Local Activity Guide

Paddle Board Rentals Around Bear Lake

Photo Credit: NicoElNino

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

Photo Credit: Photobac
  • 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

Photo Credit: Leo’s 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

Photo Credit: Uldis Laganovskis
  • 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

Photo Credit: Chase Clausen

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

Photo Credit: Lilkin

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!

A Visitor’s Guide to Minnetonka Cave

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.

Jet Ski Rentals Around Bear Lake

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

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!

A Visitor’s Guide to North Beach State Park

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.

8 Day Trips from Bear Lake You Can’t Miss

Photo Credit: Wirestock Creators

When it comes to massive lakes that cross state borders, most people think of Lake Tahoe, between California and Nevada. However, a little further northeast sits Bear Lake, which straddles the line between Utah and Idaho.

While Bear Lake doesn’t have the same name recognition as Tahoe, it’s still a paradise for travelers who want fun under the sun and plenty of water activities to go around. If you’re staying at Bear Lake , there are many day trips you can take to make your vacation even more memorable.

We’ve compiled a list of the best day trips to take in and around Bear Lake, aka the “Caribbean of the Rockies.” So, pack your bags and let’s get going!

Day Trip 1: Minnetonka Cave

Photo Credit: Joe Guetzloff

Time From Bear Lake: 40 minutes
Location: St. Charles, Idaho

Caves are some of the most fascinating natural formations around, especially when you visit ones as large and expansive as this one. Minnetonka Cave is one of the top show caves in the United States, and it’s made mostly from limestone that’s been carved away over centuries and millennia.

The cave is very family-friendly, but it might be a bit cold for little ones, so be prepared. The cave is only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day because snow and cold temperatures can seal the entrance and prevent visitors from going inside.

Since this cave is out in the middle of nowhere, there aren’t any other attractions or sights nearby. The tour takes about 90 minutes, so you won’t be spending the whole day here. There are some points to take note of before visiting, like:

  • Prevent White Nose Syndrome – Minnetonka Cave is home to many bats, which can develop this disease from exposure to certain fungi. So, you must not wear anything that’s been inside another cave to prevent an outbreak of this illness. Items also include cameras, phones, purses, etc.
  • Dress Warmly – The cave stays at about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, so be prepared to get cold. We recommend coats, scarves, and warm hats.
  • Plan to Hike – Trekking through the cave isn’t a walk in the park, and guides will frequently stop to allow guests to catch their breath.

Day Trip 2: Paris Tabernacle and Museum

Photo Credit: scottcsorensen.templephotos via Instagram

Time From Bear Lake: 25 minutes
Location: Paris, Idaho

The name of this holy site stems from the city of Paris, Idaho, not the one in France. The Tabernacle was built from 1884 to 1889 when it was dedicated by Mormon president George Q. Cannon. The building still maintains its historic appearance, and the exterior used red sandstone delivered by wagon from a quarry 24 miles away. Interestingly, during the winter, Bear Lake would freeze over, so the wagons could cut their time down and ride over the ice.

Although this tabernacle is listed on the Register of Historic Places, it’s still used by local Mormons for regular service. If you’re visiting to learn about the history, you can take a guided tour that lasts about 30 minutes.

Across the street is a history museum, where you can find out more about the founding of Paris, ID and the Mormon colony that built the town.

Day Trip 3: Salt Lake City

Photo Credit: f11photo

Time From Bear Lake: 2.25 hours
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

Part of the appeal of Bear Lake State Park is the fact that you’re so far removed from modern civilization. While spots like Rendezvous Beach and North Beach are still pretty well-maintained, you don’t have to worry about traffic and moving around in a concrete jungle.

That said, outdoor activities and water sports can get old after a while, so if you need a taste of the city life, Salt Lake City is just over two hours away. That said, the distance depends on where you’re at the lake.

Some of the top attractions in Salt Lake City include:

  • Mormon Temple – Find out more about the Church and its origins, and discover how the city was supposed to be the center of a divine nation called Deseret. While non-Mormons aren’t allowed in the main temple, you can walk around the grounds and tour the visitors center.
  • Great Salt Lake – If you’re coming to this city, you have to visit the massive salt lake from which it gets its name. The lake is stunning and much bigger than you might expect.
  • Olympic Roots – Salt Lake City hosted the Winter Olympics in 2002, and the city still has many Olympic buildings and sites up and running for tourists.

Day Trip 4: Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Photo Credit: William Cushman

Time From Bear Lake: 35 minutes
Location: Montelier, Idaho

On the opposite of Bear Lake from Rendezvous Beach sits this massive, 18,000-acre wildlife refuge. If you’re looking to explore the great wild unknown, this is the place to do it. Not only can you get plenty of exercise while hiking the miles of trails, but you can also spot tons of local birds and animal species.

The refuge also allows hunting year-round, as well as canoeing, bird watching, mountain biking, and more. Also, even though it’s a National forest, there’s no fee to enter. Just make sure to bring lots of water and snacks as you explore the area because there are no signs of civilization for miles.

Day Trip 5: Visit Bloomington Lake

Photo Credit: Ryan Strikwerda

Time From Bear Lake: 1 hour
Location: Bloomington Lake, Idaho

Although the turquoise blue waters of Bear Lake are incredible, there’s something so special about going to a pristine freshwater lake like Bloomington. Tucked away with mountains and hills all around, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another dimension, or at least to the Alpine hills of Switzerland or Austria.

Be forewarned that the trails leading to the lake can get snow as early as June, so plan accordingly. Also, that illustrates how cold the lake is year-round, so bring lots of warm clothing too.

Day Trip 6: Visit Montpelier

Photo Credit: some_kind_of_adventure via Instagram

Time From Bear Lake: 35 minutes
Location: Montpelier, Idaho

Although this Montpelier is not as well-known as the capital of Vermont, this small city still has multiple attractions that make it worth a day trip from Bear Lake. Some of the highlights of this town include:

Butch Cassidy Museum – It’s not often that a bank reveres the person who robbed it, but such is the case with this museum. The owners restored the last bank robbed by Cassidy and his gang, so you can relive the glory days of one of the most famous outlaws in American history. Best of all, this museum is free.

National Oregon/California Trail Center – The Oregon Trail saw thousands of settlers crossing over into the Oregon territory, searching for a fresh start and a new life. This center helps capture the spirit of the time and relays it to you and your family through entertainment and historical artifacts. The center even has its own community theater onsite.

Montpelier also has its own Mormon tabernacle and multiple historical sites dotted throughout the city. So, you may want to walk around and take in the sights.

Day Trip 7: Take a Dip in Lava Hot Springs

Photo Credit: gypsymoonfortunetelling via Instagram

Time From Bear Lake: 1 hr 30 minutes
Location: Pocatello, Idaho

If you take highway 30 for about 90 minutes, you’ll wind up in the small town of Lava Hot Springs. This creatively-named burg gets its title from the hot springs that form naturally off the Portneuf River. Even though these springs are heated by underground elements, they don’t stink of sulfur, making them far more appealing.

The resort surrounding the springs also has regular swimming pools and a sunken garden, so feel free to spend as much time here as you like. Then, you can also explore the rest of the town and its numerous parks. Lava Hot Springs is also home to many nearby campsites, so if you’re interested in sleeping under the stars, you can pitch a tent and spend the night.

A bit further south is the Lava Hot Springs mountain lookout, which offers superb views of the town and the river.

Day Trip 8: Visit Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

Photo Credit: Galyna Andrushko

Time From Bear Lake: 2 hr 20 minutes
Location: Manila, Utah

Bear Lake not only straddles Idaho and Utah, but it’s also close to the border of Wyoming. So, if you want to visit three different states during your visit, you can head over the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. Oddly enough, this national park also straddles two states – Wyoming and Utah. Instead of a lake, however, the main body of water is the Green River, which offers both pristine views and various waterside activities.

Although you might want to spend a day hiking and exploring the river, the park is far too massive to see in a single visit. The southern part of the recreational area (in Utah) spans various peaks and valleys, all of which offer spectacular views of the region. Some notable peaks include Dowd Mountain, Boar’s Tusk, Red Canyon, and the Sheep Creek overlook. If you try to hit all of these sites, plan to spend most of your time in the car, and have your camera ready at all times.

Enjoy All the Area Has to Offer

Although you can definitely enjoy your entire vacation by lounging around Bear Lake and taking advantage of all it has to offer, why not get out of town for a day or two and see more underrated gems? Northern Utah and Southern Idaho have so much to offer its visitors that were sure you’ll love every day trip on this list!

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