In the very southeastern corner of of Idaho is the 20 mile long paradise known as Bear Lake. Although it is technically shared between Idaho and Utah, Bear Lake is one of the most unique swimming havens in the state. With pristine and vibrant turquoise water, this lake feels like a slice of something tropical compared to all of the alpine lakes that make up much of our state. The vibrancy of the lakes color is something that has bewildered people for years and it must been seen with your own eyes to be believed!
Visitors from all surrounding states flock to Bear Lake for its various recreational opportunities. The miles long shorelines just can't be beat. They call it the "Caribbean of the Rockies" for good reason! There's no other beach like this in Idaho or the entire world.
The lake's attractive blue-green color comes from the reflection of calcium carbonate deposits. The vividness of the water is a colorful pop among the classic Idaho desert and mountain landscape.
The lake's water chemistry is without a doubt unique, and you won't find anything like it anywhere else in the world. The blueness is so striking that it actually looks artificial!
Another reason the lake looks so blue is because it's just so pure. Scientists say the bluer a lake looks, the cleaner it is. When sunlight hits the surface of Bear Lake the only thing that is reflected back is the blue from the calcium carbonate, whereas a green lake reflects back color from algae and other sediments in the water.
In fact, this lake is so unique that it is home to many fish species and fauna that don't exist anywhere else! Species such as the Bonneville Cutthroat trout, Bonneville cisco, Bonneville whitefish, and the Bear Lake whitefish are only found here. Efforts to introduce them to other environments have failed, but they continue to thrive in Bear Lake.
A gradual slope to the bottom of the lake provides ample space for swimming and recreational activities. The shores go on for miles and miles which, unlike other Idaho lakes, guarantees you plenty of space to yourself. There's a good chance you won't be bumping elbows with other beach visitors.
Bear Lake's grandeur is eight miles wide and reaches down 208 feet at its deepest. There's no better way to spend a summer day than on this one-of-a-kind beach.
Beaches may not be the first thing people think of when it comes to Idaho, but looking at Bear Lake it's hard to imagine a more perfect beach. The lake is a small piece of paradise in our desert terrain, and its waters are something you have to see in real life! Pictures just don't do it justice.
