Bear Lake

Postcard of Bear Lake and Garden City Utah, 1950

 “The Bear Lake Valley is a recreational paradise! Bear Lake is often called "Caribbean of the Rockies" for its intense turquoise blue water. Jet ski, go sailing, boating, fish, swim and play on our sandy beaches. Winter offers snowmobiling, ice fishing and snow skiing. Enjoy birdwatching & wildlife.” *

Bear Lake is shared between Utah and Idaho, the border traveling through the center of the lake. This freshwater, turquoise colored, lake gets is blue hue from calcium carbonate (or limestone) in the water. The suspended particles, when hit with sunlight, reflect the turquoise blue color. 

The lake is actively getting deeper due to a fault subsidence, slowly increasing the depth of the eastern side of the lake.

Among the abundance of recreational actives that the lake provides, the area around Bear Lake is known for its raspberry production. As such, many of the small shops and restaurants around the lake sell versions of the ever-popular raspberry shake, each made with their own twist.

Bear Lake even has its own set of legend and lore. Myths of an aquatic creature, better known as the Break Lake Monster have become a popular part of folklore for the area. While the original myth was started by Joseph C. Rich in the 19th century and later debunked by the same individual, the tradition and myth is carried on today.