Water Sports
Bear Lake has over 160 square miles of turquoise-blue water. The lake is so large, you feel as if you have it all to yourselves. Seven boat ramps are located around the lake, to make launching your boat a breeze. Bear Lake State Park Marina has 305 boat slips and a 5-lane boat ramp, while Idaho’s North Beach has two boat unloading ramps and sandy beaches.

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While the air temperature cools off in the fall, the water temperature is similar to the spring months. It may be a little chilly, but can still provide some amazing water recreation.

 

Jet Skiing
Jet skis and wave runners are popular water fun on the lake. They can be rented at locations in Garden City, Utah and Paris, Idaho, some right on the beach.

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Swimming
Swimming off the nice, gentle beaches of Bear Lake is fun for the whole family. Be sure to bring a sun umbrella, a picnic lunch and a beach ball! 

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Boating
Boating is a popular activity at Bear Lake. The lake is 20 miles long and 8 miles wide, providing space for many different types of watercraft. 

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Water-skiing or Wake Surfing
Water-skiing and wake surfing are some favorite sports on the lake. And you don’t have to worry about riding across the wake of another boat. Plenty of room and no crowds!

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Sailing
Bring your own sailing boat since scenic Bear Lake has always been a popular location to unfurl the sails, because a gentle breeze rolls off the lake generally in the early afternoons. Glide on the lake and enjoy one of its spectacular sunsets.

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Golfing

Bear Lake West is home to a beautiful 9-hole mountain course located above the crystal clear waters of Bear Lake between Garden City and Fish Haven.  Bear Lake West Golf Course provides a recreational golfing experience at an affordable price. A perfect course for all skill levels and abilities, Bear Lake West offers a great outing for the whole family.They have rental clubs, carts, pull carts, and everything else you need including a fully stocked pro-shop. Click here for prices, tee times, and more information.

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Cave Exploration

The Paris Ice Cave is a landmark in the valley. Although not as spectacular as the Minnetonka, visitors enjoy its interesting aura. Just follow the signs up Paris Main Canyon. This cave is open year round but is only accessible by snowmobile during the winter months.  Most years you can drive to the cave June through October.  If you'd like to check road conditions, contact the Montpelier Ranger District by calling 208-847-0375.

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Horseback Riding

Trails in nearby Logan Canyon wind through the high mountain wilderness area. Just minutes from Bear Lake, you can be astride a horse and a million miles from home. As you ride through the picturesque canyon trails, enjoy nature and the wildlife of the Rocky Mountains.

Bring your own horses and there are trails everywhere in the Cache and Caribou National Forests. For horseback riding packages, click here to visit Beaver Creek Lodge.

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Hiking and Biking

Fall is the perfect time to enjoy the stunning folliage in the canyons surrounding Bear Lake. The area is chock-full of worthy hiking and mountain bike trails, and their difficulty range covers just about any hiker or biker’s ability, from amateur to expert. Bring your bike or pick up a rental in town. Novices can check out Beaver Creek’s dirt-road trail, while more experienced riders should jump into the rolling singletrack of Bunchgrass or Jardine Juniper. Click here for a list of several picturesque trails in the Bear Lake Valley.

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Wildlife Watching

The Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge stretches across a broad valley north of the lake. It offers a superb habitat for migratory waterfowl. More than 160 avian species, including shorebirds, waterfowl, and songbirds, call the refuge’s wetlands, ponds, and meadows home. Wildlife photographers and avid birders gather here to observe the various birds, including huge flocks of Canada geese, sandhill cranes, and numerous duck species.

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Fishing

Anglers come from miles around to enjoy the various fishing opportunities found in the Bear Lake valley. Bear Lake is home to a trophy cutthroat trout fishery where the in 2021 a record cutthroat of 31 inches was caught. Lake trout also inhabit the lake and may grow to 30 lbs. Trolling and jigging from boats can be done throughout the year, winter and spring months being the most productive. 

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Outdoor Recreation

The Bear Lake valley and its surrounding mountain ranges have over 350 miles of groomed snowmobile trails and wide open play areas with no crowds and no fences! There are many connecting groomed trails that take you by spectacular wonders. Through the fall, you can access the trails with an ATV. You may discover a cascading waterfall or follow a meandering stream. You may even catch a glimpse of a elk or moose!  The Fish Haven Trail Head is the perfect starting place for ATV riding and mountain biking. Head west on Fish Haven Canyon Rd 1.2 miles to parking area.

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Dining

Right on Bear Lake West property, Cooper's offers a delicious dining experience for the whole family. They provide everything from $5 kids meals and half portions to unforgettable feasts.   The menu features fresh thick-cut steaks as well as seafood, chicken, pasta, and burgers. The beauty of Bear Lake surrounds you whether you are seated in the dining room, sunroom, sports bar or deck.  There is nothing like the view and atmosphere at Cooper's. They are open year-round and offer big-city flavors with small-town charm.  Click here for their menu.