hence the name). Over the years, more and more visitors began to flock to the area for its natural beauty, eventually leading to its designation as a state park in 1969.

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Wildlife

The area is home to a wide variety of land and aquatic animals, including moose, elk, deer, fox, bobcat, muskrats, beavers and more. Bird watchers will also find plenty of species to observe here such as bald eagles, ospreys and great blue herons. There are also many fish species in the lake, such as whitefish, perch and cutthroat trout.

The Bear Lake Area

Garden City

Garden City is the gateway city to Bear Lake from Logan Utah. It is right up against Bear Lake State Park and has some great local eats, famous raspberry shakes, supplies for travelers, and a good variety of lodging options.

Logan Canyon Scenic Byway

Logan Canyon is the best way to go to the lake from Logan. It is a lovely drive and recognized for its recreational opportunities. Logan Canyon is loved by cyclists, fisherman, snowmobilers, lovers of wildlife, and adventure. It is a great place to see the fall colors and enjoy a peaceful drive.

Planning your trip to bear lake state park

Bear Lake State Park has something for everyone, from fishing and boating to family-friendly hikes and outdoor activities. If you’re planning a trip here, be sure to check the park website for updates on hours and fees before you go. There is no designated camping area in the park but there are plenty of places nearby where you can stay. It’s also a good idea to bring your own food and water, as there are not many services available in the park itself. With its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife, Bear Lake State Park is sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience!

lodging/camping

The communities that surround Bear Lake offer hotels, motels, vacation rentals, glamping, and other lodging services. The park offers a variety of campgrounds for camping, which provides access to the lake and nearby trails. The area has sites for both tent and RV camping, as well as a trailer dump station. Each site comes with a picnic table and fire ring, in addition to restrooms and showers. Camping fees apply, so be sure to check the park website for the most up-to-date information.

dining

There are also many great places to eat in the area, including local restaurants and family-friendly diners. Marina Grill offers a variety of burgers, sandwiches and shakes for visitors. You can even feed the fish from the docks of the Marina. Other great choices include Campfire Grill Restaurant and House of Pop Bear Lake, both located in Garden City, Utah, which is about 1.5 miles from Bear Lake State Park.

Fees/permits

Bear Lake State Park requires a fee for access, which can be purchased online or at the entrance kiosk. There are also day-use fees and additional charges for camping sites and boat launches. Annual passes are also available. If you have any questions about fees and permits, visit the state park website for all amounts for Bear Lake State Park.

Before heading out on the lake, all visitors must obtain a boating permit from the park office or online. Fishing licenses are also required and can be purchased in Garden City, Utah or online through the Utah Department of Wildlife Resources.

Pets

Pets are welcome in Bear Lake State Park, but must be kept on a leash no longer than ten feet at all times. Pets may not enter any of the park's buildings, swim areas or beaches, but are welcome in nearly all of the campsites Bear Lake State Park has to offer. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pet and disposing of waste in designated trash receptacles.

Seasons

This lake is a summer hotspot with many beaches and warm weather adventures. The main season is early-May to late-October.

Winter in the area is full of excitement on over 300 miles of snowmobile trails and skiing/snowboarding at the Beaver Mountain Resort.

Beaches

Rendezvous Beach

Rendezvous has a rentable pavilion, sandy beaches, a restaurant close to the water, showers, tent camping, toilets, food, picnic area - dogs are allowed at the campground, but not allowed at the beach.

Bear Lake State Park

Bear Lake State Park offers plenty of rental opportunities, a convenience store, boat ramp, dock, many campsites, showers, pavilion, visitors center, restrooms and is dog friendly.