You don’t have to fly to the Caribbean to play in turquoise waters. You can just head to Bear Lake instead. This 20-mile-long lake straddles the Utah-Idaho border, an easy vacation destination for families all over the west. But what makes the water such a striking shade of turquoise?
More on that in a minute. First, let’s look at the top reasons to make Bear Lake your family vacation destination this summer.
The average summer temps are perfect. You can typically expect 75- to 85-degree days, with nights cooling off to the 40s and 50s. The water temperature begins to heat up in June and reaches its peak high in August.
For a scenic drive, take the Bear Lake Loop, which circles the lake, making it a perfect way to explore the territory. Drive the approximately 55-mile scenic loop to pass through farmlands, take in mountain vistas and stop at sandy beaches for a swim along the way.
Jay Dash
Logan Canyon
The route accesses Bear Lake State Park, where you can picnic, camp, swim, fish and even rent watercraft to get out on the lake, including paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and water trampolines. If motors are your jam, they also rent Sea-Doos, water skis and wakeboards, jet skis and fishing boats. Did I mention the park’s sandy beach?
Speaking of beaches, Rendezvous Beach on the lake’s southern shore doubles as a historic site and a destination with everything, including watercraft rentals, you need for a fun day at the beach. The site was one where early trappers and traders would descend from the mountains and gather to socialize, toss back some whiskey and exchange goods. The water is shallow there, perfect for families.
On the north end of the lake, North Beach is sandy and miles wide, offering a perfect spot for a beach day as well.
The main town, on the west shore of the lake, is Garden City, Utah. There, you’ll find all the amenities you need, including lodging, dining, shopping, galleries and a farmer’s market.
The Bear Lake region is famous for its raspberries, which make their appearance in the ever-popular raspberry shakes. You can find this local treat anywhere where shakes are sold, but people line up for the shakes at Labeau’s. Just look for the 10-foot illuminated milkshake.
If you can’t get enough raspberries, go to Bear Lake in August for Bear Lake Raspberry Days at Heritage Park in Garden City. The fest starts with a parade and continues for the next two days with a lineup of family-friendly activities all over town. Raspberry pie-eating contest, anyone?
For a diversion from the lake, head west from Garden City onto the Logan Canyon Scenic Byway. There, you’ll drive through the canyon along limestone cliffs, dense forests, wildflowers and the Logan River. If you fancy a hike, there are trailheads along the way, like the Wind Cave Trail—a 3-mile round-trip hike that takes you to a fascinating cave formation with interpretive signs about the geology, flora and fauna.
Marc Piscotty
Child birdwatching
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
Back at the lake, head just north of North Beach to the Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge, an 18,000-acre site of wetlands, grasslands and mountain slopes set aside as crucial habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife. About 100 species of migratory birds nest at the refuge, and other wildlife use the refuge as well. Drive the auto-tour routes through the refuge to spot wildlife. And get out of the car and explore the trails. Bring your binoculars.
So, how does Bear Lake maintain a Caribbean-turquoise color? Fine limestone particles suspended in the extremely clear water catch the sunlight just right to scatter shorter wavelengths of light, which we perceive as blues and greens. The sun’s angle directly overhead in summer amplifies the effect. Magic? No, Science.
Plan your summer vacation to Bear Lake at bearlake.org.