Bear (Rich, Bear Lake)

Bear Lake in Rich County, Utah and Bear Lake County, Idaho

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Bear Lake is a 70,000-acre natural freshwater lake straddling the Utah-Idaho border in the Western United States, stretching approximately 20 miles long and eight miles wide with nearly equal portions in each state. Often called the "Caribbean of the Rockies" for its stunning turquoise-blue color created by suspended calcium carbonate deposits that refract light, this ancient lake formed through fault subsidence over 250,000 years ago and continues slowly deepening along its eastern side today. Reaching a remarkable maximum depth of 208 feet with an average depth of 94 feet, Bear Lake is the second-largest natural freshwater lake in Utah after Utah Lake and represents one of the oldest lakes in North America that has never completely dried up, making it a significant scientific resource for understanding regional climate patterns. The lake features 48 miles of shoreline ranging from white sand beaches with gentle slopes perfect for wading to deeper areas with impressive depth, creating diverse aquatic habitats that support four endemic fish species found nowhere else on earth, including the Bonneville Cisco, Bear Lake Sculpin, Bear Lake Whitefish, and Bonneville Whitefish. In 1911, the Bear River was diverted into Bear Lake via Mud Lake and a canal system, ending 11,000 years of separation between the river and lake, transforming the upper portion of the lake into a reservoir that stores spring runoff for irrigation while maintaining its natural beauty and recreational appeal. Mormon pioneers led by Charles C. Rich first settled the Bear Lake Valley in 1863 after making agreements with Native American tribes, establishing charming lakeside communities including Garden City, Fish Haven, St. Charles, and Laketown that continue serving visitors today.

Bear Lake offers world-class year-round recreational opportunities that attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually seeking outdoor adventure, natural beauty, and the region's famous raspberry culture. The lake is renowned for trophy fishing, with anglers pursuing Cutthroat Trout reaching the 19-pound state record on the Idaho side, along with Lake Trout commonly caught in the 10 to 15-pound range, plus Bear Lake Whitefish and the unique Bonneville Cisco during designated snagging seasons, with fishing peaking during spring and fall when both trolling and ice fishing through the frozen lake surface draw enthusiasts from across the region. Bear Lake State Parks on both the Utah and Idaho sides provide extensive facilities including the Marina, Rendezvous Beach, East Beach, and Cisco Beach areas with developed campgrounds offering full hookups, primitive camping, group sites, boat ramps, swimming beaches, picnic facilities, and boat rentals including motorboats, sailboats, jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards for exploring the crystal-clear waters. Beyond water activities, visitors can explore over 100 miles of hiking, biking, and ATV trails winding through the Cache National Forest and surrounding mountains, play golf at scenic nine-hole courses overlooking the lake in Garden City and Fish Haven, take guided horseback rides through mountain canyons, visit the spectacular Minnetonka Cave featuring nine rooms of stalactites and stalagmites reached by a half-mile tour through the 40-degree limestone cavern, and drive the breathtaking Logan Canyon Scenic Byway connecting Logan to Bear Lake through rugged mountains and wildflower meadows. The Bear Lake Valley is world-famous for its raspberries, celebrated each year during the Bear Lake Raspberry Days Festival held the first weekend of August in Garden City, featuring parades, rodeos, live entertainment, craft fairs, and countless opportunities to enjoy raspberry shakes, jams, syrups, and fresh-picked berries, while year-round visitors can sample these signature treats at shops and restaurants throughout the valley, including the iconic raspberry shakes served at numerous establishments along the lakeshore.

Dimensions:

Small: 8"x12"

Medium: 12"x18"

Large: 16"x24"

Extra Large: 20"x30"

XX Large: 24"x36"

Gigantic 30"x45"