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From black bears to Bear Lake By
Kim Barraclough
Located in the peaks of the rugged Rocky Mountains is Bear Lake. Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and rich historical heritage of cowboys, Native Americans, mountain men and pioneers. One can only imagine what it was like to live there in the 1800s.
According to the book Land of the Sky-Blue Water, by Dr. Russell R. Rich, Professor of History of Religion, at Brigham Young University, Indians and mountain men prized Bear Lake Valley as a prime hunting ground and rendezvous site. During a fur trader-trapper gathering in 1819, Donald Mckenzie first saw and named the area for the abundance of Black Bears.
Black Bears Lake was famous for fur trade-trappers such as Jim Bridger, Jedediah Smith and William Ashley. It was in the summer of 1826 when Black Bears Lake changed to Bear Lake.
Along the western part of the Oregon bound trail, fur traders and pathfinders lead immigrants into the Bear Lake Valley. This long journey was a wearisome, difficult journey for the immigrants to reach the Northwest.
Today this area has become the state of Idaho. In September of 1863 Mormon pioneers entered into the Bear Lake Valley and established their homestead. The diverse climate of Bear Lake has made the valley rich in cattle ranching, agricultural industries and of course the famous raspberries. Cool nights and warm days, ripen the raspberries to a bright and tart red color and gives them a succulent flavor.
Bear Lake is estimated to be over 28,000 years old. Its unique water chemistry has aided an evolution of five species of fish. For the avid fishermen, try to catch a Bear Lake Cutthroat Trout, Mackinaw or the famous Bonneville Cisco which are harvested in mid January by dipping the fish from the lake in nets, often through holes cut through the ice. Bear Lake is located in the western edge of Bear Lake County, Idaho and Rich County, Utah. Bear Lake contains a large section of the Cache National Forest, along the eastern border of Bear Lake contains the Caribou National Forest, and the Pruess Mountain Range. These natural features create a picturesque scene that won't be forgotten. High mountain recreational opportunities span the seasons. Winter offers cross country skiing and snowmobiling. Spring is a time for new foliage on the trees and a valley full of vibrant wild flowers. Summer and fall provide opportunities for tourists to visit their summer homes and bask by the sparkling-blue water. Waterskiing, fishing, and swimming provide fun for everyone. Finally fall is the season to watch the leaves turn to different colors of brown, orange and gold. Hunting opportunities are also abundant at Bear Lake. Deer, elk and antelope roam the mountains waiting to make a hunter's dream come true.
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Archived Months:
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