I’ve spent 44 years living in Utah and not once have I made the 2 1/2 to 3 hour drive to Bear Lake. I have no idea how this is even possible. I have completely fallen in love with this beautiful lake. I am fascinated with the fact that the water is so clear I can see the rocks below the surface. I have never seen this before.
After getting home from my weekend stay, I did what I love to do. Google, research and learn as much as I can about the place I just visited. It seems like it would be a better idea to do it before my trip, but I find that I am more fascinated with doing the majority of it when I get home. Here are some fun things I found out about Bear Lake.
- Bear Lake is one of the oldest lakes in North America. It is at least 250,000 years old, but possibly twice that old. It was formed by earthquake activity.
- Bear Lake is known for its striking turquoise blue water, it is often referred to as the “Caribbean of the Rockies.” According to the Utah Geological Survey (UGS), the lake has large amounts of microscopic particles of white, calcium carbonate which is the reason for the water’s bright color.
- Bear Lake is split equally between Utah and Idaho. It is a little over two hours from Salt Lake City.
- Bear Lake is great for fishing, it contains cutthroat trout, lake trout and two other species that are not found anywhere else in the world, the Bonneville whitefish and Cisco.
- Bear Lake has been known for its raspberry production for a hundred years. It is situated perfectly geographically for berry growing. The 6,000 foot elevation keeps the temperatures relatively cool in the summer, which is perfect for raspberry plants, but not most crops. If you like raspberries you have to try a raspberry shake. Absolutely amazing!
- Bear Lake was originally named “Black Bear Lake” by Donald McKenzie, an explorer for the North West Fur Company, who explored the lake in 1819. The name was later shortened to Bear Lake. After McKenzie arrived at the lake he held what is known to be the largest rendezvous of Native Americans to take place in the Rocky Mountains. Nearly 10,000 American Indians, from various tribes, camped along the 7 miles of the lake’s north shore, trading with McKenzie and his trapping company.
- Garden City is a small quaint town on the Idaho/Utah border along Bear Lake. The majority of the shops were closed when I visited, but I hope to explore it in more detail on my next visit. A great place to sip on a raspberry shake.
- So many things to do…. A neverending list of adventures includes hiking, biking, fishing, water sports, ATV trails, horseback riding, visits to the sandy beach, scuba diving, exploring the shops in Garden City, sipping on a raspberry shake, visit Butch Cassidy Bank Robbery Museum, dig up fossils, cave exploring, stop by the chocolate bear for homemade frozen chocolate dipped raspberries, golfing, skiing, snowmobiling and ice fishing in the winter months.
I would highly recommend a weekend stay at this beautiful lake. Make sure to do a little research on the best time to visit before you plan your trip. Off season is still beautiful, but a lot of the shops will be closed. You will need to plan accordingly.
Quick Trip Girl 