Where is Bear Lake?

Tucked away in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Bear Lake is one of the most beautiful and unique freshwater lakes in the western United States. With its brilliant turquoise-blue water and stunning alpine scenery, Bear Lake has earned the nickname “The Caribbean of the Rockies.” Whether you’re planning a vacation, a camping trip, or just curious about its location, a common question often arises: Where exactly is Bear Lake?

The answer isn’t as simple as pointing to a single spot on the map. Bear Lake straddles two U.S. states—Utah and Idaho—and lies nestled in a basin surrounded by mountain ranges and national forests. Let’s take a closer look at the location, geography, and travel routes associated with this remarkable destination.

Bear Lake Map

Bear Lake Lies on the Utah–Idaho Border

Bear Lake is located in the northern part of Utah and the southeastern corner of Idaho. The lake spans across the state line, with the southern half in Rich County, Utah and the northern half in Bear Lake County, Idaho. Because it is shared by two states, it is governed and maintained by agencies from both Utah and Idaho, with separate state park facilities on each side.

The lake itself is about 20 miles (32 kilometers) long and 8 miles (13 kilometers) wide, covering an area of approximately 109 square miles (282 square kilometers). It sits at an elevation of around 5,924 feet (1,806 meters) above sea level. Its high-altitude setting, combined with mineral-rich waters, gives it its trademark vivid blue color—a rare sight among inland lakes in the United States.

The Nearest Towns Around Bear Lake

Although Bear Lake is not located in a single city, several small towns surround it and provide access to the lake. The most notable town on the Utah side is Garden City, located on the lake’s southwest shore. Garden City is a major hub for visitors, with lodging, restaurants, and access to beaches and marinas. Just to the south of Garden City is Laketown, Utah, another quiet town that provides entry to the popular Rendezvous Beach area.

On the Idaho side, the towns of Fish Haven and St. Charles are located on the lake’s northwest and north shores, respectively. These small communities offer access to North Beach, a wide, sandy beach popular for swimming and picnicking. While these Idaho towns are smaller and more residential in nature, they are equally scenic and ideal for those seeking a quieter lake experience.

Geographic Setting and Surrounding Landscape

Bear Lake is nestled in a fault-bounded valley known as Bear Lake Valley, which lies between the Wasatch Range to the west and the Bear River Range to the east. These mountains frame the lake with spectacular backdrops of forested slopes and high ridgelines. The surrounding land is a mix of private ranchlands, forests, meadows, and small farming communities.

To the west of the lake, the Logan Canyon Scenic Byway (U.S. Highway 89) connects Bear Lake to Logan, Utah, offering a dramatic and picturesque drive through alpine terrain, limestone cliffs, and thick pine forests. This scenic highway is often regarded as one of the most beautiful drives in northern Utah and provides year-round access to Bear Lake.

How to Get to Bear Lake

Bear Lake is conveniently accessible by road and makes for a great weekend getaway from several major cities in the Intermountain West. From Salt Lake City, the lake is approximately 125 miles (201 kilometers) northeast, about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive via Logan Canyon. Visitors from Idaho can reach Bear Lake by traveling south from Pocatello or Montpelier, with Montpelier being just 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of the lake.

The lake is also within driving distance of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, making it a perfect detour or stopover for those on a broader western U.S. road trip.

Bear Lake's Unique Cross-State Identity

One of the most interesting aspects of Bear Lake’s location is that it belongs to two different states, each offering its own version of Bear Lake State Park. On the Utah side, the state park is divided into several units including Rendezvous Beach, Bear Lake Marina, and East Side areas. These parks are managed by the Utah Division of State Parks and are equipped with campgrounds, boat launches, and rental facilities.

On the Idaho side, the North Beach Unit of Bear Lake State Park is managed by Idaho State Parks and Recreation. It offers wide sandy beaches, calm waters ideal for families, and a quieter environment that’s less commercialized than the southern end of the lake.

Final Thoughts: Where Is Bear Lake?

To summarize, Bear Lake is a high-altitude, natural freshwater lake situated on the border between Utah and Idaho. It lies between Garden City and Laketown in Utah and Fish Haven and St. Charles in Idaho. Although it is not located within one specific city, the lake is surrounded by several welcoming towns that offer access to its scenic shores and recreational activities.

So, if you're planning to visit and wondering where Bear Lake is—just remember it's not about a single location, but a shared landscape between two states, offering breathtaking views, adventure on the water, peaceful beaches, and a memorable mountain-lake escape.