Boating Vacations
Bear Lake, Utah
Boating vacations on this deep, turquoise lake with its white, sandy beaches is the ultimate relaxing getaway.
As a child, anticipating our annual trip to Bear Lake was just as exciting as anticipating the arrival of Christmas.
As we crested the summit in Logan Canyon, my siblings and I played a game of "who can spot the lake first."
It almost took my breath away at the first glance of the lake. It is undoubtedly the bluest lake I've ever seen. The unique color is due to the reflection of the limestone deposits suspended in the lake.
It is a fond memory for me, this annual camping trip. We slept out under the stars, roller skated at the Ideal Beach skating rink, went swimming almost every waking moment, and nursed sunburns for the next two weeks.
I would not say that Bear Lake will provide crowd-free boating vacations unless you go out on the lake and enjoy the solitude and the sound of the water slapping against the sides of the boat.
There are 70,000 acres of turquoise-blue water. The lake is so large, you feel as if you have it all to yourselves.
Choose your favorite water sport
This resort area is known for its excellent boating, sailing, water-skiing and wakeboarding.
You can pretty much count on a gentle breeze in the early afternoons. Stay out until early evening and enjoy a spectacular sunset.
Jet skis and waverunners are popular water fun also. They can be rented at the marina and right on the beach.
There is plenty of room on this very large lake so you won't have to worry about riding across the wake of another boat.
There are several boat ramps located around the lake. Some of the marinas are run by the Utah and Idaho state parks. Bear Lake State Park Marina has a 7-lane boat ramp.
Swimming or sunbathing on the sandy beaches is fun for the whole family.
Be sure to bring a sun screen, an umbrella, a picnic lunch and plenty of beach toys! Because the lake is so deep, the water temperature can be quite chilly until about late September and October. Beach volley ball anyone?
Camping and picnicking at over 500 campgrounds located around the lake.
Pitch your tent or bring your RV and connect to full hook-ups - many also have electricity, water, and showers. Picnic tables and restrooms are available at the state park beaches.
Golfing, horseback riding, hiking, biking, bird watching, caves
Perfect temperatures make for great golfing - three seasons a year. There's also horseback riding, lots of hiking trails in nearby Logan Canyon, cycling, mountain biking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, cave exploring in the Minnetonka Cave with its fascinating 9-room cave of stalactites, stalagmites and banded travertine.
Don't miss Raspberry Days at Bear Lake!
Treat yourself to a famous Bear Lake raspberry shake all summer long!
This area is famous and well-known for its bountious crop of raspberries. At harvest time, there are festivities the first Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of August with craft booths, a parade, rodeo, fireworks, and nightly entertainment.
Boating vacations, or just a camping trip at Bear Lake will give your family great memories for a lifetime.
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