Bear Lake is a popular destination for visitors from Utah and Idaho, known for its brilliant turquoise waters and spectacular scenery. The area around Bear Lake is a recreation playground, with dozens of fun activities both in and out of the water.

Take a Boat Out

Boating and water sports are the most popular activities on Bear Lake’s deep, clear, turquoise blue waters. You can bring your own boat or jet ski, or rent one at the lake. BearLakeFun offers rentals of a considerable assortment of vessels, including ski boats, pontoon boats, and fishing boats. If you’re in the mood for adventure, their 24-foot wakeboard boat holds 17 passengers, among the largest available for rental from any company.

Lounge on the Beach

Bear Lake’s most famous beaches are Rendezvous Beach and Ideal Beach in Utah, as well as North Beach and East Beach in Idaho. Water levels and water temperatures vary at these beaches, so it’s good to check ahead of time to make sure conditions are right for a fun day at the beach. The crystalline brilliant blue waters will have you convinced you’re at the Caribbean!

Drink a Famous Raspberry Shake

The Bear Lake area’s signature dessert is the Bear Lake raspberry shake. Made with local raspberries (in season) and local ice cream, these shakes can be found in several eateries. Among the favorite spots are LeBeau’s, Quick-N-Tasty, and Hometown Drive Inn, all located in Garden City.

Take a Scenic Drive

If you’re seeking to explore the gorgeous scenery around Bear Lake while stepping away from the water, consider a landscape-rich drive. Options include the Oregon Trail-Bear Lake Scenic Byway, Logan Canyon National Scenic Byway, Bear River Heritage Area, or Bloomington Lake. These drives offer panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding Bear River Valley.

Go Underground at the Minnetonka Cave

Minnetonka Cave, located about 15 miles away from Garden City up St. Charles Canyon, is a fantastic alternative activity during your trip to Bear Lake. This lovely nine-room cave is filled with stunning rock formations and can be explored on a half-mile guided hike. Bring a jacket, as the cave maintains a cool 40 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.

Take an Eco-Tour on a Pontoon Boat

Bryce, an engaging owner of Cisco’s boat rental and docking facility, offers personalized eco-tours of the lake. Up to six people can enjoy a tailored experience on a 24-foot pontoon boat, learning about Bear Lake’s rich history, geology, wildlife, and folklore.

Celebrate Garden City’s Raspberry Days

Garden City hosts its Raspberry Days festival on the first weekend of August, celebrating the height of the raspberry harvest. Events include a pageant, craft fair, parade, rodeo, a fun run, pancake breakfast, dances, and fireworks on the beach.

Watch a Show at the Pickleville Playhouse

The Pickleville Playhouse in Garden City has been entertaining audiences since 1977, performing melodramas and lighthearted Broadway favorites. It’s an entertaining option for families or couples looking for a fun night after a day at the lake. Dining options on-site include Bandito’s Western Grill, offering a variety of Western favorites.

Go Horseback Riding

For horseback riding around beautiful Bear Lake, you can bring your own horses or partner with an outfitter like Beaver Creek Lodge, which organizes rides from one to three hours, or even longer trips.

Go Bird Watching

The Bear Lake area is abundant in birds and wildlife, making it a prime location for birdwatching. A top spot is the Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge, about 10 miles from Montpelier, Idaho. Here, you can observe sandhill cranes, herons, white pelicans, and a variety of ducks, as well as stroll along trails to view the diverse fauna in the area.

Take a Hike

Hiking and mountain biking are take center stage around Bear Lake, which is enveloped by national forests. The Limber Pine loop is a favorite for its shorter, mile-and-a-half length, featuring gorgeous views. For a more demanding challenge, the nine-mile Sink Hollow Trail will take you through sagebrush meadows and aspen groves before reaching a serene lake. Additionally, you can ride your bike around the lake, covering approximately 50 miles.

Enjoy the Snow

Beaver Mountain, located about 15 miles from Bear Lake, offers excellent skiing at affordable rates. In winter, the area transforms into a snowmobiler’s paradise with hundreds of miles of trails. The season typically runs from late November through April, presenting a winter wonderland that’s perfect for exploring.

Go Fishing

Bear Lake is renowned for its trophy-sized native Cutthroat trout and lake trout. In winter, you can catch Bonneville Cisco, a unique fish species found exclusively in Bear Lake, using nets through holes in the ice. Local guides like Travis Hobbs offer fishing excursions year-round.