Charles Canyon on the Idaho side of the lake and explore the spectacular Minnetonka Cave. Several walking trails and viewing areas here offer great vantage points. The refuge encompasses nearly 2,000 acres of marshes, grasslands, and open waters where you can spot a variety of species, from sandhill cranes and herons to pelicans, ducks, and geese. Bear Lake National Wildlife Refugeīear Lake is home to an abundance of birdlife, and one of the best spots for birding is at Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge on the Idaho side of the lake.

You’ll also enjoy amazing views of Steam Mill along the way. For something more challenging, take on the nine-mile Sink Hollow Trail through sagebrush meadows and aspens to the lovely Horse Lake. You’ll also come across the huge limber pine tree (actually five trees intertwined), more than 560 years old, which gives the trail its name. The 1.5-mile Limber Pine Trail is an easy loop stroll through pine forests, with views of the lake along the way. There are many hikes you can enjoy around the Bear Lake area. Garden City also has a sandy beach and is home to the region’s biggest summer event, the Raspberry Days Festival. You’ll find cafes and restaurants here, from family grills to pizza places, as well as shops for groceries and souvenirs. Garden City is the main town on the lake and a great base from which to explore the region. For a quieter experience, head to the more secluded East Beach on the Idaho side. North Beach State Park on the Idaho side is a Bear Lake favorite, with a two-mile stretch of sand featuring clear waters that are ideal for swimming. Rendezvous Beach, just outside of Garden City, Utah, is a sandy beach that’s popular for water skiing and boating. Bear Lake is often referred to as the Caribbean of the Rockies for its sparkling blue waters, which are caused by its rich source of calcium carbonate particles that reflect a blue hue on the surface.

On the border of Utah and Idaho, around 2.5 hours north of Salt Lake City, you’ll find Bear Lake, a freshwater lake with 50 miles of shoreline and dozens of inviting sandy beaches.

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