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Are you planning to participate in the Bear Lake Trifecta race for the first time? Or maybe you’re just planning to observe the event and support your friends or family members who are running? Either way, you’re in for a treat because this fun event is rapidly becoming one of America’s most beloved races.

Since 2008 the Bear Lake Trifecta has offered a challenging but rewarding three-day running event that takes place in not one, not two, but three of the most beautiful states that surround the 109 square miles of Bear Lake. 

Book your vacation home rental, and grab your running shoes or your pom poms! Here’s everything you need to know to make the most out of attending the Bear Lake Trifecta. 

About the Bear Lake Trifecta

The Bear Lake Marathon Trifecta is a three-day event that takes place in three different western states: Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming. The event features both full and half marathons each day, and Utah even includes a 5k in addition to their half and full marathons. All of the races feature rolling hills and beautiful mountain views to make for a challenging but fun run. 

The Bear Lake Trifecta values simplicity. The emphasis of the event is on the races themselves and the scenic surroundings of the courses. The Bear Lake Trifecta does not have live music or elaborate expos, but all runners DO receive excellent support along the course and fantastic SWAG bags along with phenomenal views of Bear Lakes’ best beaches and mountain topography.

Where

If you’re striving to visit all 50 states or to run a marathon in all 50 states, the Bear Lake Trifecta is a fantastic opportunity to knock off three of the most beautiful from your running bucket list. 

All of the start and finish lines are within 45 minutes of one another, meaning you can easily base yourself right on Bear Lake and be within just a short drive of each race, whether you wish to participate or spectate in the races. 

When

The Bear Lake Trifecta always takes place in early June over the course of three separate days. At this time of year, the weather is usually quite pleasant and not too hot for racing! While 2022 was a bit warm, the temperature for the races in past years has averaged from the high 60s to the low 70s. 

What to Expect

The Bear Lake Trifecta is a relatively small event, and historically, there have only been about 50 people in each marathon, which makes for a fun and intimate race experience. 

Each race also takes place somewhere between 6000 and 6500 feet above sea level. Although aside from rolling hills, the races have relatively little elevation change. The majority of the terrain for each race consists of unpaved trails. 

The Races

Here is a breakdown of the three states’ participation in the event! 

Idaho Races

• Races: Full and Half Marathon
• Starting Point: St. Charles, ID

The Idaho Full Marathon and Half Marathon courses start just outside of North Beach State Park. The course features rolling hills, lake views, and fully stocked aid stations. The courses are out and back and rated as fairly easy, despite the hills, which bring about a little elevation gain. The race starts in St. Charles, Idaho. 

Wyoming Race

• Races: Full and Half Marathon
• Starting Point: Cokeville, WY

The Wyoming segment of the Bear Lake Trifecta takes place in the quaint small town of Cokeville, Wyoming. The course is out and back, with aid stations located about every 2 miles. The Wyoming course is the flattest of the three, although you’ll still experience some elevation gain and beautiful views over the course of the race. 

Utah Race

• Races: Full Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K
• Starting Point: Garden City, UT

Finally, the Utah race of the Bear Lake Trifecta takes place right in the popular summer destination of Garden City, Utah. This out and back also features long rolling hills and lake views, and it’s also the race with some of the biggest hills and highest elevation gain. 

Cost of the Bear Lake Trifecta

Historically, each race of the Bear Lake Trifecta costs between $135 and $165 for the half and full marathons, respectively, and around $42 forth 5K in Utah. 

If you plan to run all three races, you can receive a discount by purchasing race entry for all three as a bundle. Typically, the earlier in advance you register for the races, the less you’ll pay.

Registration for the races also lands you a commemorative T-Shirt, medal, and a SWAG bag full of goodies from the race’s sponsors.  

2023 Bear Lake Trifecta

• Idaho Dates: June 8th
• Wyoming Dates: June 9th
• Utah Dates: June 10th
• Pre-race Packet Pick Up: 88 S. Bear Lake Boulevard, Garden City, UT
• Website: runbearlake.com

The 2023 Bear Lake Trifecta takes place from June 8th to June 10th. The pre-race packet pick-up takes place June 7th at the Water’s Edge Resort from 4 pm to 7 pm. However, no worries if you can’t make it on June 7th because competitors can also pick up their packets the morning of race day. Check the race website for pick-up locations.

Awards will be distributed to the overall age group winners after each race, and there will also be an award ceremony on Saturday afternoon.

Once participants cross the finish line, they can refuel post-race at the food vendors that are set up at the finish line for each race. 

Starting Locations

All races start at 7 pm with these starting places: 

• Idaho: Epic North Beach, 6668 North Beach Road, St Charles, ID
• Wyoming: Hideout Motel, 10763 US Hwy 30, Cokeville, WY
• Utah: Firehouse Pizzeria, 50 S Bear Lake Boulevard, Garden City, UT

Time Limits

For safety reasons, all races have a time limit of 7 hours for the Full Marathons and 5 hours for the Half Marathons. 

Spectating the Bear Lake Trifecta

Not a runner? No problem! Spectating the Bear Lake Trifecta is a fun, easy, and highly appreciated way to be a part of this event. The Bear Lake Trifecta is a smaller, more low-key race, which means spectating areas are relatively quiet, and additional cheer sections are always appreciated!

Running a marathon, half marathon, and even a 5k is hard work, and having people watching the race along the course and cheering makes a huge difference and makes the race that much easier.

You can find each course map on the Bear Lake Run under the routes and schedule section of the event website, so you know exactly where to go to cheer on the runners. 

Get Ready to “Conquer the Bear” in the Bear Lake Trifecta

With its scenic routes, rolling hills, and beautiful mountain views, this three-day marathon event Bear Lake Trifecta is a three-day unique, and challenging event. 

Let Bear Lake Luxury Rentals help you find the perfect place to train and recover! We have luxury vacation homes to fully accommodate you and your cheering squad! So mark your calendars for June 8th to June 10th, start training, and get ready to be a part of this fun event!

Nestled in the mountains of Utah and Idaho lies the stunning Bear Lake. With crystal-clear waters, breathtaking mountain vistas, and luxurious cabin rentals, Bear Lake is the perfect place to spend long summer days on the water, soaking up the sun and enjoying the natural freshwater lake.

One of the best ways to explore Bear Lake is by taking up one of the many available water sports with rental options around the lake. We’re talking kayaks, jet skis, sea doos, getboards, waterskiing, fishing boat rentals, and of course, stand-up paddle boards (SUPs)!

Not only do paddlers get a great workout, but it’s also a fantastic way to explore the lake as a family or group.

If you don’t have your own paddle board to use at Bear Lake, you’re in luck; there are several fantastic options for Bear Lake SUP rentals all over the lake. In this guide, we will cover all the places where you can rent paddle boards in Bear Lake.

The Best Places for Bear Lake Paddle Board Rentals

No matter where you’re staying on the lake, you won’t be far from a place to rent a paddle board! Here are the best places for Bear Lake paddle board rentals.

Bear Lake Fun

• North Beach Rentals: 535 East Shore Rd, St. Charles, ID
• Rendezvous Beach Rentals: 1153 W 1220 N, Laketown, UT
• Marina Rentals: 940 Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT
• Website: bearlakefun.com

Bear Lake Fun is a large rental company in Bear Lake that owns several different rental shops all over Bear Lake, including St. Charles, Laketown, and Garden City. Each offers different adventure options, including kayaks, wakeboards, and stand-up paddle boards!

Bear Lake Fun rental shops have two types of paddle boards available for rent: a premium lightweight fiberglass SUP and a plastic SUP.

Paddle board rentals are available in increments of 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours.

Pro Tip: There is also a location in North Beach State Park, making it an ideal way to access one of the lake’s best beaches by paddle board!

Bear Lake Water Adventures

• Address: 390 S Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT
• Website: Bear Lake Water Adventures

Bear Lake Water Adventures is a small rental shop on the water in Garden City, Utah, that offers standard paddle board rentals at hourly and full-day rates.

Their all-day rate is one of the best deals for Bear Lake paddle board rentals, so this shop is a great rental option if you want to save money.

Epic Recreations

• Epic Adventure Center: 201 N Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City UT
• Bear Lake Boat Tours: 2410 S Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City UT
• Hot Springs and Rentals: 6668 North Beach Road, St Charles, ID
• North Beach State Parks: 3890 N Beach Rd, St Charles, ID
• Website: epicrecreation.net

Epic Recreations is an outdoor recreation sports rental company in Bear Lake that offers all types of recreation equipment, including e-bike rentals, water trampolines, standard paddle boards, and blow-up paddle boards from several locations around Bear Lake.

Epic Recreations offers an 11’6” stand-up paddle board for rent and an XL paddle board that holds a whopping eight people. Their XL paddle board is 17 feet long and comes with eight life jackets and eight paddles.

Paddle boards from Epic Recreations are available in increments of 1,2,4, and 8 hours.

Additionally, Epic Recreation offers paddle boarding tours around the lake! However, tours are only available from their Bear Lake Boat Tours location in Garden City.

Bear Lake Rentals

• Address: 2126 South, Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT
• Website: bearlakerentals.com

Bear Lake Rentals is another fantastic place to rent paddle boards on Bear Lake. Bear Lake Rentals is located in Garden City, within the private Blue Water Beach Resort.

Although it is a private beach resort, anyone renting recreation equipment from Bear Lake Rentals is welcome to use the beach and access the lake from within the resort.

Bear Lake Rentals has fiberglass paddle boards available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis. Unlike with their motorized rental equipment, they do not take reservations for paddle boards.

This is the best Bear Lake paddle board rental option if you’re looking to beat the crowds, as you have access to the private beach at Blue Water Resort when you rent from Bear Lake Rentals. Just keep in mind parking here is $10/car.

Paddle board rentals are available for rent in 1,2,3,4, and 8-hour increments.

North Bear Rentals

• Address: 120 N Main St, Bloomington, ID
• Website: northbearrentals.com/beach

Finally, you can rent a paddle board from North Bear Rentals. North Bear Rentals is located in Bloomington, just a 10 minutes drive from the north shore of Bear Lake.

While their location is less convenient than other beachfront paddle board rental options on Bear Lake, their prices are much lower. North Bear Rentals offers inflatable paddle boards and essential beach gear like sun shades, beach wagons, sand castle kits, beach towels, and wood.

So, if you don’t mind a short minute drive from the beach to pick up your paddle board, you’ll get a great deal. North Bear offers all-day rentals for their SUPs.

Reasons to Explore Bear Lake by Paddle Board

Paddle boarding is one of the best ways to experience Bear Lake because it offers a unique way to explore the sparkling, sapphire waters of the lake. Gliding across the waters of Bear Lake is not only fun but also very peaceful and an incredible workout!

Paddle boarding is an excellent way to explore the lake. For the calmest waters, take to Bear Lake on your paddle board earlier in the morning, before the afternoon winds pick up and wake forms from all the motorized boats.

Requirements for Bear Lake Paddle Board Rentals

Requirements for renting paddle boards and other watercraft on Bear Lake vary depending on the store. However, you will typically see these requirements:

• Boundaries: You’ll be expected to stay within certain boundaries of the lake, as instructed by the rental company.
• Age Limit: Some rental stores may require the renter to be over 18 and have a valid driver’s license.
• Waiver: You will likely also need to sign a loss and liability waiver.
• Safety Gear: A life jacket on every paddle board is required for every person on board.

Stay and Paddle on Bear Lake

Bear Lake offers many options for paddle board rentals, making it easy and convenient for visitors to explore the lake by paddle board. Whether you’re looking for a premium fiberglass board or a budget-friendly option, the above rental shops have got you covered.

So, next time you book a vacation home rental in Bear Lake, consider grabbing a paddle and viewing the shoreline from a different perspective!

Photo Credit: Joe Guetzloff

It’s hard to find a place that you can truly call paradise, but Bear Lake, Idaho, is one of them. Nestled between Utah and Idaho, Bear Lake is a beautiful body of water that offers a myriad of activities for everyone.

Nearby Minnetonka Cave is a can’t-miss day trip for the whole family when staying at a Bear Lake vacation rental. As one of the more unique destinations for a day trip from Bear Lake, Minnetonka Cave is one of the largest limestone caves in the state.

It features multiple cavernous rooms and a variety of natural rock formations like stalactites and stalagmites, making this an excellent spot for both photography and exploration.

Here is your guide to exploring this half-mile geological wonder!

Getting There

Photo Credit: SevenMaps

The cave is approximately 20 miles from Bear Lake, and there are several trails and points of interest to explore nearby, making it perfect for a mini road trip.

Located 35 minutes west of St Charles, Idaho, the cave can be found at the end of Minnetonka Cave Road. Parking is available at the road’s end near the entrance to the cave.

About the Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Photo Credit: Kevin Shalkowsky

The Minnetonka Cave is nestled within the expansive Caribou-Targhee National Forest.

This massive forest encompasses over three million acres of land with breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary Idaho terrain stretching to the borders of Montana, Utah, and Wyoming.

The area offers ample outdoor activities like snowmobiling, horseback riding, and all manner of fishing, from trout to steelhead, in nearby streams and rivers.

The national forest also has its own unique history. It was created in 1908 when President Roosevelt set aside 168 million acres of untamed western land to create the first National Forest Reserve. There are also several hiking trails that you can explore within the park near Minnetonka Cave and St. Charles.

Touring Minnetonka Cave

Photo Credit: Matt & Tofu (Jennifer) Straite via Flickr CC2.0

• Location: Minnetonka Cave Rd, St Charles, ID
• Website: fs.usda.gov
• Tours: recreation.gov/ticket
• Tickets: $12 for adults, $9 for kids aged 6 to 15, and free for children five and under.

Minnetonka Cave is a premier limestone cave located in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest in Idaho.

Tour guides offer a wealth of information about cave formation, its natural history, and the unique wildlife that calls this underground environment their home. Each year over 40,000 visitors tour the cave. The guides stop in five or six locations to explain the various geological formations and cave dwellers, including stalactites, stalagmites, towering columns, and five different species of bats!

Tour sizes vary, but usually, the tour guides support groups of up to 30 visitors per tour with opportunities for visitors to stop, explore, and take photos. The lights inside the cave will illuminate the amazing beauty of the stalactites and stalagmites, making for great photo opportunities.

The cave is open each year for guided tours after Memorial Day. Tours are typically 80 minutes and can be booked separately for larger groups. These tours are generally available on the weekends but can be booked throughout the week.

Pro Tip: This cave tour is very popular during the summer months, and reservations, which can be booked two weeks in advance, are highly recommended to avoid a long wait.

Keeping Bats Healthy

Photo Credit : Intermountain Forest Service, USDA Region 4 Photography via Flickr CC2.0

Due to the westward spread of White Nose Syndrome (WNS) in bats, certain restrictions are in place at Minnetonka Cave. Adhering to the restrictions set in place by the caves helps to preserve the cave’s condition and protect the bats from White Nose Syndrome.

Visitors are prohibited from bringing any articles of clothing or backpacks. This helps to prevent the WNS from spreading and affecting the bats.

Planning A Succesful Trip to Minnetonka Cave

When planning a trip to Minnetonka Cave, visitors should make note of the particular limitations and protocols put in place to ensure the cave stays preserved.

• Photography: Visitors to the cave need to be aware that cameras are allowed, but not tripods. It is also important to note that the cave is well-lit, so no additional lighting is necessary.
• Clothing: The cave can get fairly cold, so visitors should be sure to dress appropriately. Pack long sleeves and pants for the 80-minute tour.
• Exercise Caution: Lastly, please use caution when traversing the stairs, and wear appropriate shoes with good traction and ankle support.
• Pack Snacks: Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for before or after the tour as there the closest dining is back in Bear Lake!

Cave Accessibility

The cave is unfortunately not amenable to those with physical disabilities or mobility issues because of uneven ground and slippery surfaces.

It requires a trip down 896 steep stairs, and these steps can be wet and slippery in places. To ensure safety, visitors are advised to take great care when navigating the stairs and use the available handrails.

For those unable to make the journey, there is an observation area with a spectacular view of the cave entrance to enjoy.

Fitness Requirements

The tour will take you on a challenging yet rewarding journey deep below the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. You’ll navigate nearly a thousand stars roundtrip and a total length of 0.8 miles. Although this is considered a strenuous tour, your experienced guide will stop and provide rest stops every five to six locations to make the trip enjoyable.

Pets

Though it would be fun to take fido down into the depths, pets are strictly forbidden inside the cave. The cave is considered a precious natural wonder of the area, and follows protocol to keep it pristine and preserved.

Foot Washing Procedures

At the entrance of each cave, visitors will be guided to the foot wash station. Here you’ll remove any footwear and wear the provided booties after washing your feet with the provided solution.

This foot-washing procedure must be completed before each cave visit to ensure the safety of the caves’ species.

Explore Nearby St. Charles, Idaho

St. Charles is just a 35-minute drive from the Minnetonka Cave. It is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat and stroll this charming Bear Lake town.

This quaint spot offers visitors picturesque landscapes and plenty of outdoor recreational activities, from boating and fishing on Bear Lake to cycling or riding an ATV through the Green Canyon Trail. St. Charles is also a great jump-off point to explore Bear Lake’s many beautiful beaches.

After exploring the great outdoors, visiting one of the many unique local eateries downtown for one of the best meals you’ll ever have is also worth doing. The Minnetonka Market and Cafe is a favorite for all Americana burgers, shakes, and fries, while Float On is a sure crowd-pleaser for ice cream and loaded french fries.

Idaho’s Geological Gem

If you’re staying around Bear Lake and looking for an unforgettable adventure, a visit to Minnetonka Cave is a perfect choice.

With plenty of opportunities for exploration, photography, and hiking, visitors to this unique destination can experience all the area has to offer while staying at a Bear Lake vacation home rental.

Photo Credit: YanLev

You love adrenaline and adventure, especially on vacation. Now you’re visiting Bear Lake, a freshwater oasis in the mountains of Idaho and Utah — the perfect spot to jet ski up a storm!

The wind whips your hair and blows away your everyday stresses as you glide across the lake’s pristine blue waters, which slowly start to glimmer with the slow-setting sun. Skies turn from blue to pinkish orange, then finally red. You turn your jet ski around and speed back to the beach to meet your family. It’s time to cook dinner at your luxurious Bear Lake Rental.

But jet skis are expensive — and difficult to lug around and store while on vacation. So why not leave all of the extra maintenance and storage for someone else? If you don’t own a jet ski or don’t want to bring yours from home, Bear Lake has a few jet ski rental companies located all around the lake.

Ready to elevate your water-sport experience here on Bear Lake? Great! We’ll walk you through where to rent the best water toys, common requirements, and everything else you need to make your Bear Lake vacation one to remember.

Why Bear Lake Jet Skiing

Photo Credit: Gorloff-KV

Bear Lake is often referred to as the “Caribbean of the Rockies.” Its turquoise-blue waters, especially in the summertime, take you back to the Dominican Republic — gentle, rolling coastlines and fun, bouncy waves with gorgeous scenery to boot. Just replace salsa music with country jams.

A Bear Lake vacation gifts you 109 square miles of water to explore. If you’re on a kayak, you’ll enjoy the peaceful nook of the lake. Or maybe a boat rental for fishing is your speed. But if you really want to zip around and experience Bear Lake’s true vastness, you’ll need something speedy, like a jet ski.

Jet skis are usually 1 to 2-person small water crafts that glide across the water at 40 to 70 miles per hour. You’ll have just under ten places to rent jet skis around the lake. Rent one and take turns throughout the day or rent a few jet skis for a full day of family adventure around Bear Lake!

Bear Lake Utah Jet Ski Rentals

Two main companies supply all of the rentals around Bear Lake: Bear Lake Fun and Epic Adventure. Both companies own about five locations around the lake, so you have options no matter where you’re staying along the lake.

Bear Lake Fun

Bear Lake Fun has options for both summer and winter rentals. Did someone say “wakeboarding?”

Pricing

Visit in the summer and trade in that jet ski for a snowmobile when you return in the winter! Bear Lake Fun has two options for renting a sea-doo.

First, you can rent hourly on-site for

• 2 Hours ($189)
• 4 Hours ($299)
• 6 Hours ($389)
• 8 Hours ($459)

On-site locations have 3 to 5-mile boundaries. Otherwise, you can rent your sea-doo offsite with a trailer for 8 hours ($359). Off Site rental boundaries are anywhere on Bear Lake — talk about freedom!

Sea-doos from Bear Lake Fun have a 1 to 3 person (or 500 lb) capacity. The deal includes life jackets and instructions, but gas and tax are added to the base price listed.

Sea Doos and Trailers

According to the website, on-site sea-doos are available to rent at North Beach Rentals, Performance Rental, Rendezvous Beach Rentals, and Marina Rentals. However, if you want to rent a sea-doo on a trailer, these are only available through Bear Lake Funtime.

Want to rent something in addition to sea-doos? Bear Lake Fun also offers boat rentals, like pontoon boats, ski boats, stand-up paddle boards, and surf boats.

If you’re looking for a non-motorized rental, they also have water trampolines, SUPs, kayaks, canoes, and even beach-ready wheelchairs! Customers are always impressed with Bear Lake Fun, at least from their online reviews. They have great customer service, friendly staff, and high-quality watercraft rentals.

Requirements

You’ll need a driver’s license, credit card, and a $200 security deposit per sea-doo.

Locations

• Bear Lake Fun: 1171 N Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT
• Bear Lake Funtime: 1217 S Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT
• Performance Rental: 1414 N Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT
• Marina Rentals: 940 Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT
• North Beach Rentals: 535 Eastshore Rd, St Charles, ID
• Rendezvous Beach Rentals: 1153 W 1220 N, Laketown, UT

Epic Recreation

Epic Recreation has multiple options for jet ski rentals at different locations.

Pricing

First, they have an on-the-water-ready 3-seater personal watercraft (PWC), which includes life jackets. The time limits for this PWC are:

• 4 Hours ($310)
• 6 Hours ($430)
• 8 Hours ($490)

So a tank of gas will last about 6 hours with average riding and 4 to 6 hours with moderate or aggressive riding — don’t worry; you’ve got lots of time!

SuperJet Rentals

Lastly, Epic Recreation offers a “SuperJet” Rental, but it’s only available by phone. The SuperJet is a one-person, stand-up jet ski, an ideal endeavor for the adrenaline junkie in the group.

But if you’re traveling with the whole fam, Epic Recreation offers plenty of group-friendly activities. For example, try a scenic boat cruise with up to six people, or bring the whole group to a jam-packed wake surfing lesson with a certified guide!

Requirements

You’ll need a rental agreement and waiver.

Locations

• Epic Adventure Center: 201 N Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT
• Epic RV Park and Marina: 2410 S Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT
• Epic North Beach: 6668 North Beach Road, St Charles, ID
• Epic at North Beach Idaho State Park: 3890 N Beach Rd, St Charles, ID
• Ideal Beach Guests (PRIVATE): 2176 S Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT

Bear Lake Jet Ski Adventures

Your day of hair-raising, speed-chasing fun in the sun has come to an end. Maybe your arms are feeling sore — and your hair is definitely wet.

It’s time to return to your Bear Lake Luxury Rental to reconnect with your family or large friend group. But, before you hang out by the Timber Lodge fireplace, you run upstairs to sink into a hot, soothing bath.

You emerge refreshed, clean, and cozy — now, you smell savory food being prepared downstairs in the lodge’s world-class kitchen. Your friend pours you a glass of red, and the laughs pile on, with memories creating new homes in your mind. Ready for a vacation of simultaneous luxury and adventure? Book your Bear Lake rental today!

Photo Credit: Ken Lund via Flickr CC2.0

The hustle and bustle of everyday life can make anyone feel drained and gloomy. Why don’t you trade in those blue feelings for clear, pristine blue waters on a Bear Lake getaway?

Relish the soft sand, endless sunshine, and dreamy paradise attracting thousands to the “Caribbean of the Rockies” each year! The piece de resistance? A beach day at North Beach State Park!

Contemplating a visit? You’ve come to the right place. Here at Bear Lake Luxury Rentals, everything Bear Lake is our business. We’ve helped thousands of visitors like you make the most of this precious landscape and indulge in all the nearby town offerings. The best part? A comfortable, lavish lodge or chalet to host you and your entire family or friend group!

Back to the beaches, though. You have endless options, from Cisco Beach on the east side and Rendezvous Beach in the South all the way to North Beach State Park, Idaho, in the North — the latter being our absolute favorite.

A stone’s throw away from St. Charles, North Beach State Park has an extensive stretch of beautiful beachfront along the northern shore of Bear Lake. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about North Beach State Park for your visit.

But before we jump into the deep end? Let’s first get to the history of Bear Lake and its surrounding areas.

About North Beach State Park

Bear Lake’s sparkling freshwater lake spans over 109 square miles. The region boasts not only sandy beaches but also dense forests, towering mountains, and flourishing meadows.

The lake’s mesmerizing waters — thanks to its refraction of limestone deposits — have won Bear Lake the moniker “Caribbean of the Rockies.”

Areas near the lake have unique aquatic meadow plants. Further out on the hills, the lush vegetation has a blend of sagebrush, grassland, and juniper. There are also pine, aspen, and spruce woodlands, and of course, the region’s famed raspberry plants.

Enveloped by towering mountain ranges such as the Bear River Range, Wasatch Range, and Uinta Mountains, Bear Lake has a spectacular backdrop.

But Bear Lake isn’t just about pretty panoramas. The area is rich in history and culture, going back to the early 19th century. Indigenous tribes like the Shoshone and Bannock people used to call the region home. Back then, the area had a vast black bear population, so it used to be called Black Bear Lake.

Now, it’s a hub for shoreside relaxation, biking, boaters, water skiing, and fishing.

But back to North Beach State Park — what is there to do there, apart from reveling in the natural beauty?

Things to Do at North Beach State Park

Beach Side Relaxing

Photo Credit: Bryant Olsen via Flickr CC2.0

There are plenty of beach spots to pull up for the day around Bear Lake, but this one is worth putting at the top of your list! Buy a day pass, come early, and find a comfortable spot to hang on the beach at North Beach State Park.

Traveling with young ones? The gradual slope of the lake into the water makes it a kid-friendly beach with ample room to stretch out or frolic in shallow waters without fully submerging.

Pair that with a toasty-warm water surface that softens and extends into the water’s depths, and North Beach State Park is the ideal swimming area for kids and adults alike.

Our perfect laze-by-the-beach kind of day looks something like this:

• A refreshing dip in the gem-colored lake
• Suntanning on a towel with your favorite book in hand
• A short nap while listening to the lake water’s hum — the epitome of summer day relaxation.

In other words? Heaven.

Did you pack munchies for the kiddos? Meander to one of North Beach’s over 70 picnic tables for a family lunch. Bring your own grills for a BBQ!

Amenities

The area has amenities to keep your day trip as comfortable as possible, like five wheelchair-accessible vault bathrooms for your kids to clean up after burying themselves in the sand.

Rent Water or Snow Equipment

Photo Credit: Kaspars Grinvalds

Travelers looking for an adrenaline rush instead of just beach bummin’ fun can bring their own water sports gear or rent some to explore the lake.

• Paddleboarding and Kayaking: Bring a paddleboard or kayak and slow time down while drifting on the calm lake waters.
• Boats, Non-Motorized Water Toys, Seadoos: Bear Lake Fun makes it easy to rent equipment at North Beach State Park. Choose between boats, fast sea-doos, and other gear.
• Snowmobiling in the Winter: Colder months see fewer tourists but an uptick in winter activities and events. During the snowmobiling season, North Beach State Park has almost 300 miles of meticulously maintained trails nearby.

Go Fishing

Photo Credit: TeodorLazarev

Bear Lake’s fishing is unparalleled. Throughout the year, anglers from all over the nation are drawn to Bear Lake thanks to the abundance of fish. Bear Lake Sculpin, Whitefish, and the Bonneville Cisco are endemic to the lake — the latter of which spawns in the first two months of the year, making winter at North Beach State Park a fisherman’s dream.

North Beach State Park’s boat ramp provides easy access to the lake, and the gorgeous scenery of the surrounding cliffs and woodlands makes for an unforgettable fishing experience. There are plenty of boat rental services available around the lake as well.

Whether you’re looking to reel in the catch of the day or enjoy a peaceful day on the waters, North Beach State Park is the perfect place to do it.

Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge Kiosk

Photo Credit: rdng tchr via Flickr CC2.0

Further north of North Beach State Park, beyond Mud Lake, sits Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Birdwatchers and animal lovers will enjoy sunrise walks around the refuge. Expect to spot birds like hawks, bald eagles, and eagles.

Tips for Visiting North Beach State Park

• Day Pass: Purchase a day pass to avoid being turned away during full-capacity days.
• Pets: Dogs are not allowed on the North Beach State Park
• Bring Your Own Shade: There’s almost no shade anywhere on the beach, so bring an umbrella and apply tons of sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
• No Showers: There are no showers at North Beach State Park — wash up back at the lodge instead.

Where to Eat

Photo Credit: YoloStock

Don’t have time to pack lunch? Try out a nearby staple! There are plenty of places to eat around Bear Lake, but these are two of our favorites near North Beach State Park.

Bear Lake Burger Boat

• Availability: Seasonal from Memorial Day Weekend to August or September
• Price Range: $
• Location: Frequently Updated on Social Media

Bear Lake Burger Boat is a popular summertime food establishment unique to North Beach State Park. This unusual, quirky food truck-esque boat serves juicy burgers, mouthwatering hot dogs, crispy chicken sandwiches, drool-worthy pulled pork, and sweet ice cream.

When the pontoon-boat-turned-restaurant turns up in the waters, hungry beachgoers wade toward it with grumbling bellies.

Their timetable and location on the beach depending on the weather and waters. So keep your eyes peeled for a yellow food boat during your visit for a scrumptious meal by the beach.

Float On

• Availability: All seasons
• Price Range: $
• Address: 101 N Beach Road, St Charles, ID

A 7-min drive from North Beach State Park is Float On, an epic ice cream and snack shop. Trust us; this is an unmissable pit stop during your holiday to North Beach.

Forget counting calories and indulge in Float On’s raspberry shakes, pineapple float, oreo shakes, and loaded fries. Attached to the shop is a small souvenir store selling trendy merch where you can pick up a couple of tank tops or t-shirts.

Enjoy North Beach State Park with Bear Lake Luxury Rentals

Bear Lake’s sandy shoreline radiates tranquility and luxury, especially when clocked in golden light from a sunrise or sunset. Sit back, relax, and stay a while. After an entire day wiggling your toes in the soft sand, make your way back to one of our Bear Lake Luxury Rentals.

Expect spacious rooms, cushy beds, and endless amenities at our lavish holiday accommodations. Take a warm shower and drift off into deep slumber to energize for another day of Bear Lake adventures.