Welcome to the picturesque Bear Lake Valley in Idaho, a hidden gem for summer outdoor enthusiasts. Nestled on the border of Idaho and Utah, Bear Lake is a captivating body of water renowned for its stunning turquoise color and pristine sandy beaches. In this article, we will explore the exciting world of paddle boarding in Bear Lake, where visitors of all ages can experience the thrill of gliding across the crystal-clear waters while surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.
The Enchanting Bear Lake
Bear Lake, often referred to as the “Caribbean of the Rockies,” is a natural freshwater lake with a unique and mesmerizing turquoise hue. This stunning color is a result of tiny suspended particles of calcium carbonate that reflect light in the water, creating a captivating visual spectacle. The lake stretches 20 miles long and 8 miles wide, offering 48 miles of sandy shoreline to explore and enjoy. With its tranquil mountain setting and pleasant summer temperatures, Bear Lake is the perfect destination for outdoor recreation and water activities.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding: An Adventurous Way to Explore Bear Lake
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has become increasingly popular in recent years, and Bear Lake provides the ideal playground for this exciting water sport. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced paddler, SUP offers a unique perspective and a thrilling adventure on the lake. The calm mornings before the wind picks up are the best time to paddle, ensuring a smooth and peaceful experience.
Rentals and Lessons
If you’re new to paddleboarding, don’t worry! Bear Lake offers an array of rental shops where you can find all the necessary equipment and receive expert guidance. Garden City Park Beach is an excellent spot to start your paddleboarding journey, with its free beach access and calm waters. You can rent a paddleboard here and learn the basics in no time. Other beaches, such as Rendezvous Lake State Beach, also offer rental options and provide prime shoreline for paddleboarding.
Exploring Bear Lake by Kayak or Canoe
Besides paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing are fantastic ways to explore the expansive waters of Bear Lake. With its sturdy sit-on-top kayaks, Garden City Park Beach and Rendezvous State Beach are perfect launching points for a relaxed paddle. More experienced paddlers may opt for the challenge of a sit-in kayak, which offers a faster ride.
For those seeking a quieter and less developed side of Bear Lake, the east shore provides a serene and untouched experience. Although there are no rental or delivery services on this side of the lake, you can bring your own kayak or canoe and explore the hidden gems along the road. Small, free-access beaches line the route, offering limited parking and a chance to escape the crowds.
Sailing: Harnessing the Winds of Bear Lake
Bear Lake is not only an ideal destination for paddle sports but also for sailing enthusiasts. The regular afternoon winds that fill the sails, combined with the stunning sunset colors, make Bear Lake a favorite spot for sailing in Utah. While sailboat rentals are not widely available, those who own their boats can enjoy the vast open waters and the unique experience of sailing on Bear Lake. The Bear Lake State Park Marina, located on the west shore, offers the largest boat ramp on the Utah side of the lake and provides a convenient starting point for your sailing adventure.
Beaches and Swimming at Bear Lake
No summer adventure at Bear Lake would be complete without enjoying the beautiful sandy beaches and taking a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters. With miles of shoreline, Bear Lake provides ample opportunities to relax, build sandcastles, and soak up the sun. The beaches on the west side of the lake are wide and offer flat shallows, making them perfect for families with young children. Nearby campgrounds ensure easy access to the beach and other amenities.
Bear Lake Hot Springs is a popular beach choice, offering not only a mile of sandy beach but also hot mineral pools, a campground, and boat rentals. North Beach, with its wide sandy beach and shallow water, is a favorite spot for families. Rendezvous Beach, named after the mountain man gatherings in the 1820s, features white sand and two state park campgrounds. On the west shoreline, Garden City Park offers a shallow swimming area and is an excellent beach option for visitors in the area.
Scuba Diving: Exploring the Depths of Bear Lake
Bear Lake is not only a paradise for surface water activities but also a thrilling destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. With its remarkable visibility of up to 30 feet, the lake offers divers a unique underwater experience. Cisco Beach, a flagged dive area on the east side of the lake, is a popular spot for divers to explore the deep, clear waters. Divers can discover small rocky alcoves, cliffs, a sunken boat, and even an artificial reef of cars submerged in the 1930s.
It’s important to note that scuba diving in Bear Lake requires proper gear, including wet suits and thermal dive equipment, as the water temperatures fluctuate between 55 and 65 degrees. The best time for diving is from June to October when the lake surface temperatures are more favorable. Whether you choose to explore the shorelines or venture deeper into the lake, diving in Bear Lake promises an unforgettable underwater adventure.
Angling: Fishing in the Abundance of Bear Lake
For fishing enthusiasts, Bear Lake offers a fantastic opportunity to catch a variety of fish species in its pristine waters. The lake is home to Bear River cutthroat and lake trout, as well as four rare fish species that are endemic to Bear Lake and can be found nowhere else in the world. Trolling for trophy-sized trout is a popular fishing method, with anglers using pontoon boats, kayaks, or float tubes to reach the colder and deeper waters where the big fish reside.
Shore fishing can be enjoyed at various locations around the lake, including Cisco Beach, Rainbow Cove, Gus Rich’s Point, and Bear Lake State Park Marina. During the winter months when the lake is iced over, fishing enthusiasts can partake in the famous cisco spawning run, using long-handled dip nets and waders to catch the eight-inch fish.
Getting on the Water: Rentals and Services
If you don’t have your own equipment, there are plenty of rental companies, marinas, and guides available to help you get on the water and make the most of your Bear Lake experience. Bear Lake Water Adventures offers stand-up paddleboard rentals, lessons, and expert suggestions to ensure you have a memorable time on the lake. Epic Recreation provides tours, lessons, and a wide range of rental options, including powerboats, kayaks, paddleboards, and water trampolines. Bear Lake Rentals offers a variety of watercraft, from powerboats and pontoons to fishing boats and non-motorized options like kayaks and paddleboards. The Bear Lake State Park Marina also provides boat rentals, fishing supplies, and boat slip rentals for those who prefer to bring their own watercraft.
Bear Lake’s Famous Raspberry Shake: A Sweet Treat
After a day of exhilarating water activities, don’t forget to treat yourself to Bear Lake’s famous raspberry shake. Garden City, located on the west side of the lake, proudly claims to be the birthplace of this delectable treat. LaBeau’s Drive-In and Quick ‘n’ Tasty Drive-In are popular spots where you can indulge in the perfect blend of fresh local raspberries and creamy vanilla ice cream. These iconic drive-ins are a must-visit for anyone looking to satisfy their sweet tooth and experience a true taste of Bear Lake.
Conclusion
Bear Lake in Idaho is a summer paradise for water sports and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you choose to paddleboard, kayak, sail, swim, scuba dive, or fish, Bear Lake offers endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. With its stunning turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and breathtaking mountain scenery, Bear Lake is a destination that will captivate your senses and leave you with unforgettable memories. So, grab your paddleboard, put on your swimsuit, and dive into the thrilling world of Bear Lake. Your summer adventure awaits!
