Nearly 6,000 feet above sea level and quite remote, Bear Lake straddles the Utah–Idaho border. Known for its vibrant blue water rivaling Lake Tahoe, it's one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in America. Garden City (population 615), on the lake's western shore and reached via scenic U.S. 89 from Logan, offers most of lake area's few dining and and lodging options, which tend to book up quickly during the warmer months (some are closed in winter). From here, it can take 90 minutes to circle the 109-square-mile lake by car, especially if it’s a busy summer weekend (and in winter, the road around the lake is sometimes closed due to snow).
The area's abundance of raspberries is celebrated each year in early August at Raspberry Days. A parade, a rodeo, fireworks, and entertainment are almost eclipsed by the main event: sampling myriad raspberry concoctions. Garden City is a perfect base for swimming, boating, fishing, jet skiing, and a chance to sample the region’s famous raspberry shakes. In winter, those in the know come to enjoy the miles of snowy terrain, which offer cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
