Where Is Bear Lake Idaho?

Bear Lake is a natural freshwater lake

on the Idaho-Utah border in the Western United States

. About 109 square miles (280 km

²

) in size, it is split about equally between the two states.

What is Bear Lake famous for?

The lake is renowned for

its beautiful turquoise color and its attractiveness to tourists

. The lake was known to numerous Native American groups who came into the Bear Lake Valley during the summers, and from them it received its name.

Why is Bear Lake Idaho so blue?

Bear Lake

contains abundant suspended microscopic particles of white-colored calcium carbonate (lime) that reflect the water’s natural blue color back to the surface

, giving the lake its intense turquoise-blue color.

Can you swim in Bear Lake Idaho?

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!

There are several swimming pools listed below including the Garden City Indoor Community Pool

.

Can you camp anywhere at Bear Lake?

Bear Lake Campgrounds and RV Parks

Over 500 developed campsites are dotted around Bear Lake offering full hook-up sites and tent sites

(many also have electricity, water and even showers). Over 300 additional campsites are located in the many scenic canyons. Picnic areas are found almost everywhere you look.

Is Bear Lake open?

Status:

Open year round

.

Is Bear Lake man made?

But one thing you may not have known about Big Bear Lake is that

it’s actually a man-made lake

, and was created in the late 19th century to hold water to supply the citrus farms in Redlands.

How warm does Bear Lake get?

average temperature Bear Lake

The temperature in July averages

21.1 °C | 70.0 °F

. February is the coldest month, with temperatures averaging -5.9 °C | 21.4 °F.

Where does Bear Lake get its water?

As a result, much of the water in streams entering Bear Lake originates as

springs in the Bear River Range

. (Kaliser, 1972). Bear Lake is often called the Caribbean of the Rockies for its intense turquoise-blue water. The unique color is due to the reflection of the limestone deposits suspended in the lake.

Is Bear Lake clean?

The water is so clean and clear

here that you can even scuba dive in the lake. Some folks prefer to just sit and enjoy the pristine waters. No matter how you choose to play on Bear Lake, you’re sure to enjoy a fabulous day. Bear Lake straddles the Utah/Idaho border.

Is Bear Lake Utah frozen over?

Bear Lake is

entirely frozen

and anglers are doing well ice fishing. On the east side of the lake, from the pump house north to the state line the ice is about 8-11 inches thick. Ice on the west side of the lake from the state park marina to the south end of the lake, the ice is averaging 7-8 inches thick.

Why does Bear Lake have seashells?

Many ancient clam and snail shells have been found around the shoreline of Bear Lake. Local residents have at times gathered the shells

as a source of calcium for their chickens

. These shells are well preserved and have been dated to be 10,000 years old (Smart, 1963).

Can you have dogs at Bear Lake?

Bear Lake is

absolutely dog friendly

and can be a great Utah vacation location for you and your dog. The crystal clear water is a picturesque place to swim with your dog and many area restaurants welcome dogs on their patios.

Is Bear Lake Worth it?

Found Big Bear Lake to be barely worth the trip up from Los Angeles

. On paper, it seems like an amazing location. Up in those distant mountains, that, when the smog relents, offer promises of wild nature and scenic grandeur situated around a pristine mountain lake.

Which side of Bear Lake is better?

We recommend visiting North Beach on the

Idaho side

of Bear Lake. This state park charges a $6 entrance fee, and you can drive right onto the beach. Just back your car in, set up the shade, and dive in. The water is shallow for a long way out into the lake.

How much does it cost to get into Bear Lake?

Is there a monster in Bear Lake?

What kind of fish are in Bear Lake?

Fish

How long does it take to drive around Bear Lake?

The 29 mile drive takes about

45 minutes to an hour

to conquer on a non-snow day and may take hours when snow is on the ground and chains are on your tires.

How cold is the water at Bear Lake?

Water Temperature:

@

38.7 degrees

as measured in the Bear Lake State Park Marina.

How low is Bear Lake right now?

Current Lake Elevation: @

5913.45′

. Full elevation: 5923.65′. 2022 high elevation: 5913.45′. 2021/22 low elevation: 5912.10′.

Who owns Big Bear Lake?

Elevation at the surface is 6,750 ft (2,060 m), but this level fluctuates according to annual snowmelt and runoff.

Big Bear Municipal Water District

acquired the dam and other assets from the Mutual Water Company in 1977.

Are there bears near Big Bear Lake?

Bears –

Any bear you encounter in Big Bear Lake will be a black bear

and like rattlesnakes, they tend to avoid humans. It’s rare that you should encounter a bear.

When was Bear Lake discovered?

Originally named “Black Bear Lake” by Donald Mackenzie, an explorer for the North West Fur Company who discovered the lake

in 1819

, the name was later changed to Bear Lake.

Is Bear Lake too cold in June?

Daily high temperatures increase by 8°F, from 71°F to 79°F, rarely falling below 60°F or exceeding 86°F.

Daily low temperatures increase by 7°F, from 44°F to 51°F, rarely falling below 36°F or exceeding 58°F

.

Does Bear Lake have water?

Depending on how much spring runoff there is each year is what determines how much beach there will be exposed at Bear Lake.

If there isn’t much spring runoff which fills the lake with water each year, then there will be more beaches exposed during the summer

.

Is Bear Lake water level low?

Currently, the lake’s elevation sits at 5,913.8′. Park Manager Richard Droesbeke told ABC4 this means the lake is

9.5 vertical feet below capacity

.