Local Activity Guide

Also known as the Caribbean of the Rockies, Bear Lake is an angler’s paradise. The picturesque, turquoise green water is home to a variety of fishing opportunities. From boat fishing to fly fishing and everything in between, Bear Lake is one of the best places to fish in Utah, if not all of America.

This freshwater lake is the second largest of its kind in the state of Utah and is known for having four species of fish that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Talk about a worthwhile catch!

Once you’ve settled into your luxury vacation rental, there’s no better way to spend your trip with us than on Bear Lake itself. And for something unique and seriously fun, we recommend you add fly fishing to your list.

But with so many options to choose from, check out this fishing guide to best plan for your fly-fishing adventure at Bear Lake.

Where to Fly Fish

With options that extend out past Bear Lake itself and into the scenic Bear Lake Valley, it can be hard to decide where to cast your line. Learn a little bit about each location to find a fly-fishing location that is right for you!

Cisco Beach

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons via Google Images CCL

• Address: Bear Lake State Park, Cisco Beach Rd, Laketown, UT 84038.

Located within Bear Lake State Park, Cisco Beach is a four-season location for all types of anglers. It’s also one of the best beaches on Bear Lake. Here you will find fishermen along the shoreline fly fishing for cutthroat trout or out on the boat hunting for the deep diving lake trout. The winter months also offer the opportunity to catch the iconic Bonneville Cisco.

Just keep in mind that the water gets deep quickly, reaching a nearly 50-foot depth just a short walk from the shoreline. This does limit the amount of space to move around for anglers on foot.

Rainbow Cove

Photo Credit: Ross Walker via Flickr CC 2.0

• Address: 940 N Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT 84028.

Very similar to Cisco Beach, Rainbow Cove is a Bear Lake State Park location that is ideal for all anglers alike. Located on the eastern shores of Bear Lake, Rainbow Cove is a great alternative to Cisco Beach for travelers looking for a more relaxed, less-populated experience.

It is important to note that this is another location with a rapid depth of about 20 feet not far from the shoreline.

Garden City Community Pond

• Address: 579 Buttercup Blvd, Garden City, UT 84028.

This 3-acre pond is a hidden gem amongst the best places to fly fish around Bear Lake. Those lucky enough to stumble upon this secret treat are rewarded with an easy afternoon of trout fishing. However, because this pond is stocked by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, there is a two trout catch limit per day.

This location is particularly popular for fly fishing in the late fall.

Utah State Park Marina

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons via Google Images CCL

• Address: 940 N Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT 84028

Located right along the Utah-Idaho border, the Utah State Park Marina is a great central location for anglers. The extensive boat ramp makes this a popular place for boat fishing, but it is not uncommon to see fly fishermen along the shoreline as well. This is a great location to catch a variety of trout, cisco, and whitefish.

This is one of the best places to fly fish along Bear Lake because the shoreline doesn’t drop off immediately but rather gradually gets deeper until it reaches a depth of about 15 feet.

Laketown Reservoir

• Address: Laketown, UT 84038.

Another great option for trout fishing is the Laketown Reservoir and it may even be more of a hidden gem than the Garden City Community Pond. To get here, you will need to travel to the nearby town of Laketown and you’ll end up on a dirt road for two miles before reaching your destination.

Once there, you will be rewarded with an easy place to fly fish for rainbow and cutthroat trout.

The Logan River

Photo Credit: arbyreed via Flickr CC 2.0

• Website: Fishing The Logan River, Utah [Reports & Info] | Visit Utah

Stretching out more than 30 miles as it winds its way through Logan Canyon, the Logan River is by far one of the best places to fly fish in the Bear Lake area. The river and its many tributaries are home to a variety of fish ranging from spawning big browns to roadside rainbows and everything in between.

Fall is when these fish tend to be in abundance but late spring to early summer is considered unfishable due to the heavy spring runoff.

What You Need

Photo Credit: Zadorozhnyi Viktor

If you are looking to fly fish, then you will need to come prepared with the right gear or at least know what gear to rent at one of Bear Lake’s local shops. Here is a list to help you get started.

• Fly Rod: Choose the right weight depending on what you are looking to catch.
• Fly Line System: You’ll need a backing, a fly line, and a leader.
• Flies: Fishing lures that range from dry, wet, to streamers. Opt for rapalas if you want to try your hand at the jigging method.
• Waders: To keep you dry!
• Bonus Accessories: Nippers, forceps, split shots, and dip nets are just some of the ways you can take your fly-fishing experience to the next level.

Where to Rent Gear

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Bear Lake Funtime Rentals

• Address: 1217 S Bear Lake Blvd. Garden City, UT 84028.
• Website: bearlakefun.com

Bear Lake Rentals

• Address: 2126 S Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT 84028
• Website: Bear Lake Rentals

Guided Tours

Cisco Charters

• Address: P.O. Box 54, Garden City, UT 84028.
• Website: Cisco Charters – Bear Lake Tours, Experienced USGC Captain

Pugstone’s Ripples and Waves Sporting

• Address: 20 North Bear Lake Boulevard, Garden City, Utah 84028.
• Phone Number: 435-946-2855

When to Fly Fish

Photo Credit: Edgar Zuniga Jr. via Flickr CC 2.0

Bear Lake is a year-round fishing location but what you can catch and where you can catch it will vary depending on the time of year you visit Bear Lake. Always check out the latest fishing report to see what fish are going to be active during your visit. Late fall tends to be the best time to fly fish with many fish spawning and traveling closer to the surface during this time.

During the winter months, you’ll want to put your fly rod away, but it is a great time and place to try out ice fishing!

What You Can Catch

Photo Credit: Rocksweeper

Bear Lake is home to many different species of fish so there is always something new and exciting to catch on your fly-fishing journey! Plus, the nearby Logan River can widen your horizons even further. Check out this list to see what your fly-fishing catches can consist of and always look at an updated fishing report to see what is biting during your visit!

• Rainbow Trout
• Bonneville Whitefish
• Bonneville Cisco
• Bear Lake Whitefish
• Bear Lake Sculpin
• Lake Trout
• Bear River Cutthroat Trout
• Brook Trout
• Brown Trout
• Smallmouth Bass
• Common Carp

A Fly-Fishing Adventure

Just a day trip away from Salt Lake City, Bear Lake is the perfect vacation destination for a relaxing weekend of fly fishing. Just make sure to take a look at the local fishing regulations before you cast your line! Bear Lake itself is fishable with either an Idaho fishing license or a Utah fishing license but other options on this list may require more state specific licensing and have other restrictions.

Once you know what you are getting yourself into, it is time to get out IN (or by) the water!

Escape to the breathtaking Bear Lake Valley, just a short drive from Salt Lake City, to explore some of the region’s most intriguing caves!

The beauty of this mountainous area expands beyond the pristine waters of Bear Lake. You can immerse yourself in thrilling adventures like hiking, biking, off-roading, and, of course, caving! That’s right, the Bear Lake area is home to several unique cave experiences. Some are hidden gems, while others invite pilgrimages of visitors to join organized tours.

Discover the captivating caves nestled around the mesmerizing Bear Lake in this guide of seven of our favorites!

1. Minnetonka Cave

Photo Credit: howderfamily.com via Flickr CC 2.0

• Address: Minnetonka Cave Rd, St Charles, ID
• Admission: $12.00
• Season: Opens on Memorial Weekend and closes on Labor Day. Tours run every half hour or more often, starting at 10:00. The last tour starts at 5:30 p.m.
• Website: fs.usda.gov/minnetonka

Discover the hidden gem of Utah in the majestic Cache National Forest – the Minnetonka Cave. Unveiling its wonders to over 40,000 awe-struck visitors annually, this captivating cave offers an exceptional experience that cannot be missed. It is one of the only caves on our list that requires you to explore with a guided tour, which takes place every half hour and more frequently during busier times.

A Forest Service ranger will guide you through different rooms filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and ‘cave bacon.’ The latter isn’t edible but a feast for the eyes!

Since it is one of the few caves that offer cave tours, it is a great place to start because you learn about the features you will see in other caves in this area. There are lights and handrails, so you don’t have to jump into a rugged experience!

2. Paris Ice Cave

Photo Credit: PIXNIO via Google Images CCL

• Address: Green Basin Rd, Preston, ID
• Season: Open year-round, but the cave isn’t easily accessible until mountain snows have melted. Visitors can easily reach the cave from June through October. 
• Website: bearlake.org/item/paris-ice-cave

The enchanting Paris Ice Cave, a crystal-coated wonderland, is only a quick drive north from Bear Lake. Enjoy a scenic drive through Caribou-Targhee National Forest, and don’t be surprised when you hit the gravel 5 miles before your destination. Tucked away at the edge of Paris Canyon, Paris Ice Cave is just remote enough to offer a special experience. This is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in year-round icy beauty.

Once you reach the cave, you will be pleasantly surprised by the makeshift boardwalk that winds through the cave and allows easy access to some of the cave’s coolest features. Admire the ice features and calcium carbonate deposits all throughout the cave.

While this cave is open year-round, you’ll need a snowmobile during the winter season to access the entrance. You can even do a bit of rock scrambling to get up to some tucked-away features. Just don’t forget your flashlight!

3. Hobbit Caves

Photo Credit: Anderson Piza

• Address: Logan Canyon, Logan, UT
• Latitude: 41°44’24.8″N  Longitude: 111°47’37.8″W
• Season: Due to the treacherous winter conditions and the snow that usually accumulates on the trails, it’s usually best to visit from May to October.

As the name suggests, Hobbit Caves is a collection of caves fit for a hobbit! Chances are you won’t be able to fit in all of the small caves here, but your kids definitely will! Bring your whole family along for the adventure because nothing says family fun, like some cave exploration! But don’t worry, there are some adult-size caves as well.

There is very little official information about these caves. To access them, drive about nine miles into Logan Canyon and then make a right onto Right Fork Canyon Road. Then, drive for another half-mile before reaching a small pull-out suitable for just a handful of cars. This is where your adventure begins.

Scramble down to a short trail with scenic highlights like a waterfall and a makeshift board creek crossing before reaching the hidden gem known as Hobbit Caves!

4. Wind Caves

Photo Credit: Livy Rich

• Hiking Length: 4.0 miles round trip.
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Season: Open year-round, but the best conditions are between May and October.
• Website: alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/wind-cave-trail

Unlike most of the other caves in the area, you have to put in some effort to get to Wind Caves, but it is worth every second. Follow a narrow trail as it guides you until you get to the iconic Wind Caves. The trailhead starts around 40 minutes west of Bear Lake. The journey packs a punch with a steady, two-mile uphill hike, but once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with one of the most breathtaking views in Northern Utah.

Nicknamed the Witch’s Castle, the limestone caves are a one-of-a-kind feature unlike anything else you will see in the area. Spend the afternoon exploring and climbing atop the caves for a variety of views overlooking the surrounding mountain tops. To take things up a notch, consider doing this hike for sunset or during the fall when the foliage is bright with color!

5. Ricks Spring

Photo Credit: beth woodrum via Flickr CC 2.0

• Address: Richmond, UT
• Website: fs.usda.gov

Located along Logan Canyon, Ricks Spring is a great stop on a scenic Cache National Forest adventure. Though the cave isn’t as large as some of the other caves on this list, it is surely one of a kind! Right from the road you’ll catch a glimpse of the Ricks Spring grotto, and abundant parking makes it easy to get out and explore.

Take the paved path, paired with a charming bridge crossing the creek, to admire the waters and reach the grotto. Just make sure you don’t drink them! A nearby interpretive sign reminds visitors that this grotto is tainted by the Logan River, and although the water may look refreshing, it’ll make you very sick.

Once you have had your fill of the grotto, head left to explore the cave. You can crawl about 40 feet within the cave, so ensure your headlamp is ready to go. Part of what makes this cave so cool is that not many people come here to visit, so enjoy the feeling of having a cave all to yourself!

6. Providence Cave

Photo Credit: PedkoAnton

• Address: Millville Peak Rd Fr 168, Logan, UT 84321
• Cave Map: http://jonjasper.com/MapGallery/ProvidenceCaveMap.pdf
• Website: https://www.roadtripryan.com/go/t/utah/northern-utah/pcave

While an experienced spelunker might consider this cave to be an easy adventure, it is not the typical cave tour experience you might be looking for. Providence Cave is a great option for beginners who are looking to get into spelunking, but should not be attempted without an experienced spelunker to guide you. Say goodbye to handrails and hello to rope!

The entrance to the cave requires the use of a rope, and while there is usually one already set up there, it is important to bring your own, just in case. You should also bring a headlamp, a helmet, a jacket, and any other important safety items you can think of – perhaps a cave map so you don’t get lost!

The first few sections of the cave are also pretty tight, so don’t forget to be patient and take deep breaths throughout your journey. You will soon be rewarded as the cave opens up into one spectacular room after another.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your friends (and your experienced spelunker) because it is time to go on an epic adventure!

7. Niter Ice Cave

Photo Credit: J. Stephen Conn via Flickr CC 2.0

• Address: 803 Highway 34, Grace, ID 83241
• Website: Niter Ice Cave – Southeast Idaho High Country

Opposite of its name, the Niter Ice Cave is an ancient lava tube from a past eruption five hundred thousand years ago. When you arrive at the cave, you will see an interpretive sign that teaches you about how the lava tube was formed and how it was used throughout the late 1800s as a cold storage space for things like butter and milk.

Hold on to the railing as you make your way into the cave, as the stairs are often coated with ice, even in the summer months. Don’t forget your jacket! The cave goes quite a way back, but so does the mud, so come prepared to get dirty. You may also want to leave the kiddos at home because vandals have made Niter a canvas for vulgar graffiti.

A Cave Hopping Adventure

So, whether you are staying at a Bear Lake cabin in Utah’s Garden City or Idaho’s St. Charles, you’ll have more to explore than just the shores of the iconic Bear Lake. Your cave adventures await!

This year-round destination tucked away between Utah and Idaho is the perfect lake getaway with all of the waterfront amenities and none of the crowds. Each season offers something new to enjoy, but there is nothing quite like the fall here at Bear Lake.

With temperatures still in the 60s, you can enjoy an afternoon on the water as you take in the fall foliage and admire the breathtaking scenery of the Bear Lake Valley. Then go for a scenic hike or walk around town with a pumpkin spice latte in hand. What’s not to love? It’s time to book your incredible vacation home for fall in Bear Lake!

Getting to Bear Lake

Photo Credit: Chase-Karli Willden

With Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) just three hours away, a vacation to Bear Lake is close enough to a major airport to maximize your time but just far enough away to feel remote.

Alternatively, you can take the two-hour drive from the smaller Pocatello Regional Airport on the Idaho side of Bear Lake.

Things to Do in Bear Lake in the Fall

Get out on the Water

Photo Credit: Chatham172

Bear Lake has more than 160 square miles of pristine, crystal-clear water waiting to be explored. Fall temperatures in the 60s still make for pleasant fishing days and exploring the shoreline. Enjoy spectacular views of Bear Lake Valley during peak foliage, and admire the bright turquoise waters of the lake as you go. You may even get a glimpse of the native Bonneville Cisco fish!

Seven boat ramps are located around the lake for a convenient launching experience regardless of your home base. Rent a boat at one of the many boat rental shops, or try something new like paddleboarding, kayaking, or jet skiing. We recommend Bear Lake Rentals for a variety of watercraft rental options!

Explore the Trails

While there is no denying that the lake is the star of the show here at Bear Lake, the rolling Bear River Mountains and nearby Logan Canyon are some key players. These features make an impressive backdrop for Bear Lake and offer some incredible outdoor adventures, especially in the fall. Dotted with aspen trees and scrub oak, hiking trails like the 1.5-mile Limber Pine Trail or the more challenging 7-mile Laketown Canyon Trail will be bursting with color. You can also drive a bit further for an easy stroll down the Bloomington Lake Trail on the Idaho side.

Short and Easy: Limber Pine Nature Trail

• Length: 1.3 miles roundtrip.
• Elevation Gain: 177 feet.
• Trailhead: US-89, Garden, UT

This family-friendly hike is a great option for people who want to spend some time in nature but don’t want to work too hard for it. From the parking lot, you will head right into Logan Canyon, where you can enjoy educational signs about the ecosystem, marvel at the towering trees, and take in the breathtaking views of Bear Lake below.

Moderate Adventure: Laketown Canyon

• Length: 7 miles roundtrip.
• Elevation Gain: 800 feet.
• Trailhead: Rodeo Arena in Laketown, UT

Avid hikers will love this trail, with moderate elevation gain and multiple stream crossings guiding you up to one of the densest aspen groves in Bear Lake Valley. Once you get here, you will be rewarded with fall colors that will have you feeling like you are up in the mountains of Colorado.

The Polar Plunge Option: Bloomington Lake

• Length: 1.6 miles roundtrip.
• Elevation Gain: 187 feet.
• Trailhead: Bloomington Lake Trail Head, Forest Rd 816, Preston, ID

You have to work for this hike, but not in the way you would think. Once you get to the trailhead, a short, relatively easy hike will take you to the crystal clear, turquoise shores of Bloomington Lake. But to get to the trailhead, you will need to drive about an hour from Bear Lake and traverse a section of washboard dirt road. Reward yourself at the end with a polar plunge dip in the picturesque waters!

Admire Fall Foliage on a Horseback Ride

Photo Credit: Alex Vog

Imagine all the breathtaking fall colors you’ll see on any scenic hiking trails throughout Bear Lake Valley, and then imagine it without having to do any of the walking! Take your fall foliage experience to the next level by booking a tour with one of these horseback riding outfitters.

Logan Canyon Horseback Riding

• Cost: Varies based on duration (1-4 hours).
• Address: 12800 US-89, Logan Canyon, UT
• Website: logancanyonhorsebackriding.com

Look for wildlife as you ride through bright yellow aspen groves and cross babbling brooks throughout Logan Canyon. It doesn’t get more serene than that!

Pony Express Horseback Rides

• Cost: $75 per person OR $115 a person for groups of 2 or less.
• Address: 2703 US-89, Fish Haven, ID
• Website: bearlakehorsebackrides.com

Head into the Cache National Forest for an hour’s ride through some of the best scenery in the Bear Lake area. You’ll get to cross bridges, admire the aspens, and get a great view of Bear Lake itself. Other fun options include a Cowboy Dinner and a Beach Ride!

Go for a Refreshing Bike Ride

Photo Credit: Monkey Business Images

Once you have made it to Bear Lake, you aren’t going to want to take your eyes off of the water. And the good news is that you won’t have to! With small-town streets peppered along the lake’s edge and a variety of ways to get around, Bear Lake is as bike accessible as it gets.

The Bear Lake Cruise is a 51-mile bike path that loops around Bear Lake. Grab a bike rental, take in the incredible views, and stop at charming towns like Garden City and Fish Haven.

In addition the area is known to host some of the best mountain biking around. Imagine riding through the magnificent, towering trees of the Beaver Mountain Ski Area before the first snow hits. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced biker, the trails cut through beautiful terrain and offer stunning views of Bear Lake.

For a more challenging adventure, you can explore the single tracks with plenty of obstacles or take on thrilling downhill descents like the ones offered on Stump Hollow Trai, which offers a fun ride down.

What to Pack for Fall in Bear Lake

When planning for a fall season trip, your mind probably rushes to thick-knitted cardigans, heavy flannels, and a possible beanie or two. But you should also consider packing a few T-shirts and maybe even a pair of shorts.

The fall weather in Bear Lake is crisp and sunny, with October temperature highs ranging from 55 to 65 degrees. Colder evenings are a great time to break out the fall sweaters, and infrequent rain showers minimize the chance of crashing your outdoor plans. So what should you pack?

A bit of everything! The most important thing to remember is layers, layers, layers.

Enjoy a Fall Get Away to Bear Lake

With plenty of outdoor adventures to keep you busy throughout your visit, Bear Lake is a great option for your next fall getaway. Enjoy the fall colors and breathe in the mountain air as you boat around the lake, hike amongst the mountains, and ride into the sunset. Finish each day at one of Bear Lake’s charming vacation homes, all conveniently located in the small towns that call the lake home.

Tourists often pack the picturesque, sandy beaches of Bear Lake in the summer, but just north lies a natural treasure. Located near the border between Utah and Southeast Idaho, Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge offers adventures for every speed.

Whether you want to lounge by the water, cast a line, or hit the trails, this wild refuge offers plenty of action. Bear Lake Luxury Rentals will provide the perfect base for your visit. With vacation homes in three towns around the lake, you’ll never be far from the Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

About the Bear Lake Wildlife Refuge

Bear Lake Wildlife Refuge comprises 18,000 acres of protected land just north of Bear Lake and includes the Dingle Swamp and Mud Lake. If you look to Google Maps for directions, you’ll be directed to Downtown Montpelier, but the refuge actually consists of  the land just south of town.

Although the refuge does not technically contain Bear Lake proper, it is intimately intertwined with it’s infrastructure and ecosystem.

The refuge was established in 1968 to protect the native species of flora and fauna and the accompanying valuable habitats for waterfowl and colonial nesting birds. Characterized by cattail marsh, open water, brush-covered slopes, and meadows, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages this area to keep it pristine.

What to Do at the Refuge

Spend the Day Around Mud Lake

Photo Credit: Justin Crook Photography

Mud Lake is the smaller, more rustic sister of Bear Lake. The preserved marsh area is a great place for wild exploration. There are numerous places to sit for a picnic while you watch wildlife and laze the day away.

Watch for Wildlife

Photo Credit: USFWS – Pacific Region via Flickr CC 2.0

Numerous animal species dwell within the 18,000 acres of the refuge, drawing bird watchers and other nature lovers to Bear Lake. Bring your binoculars, a comfy chair, and some snacks—you might be out here for a while.

The park’s avian life includes shorebirds like great horned owls, egrets, cormorants, and waterfowl and migratory birds like the Canada geese, sandhill cranes, and white-faced ibis, which all dwell in the wetlands. Besides birdwatching, keep an eye out for moose, elk, and native black bears on land.

Cast a Line

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Bear Lake’s bright blue waters are stocked with numerous whitefish species and two different kinds of trout, making the area around the refuge a world-class fishing destination. Though boat fishing is prohibited, anglers can drop a line at several locations around the lake shores. Check with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for more details.

When winter winds blow in, the summer crowds disperse, but the fishing fun continues. During particularly cold seasons, you can try ice fishing, a time-honored local tradition, and see if you can hook an elusive Bonneville Cisco.

Explore by Boat

Photo Credit: Monkey Business Images

In the warmer months; boaters can zip or drift across the open waters of Bear Lake. Ramps, docks, and boat rental shops around the shores allow easy access for both motorized and non-motorized watercraft.

Break out the kayaks and paddleboards for a slower-paced experience, or speed through the waters in a rented Sea-Doo from Bear Lake Rentals. You can even pick up inflatables to tow the kids (and kids at heart).

Go for a Swim

Photo Credit: dotspencer

Swimmers of all ages and ability levels can dip in Bear Lake’s inviting waters. The most popular swim areas — North Beach, Rendezvous Beach, and Cisco Beach — tend to fill up during the summer, so make sure to stake out your spot early in the day.

If you only have time to see one beach this trip, stop by North Beach (reserve an optional day pass ahead of time). Its shallow waters warm quickly, while two miles of pristine shore provide an idyllic place to soak up the sunshine. Other highlights include picnic tables and the floating Bear Lake Burger Boat food truck.

Hop in the Car

Photo Credit: Pavel Kiriiak

If you prefer to sample the delights of the outdoor world from the comfort of your car, the popular Bear Lake Scenic Byway runs 15 miles from Laketown, Utah, to the state border. (For a longer auto tour route, continue onward to Idaho’s Oregon Trail-Bear Lake Scenic Byway). As you drive, take some extra time to admire the vistas of the mountains and lake.

Nearby, the 41-mile-long Logan Canyon Scenic Drive carves through aspen groves and areas of historical significance. In the fall, leaf peepers from all over the country descend on this route to see the vibrant, changing colors.

Take a Hike

Photo Credit: Monkey Business Images

Whether you’re traveling with kids, dogs, or just you and yourself, Bear Lake has a variety of hiking trails covering beautiful sights and fascinating history. For a shorter trek, try the Limber Pine Trail or Swan Peak Trail, which both afford incredible views in just a few miles. Stronger hikers may want to tackle the Laketown Canyon Trail or Sink Hollow Trail, moderate hikes with ample chances to see wildlife.

No matter which hike you pick, remember to be courteous to others and respect the natural environment. You should always stick to the marked trails and leave no trace of your visit.

Bike Around Bear Lake

Photo Credit: goodluz

A 50-mile network of paved paths and roads winds around Bear Lake, making for a fun cycling day trip. Don’t be daunted by that distance; the route is ranked as easy to moderate, a relaxing way to see the lake from all sides. Fuel your ride with a raspberry milkshake from LaBeau’s, a Garden City, Utah institution.

For an added dose of adventure, consider biking to Minnetonka Cave, a 16.4-mile climb from the lakeside town of Fish Haven, Idaho. The caves stretch deep below the surface, featuring limestone formations and underground waterways well worth seeing.

Book a Tee Time

Photo Credit: Pxfuel via Google Images CCL

You can choose from two visitor-friendly golf courses on the shores of Bear Lake – the Bear Lake Golf Course and Bear Lake West Golf Course. Here, you can enjoy a one-of-a-kind sporting experience set against a gorgeous natural backdrop.

Both facilities are open to the public from spring through fall for reasonable fees. Families, large groups, and solo golfers can play at either course, as both have offerings appropriate for different skill levels.

Check out the Scenery by Horse

Photo Credit: Stephan Rapp

Hop in the saddle to check out the Bear Lake Valley from an entirely new point of view. On horseback, you can explore the tranquil corners of Logan Canyon and the Cache National Forest.

Companies like Pony Express Horseback Rides and MW Quarter Horses provide unforgettable experiences ranging from quick excursions to half-day rides. You’ll want to book quickly, though — during the high season, it doesn’t take long for trips to fill up.

Strap on Snowshoes

Photo Credit: Mark Bonham

As the temperatures drop and snow falls, Bear Lake’s winter activities are in full force! You’ll need a solid pair of snowshoes to walk through this winter wonderland. Rent snowshoes from Epic Recreation in Garden City before striking out on the Bear Legacy Pathway or any other trails in the area.

Along the way, you may catch glimpses of rough-legged hawks and bald eagles, which nest in the pine trees around Bear Lake during winter months. Consider bringing some snow saucers or inner tubes for a sledding break during your walk.

Pro Tip: If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, consider snowmobiling instead!

Set Aside a Ski Day

Photo Credit: Kent Kanouse via Flickr CC 2.0

Bear Lake boasts epic cross-country and downhill skiing opportunities. Nordic skiers should head to Beaver Bottoms or Green Canyon, both maintained by the Cache Valley nonprofit Nordic United. If off-the-beaten-track ventures are more your speed, simply set a course for the nearest hiking trail.

Meanwhile, the family-owned Beaver Mountain Ski Area has been providing thrills for downhill skiers since 1939. Here, you’ll find all the usual amenities, like gear rentals, lessons, a repair shop, and 48 runs that will suit beginners and dedicated powder hounds alike.

Plan Your Trip to Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge has countless nooks and crannies to explore. No matter how you’re traveling or who you’re traveling with, there’s something here that everyone can enjoy. Book your stay at Bear Lake Luxury Rentals and start planning your getaway today!