This article may include affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, Utah Outdoor Activities may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products or services we personally use. FTC Affiliate Disclosure.
A visit to Bear Lake, of course, would never be complete without enjoying the white sandy beaches or taking a swim in the Caribbean blue waters. But have you wondered what other amazing outdoor activities await you in the mountains surrounding Bear Lake?
What if you could take a short 10 minute stroll through beautiful wild flowers, only to discover a hidden gem that few visitors to Bear Lake even know about? Well you can because just across the Utah border is the small city of Bloomington, Idaho which is the home of Bloomington Canyon. Bloomington Canyon hosts many outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, ATV trails, horseback riding, and much more.
Although there are many activities available in the canyon the most popular is the beautiful crystal clear, 10-acre high mountain lake called Bloomington Lake. (See Video)
The parking area is located approx 12 miles up the canyon. The 0.5 mile Bloomington Lake Trail leads you into the forest on the east side of the parking area. There are pit bathrooms, and informational signage at the base of the trail.
The first section of the trail begins with a little climb, but then it meanders its way through a beautiful valley filled with wild flowers, a crystal clear mountain lake, and then the grandeur of Bloomington Lake.
The most predominant feature at Bloomington Lake is the steep north facing cliffs which are the steepest in the Idaho portion of the Bear River Range. It holds snow in the chutes well into the summer months. The steep walls provide a spectacular backdrop against the clear blue water, but they are also used as jumping platform for those daring enough to brave the icy waters of the lake.
As a matter of fact, many who visit the lake do so to escape the heat of the valley below, and to enjoy a nice refreshing swim. While most are content with a nice causal entrance into the water, others prefer a more extreme method as they grab hold of a 30 foot rope swing and make the daring swing over the lake, letting go at the perfect time.
Whether your visit is to view the many different species of wildflowers, take a swim, jump off a cliff, or brave the 30-foot rope swing a visit to the Bloomington Lake is sure to create everlasting memories.
Directions:
From Garden City, Utah travel north on Highway US-89 17.9 miles to Bloomington, Idaho. Once you enter Bloomington, Idaho turn left on canyon street next to the post office. Travel approx 12 miles to the Bloomington Lake parking area. Be sure to stay on Forest Road 409 as there are many turn offs along the canyon road. On our visit the canyon road was newly graded, however a higher clearance vehicle is recommended. Also road conditions will vary depending on weather conditions.
Disclaimer:
Utah Outdoor Activities does not condone cliff jumping or swinging into a freezing cold lake. If you choose to participate in these activities, you do so at your own risk.
More Information:
Caribou-Targhee National Forest
Phone: (208) 524-7500
We hope you enjoyed this information. For more outdoor activities, please connect with us on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. Help us keep this site up and running by visiting our online store which features outdoor themed gifts, decor and more. Thank you for visiting and for your ongoing support!