Why you should explore this hidden gem near Bear Lake

This article about Bloomington Lake is sponsored by the Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau. 

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Introduction

Most people who travel to Bear Lake find activities to do with the whole family in the water. But if you want to explore hidden gems around the area, Bloomington Lake is one spot you don’t want to miss. 

Just over the Utah border in Southeastern Idaho, the lake is a short hike away from the trailhead and offers a break from the crowds at Bear Lake. This area of the Bear River Range provides pristine views of steep cliffs and unique species of fauna–such as Rydberg’s musineon and green spleenwort–that are rare for the region. It’s also a dog-friendly hike for those traveling with their furry friends.

Keep reading to learn more about this must-see spot, and add it to your list of activities as you start planning your summer trip. 

How to find Bloomington Lake

To get to the trailhead

To get to the trailhead from Utah, you’ll travel north along Highway 89 to Bloomington, Idaho. Once you reach the Canyon Street post office, you’ll turn left to go up Bloomington Canyon.

While the road up the canyon is manageable in a sedan, having a high-clearance vehicle is best as the roads are rocky. You will travel about 40 minutes (or 7.3 miles) before you reach the turnoff for Forest Road 409. Travel along the road for another 3.2 miles, and you’ll soon reach the trailhead. 

It’s important to note there is a $5 day use fee, so be sure to pack some cash with your gear. 

There’s also a trail for ATVs and bikes just a couple of miles from the trailhead. Find details and an ArcGIS interactive map here. 

To get to the lake

Once you have arrived at the trailhead, it’s a quick 1.6-mile out-and-back trail that leads you to Bloomington Lake. Many hikers mistake the first body of water they see as the lake but keep going a little bit further until you find the actual lake. 

This glacial lake water is cold year-round, but despite that, people will dive in via rope swing or cliff-dive off the nearby cliffs. Fish are in the lake for fishing, but keep your expectations low, as the fish are usually quite small. 

Note: the best times to visit are July through October due to water temperature and peak fauna. 

What to bring on your hike

Here’s a quick, easy list of things you might want to bring with you on your hike: 

• $5 cash for the recreation fee
• Water and snacks
• Good hiking shoes or sandals with tread 
• Anything you want for water activities: floaties, stand-up paddleboards, fishing gear, and bathing suits
• Towels or blankets to dry off and relax on 
• Camp chairs or shade structures
• Bug spray

Keep in mind that there is no camping at the trailhead, but there is a pit toilet and picnic tables. 

Notable activities and sights

The area surrounding Bloomington Lake is part of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, home to many unique flora and fauna you won’t see elsewhere in the region. Look out for wildflowers like Parry’s primrose, common alplily, and alpine mountain sorrel on your hike, which generally exist at higher elevations. 

Another predominant feature of the lake is the steep north-facing headwalls that hold onto snow in the chutes and cliff bases much longer than other areas in the forest. These unique features are what create the habitat for plants, making this an ecological wonderland. 

Related reading:

Experience Bear Lake’s all-year activities

This is a sponsored article brought to you by KSL NewsRadio in conjunction with the advertiser. The advertiser paid a fee to promote this article and may have influenced or authored the content. The views expressed in this article are those of the advertiser and do not necessarily reflect those of KSL NewsRadio, its parent company, or its staff.