By Bryce Neilson, The Cisco Kid
Bear Lake is on the downward side of summer now. It has been an interesting summer. I had thought that the number of people visiting the Lake, would decline due to the lack of beaches. I have no numbers but I don’t think that has occurred. There is still a constant stream of vehicles and their toys going up and down the canyons.
As I have spoken about in previous columns, the demographics of the recreational users have changed. Historically, up until the 1990’s Bear Lake was known for its boating and waterskiing. Sailing was also becoming much more popular. There was no beach and most lakeshore owners had their own boat ramps. Swimming was popular for the kids but with the water around 69F, most adults shied away from it.
Then the massive drought in the early 2000’s occurred and people discovered there was a beach under the rocky shoreline. Beachgoers arrived by the thousands and cabin owners along the shore now had expanses of beach, wetlands and phragmities in front of them. ATV’s started having a heyday riding on beaches and everywhere else. Local entities and the legislature’s stewed and changed laws against access and then back again. Everyone had perceived problems on the beaches that were inconsequential. I personally felt that the beaches were just a zone of transition. In other words, they were temporary. The vegetation would change depending on the level of the lake.
Access would be dependent on shore restrictions. Bear Lake did not have world class beaches so all the money spent on wetland delineations, physical manipulation of the lake bottom, public access, Tamarisk and phragmities removal and parking lots below the high- water line were well intended, I guess, but the problem was that people thought the lake would never fill again. Never underestimate Bear Lake.
As we look at the lake today everything is different. Only thin strips of sand are accessible for the public but there is much more to do at the Lake. ATV’s have been replaced by comfortable side by sides that roam the dirt roads and the highway. Cycling, whether on traditional bike, modified pedal equipment, or expensive road or mountain bikes is now a major activity including the races. The Utah company, “Lifetime” has mastered the process of molding plastic into all types of water toys from paddleboards to kayaks and everything in between. I will interject here, and say having everyone with a plastic water toy strapped to their vehicle should not be stopped at the infamous Quagga Mussel boat check station. Biologically is totally unnecessary and a waste of time and money. This has allowed everyone access to the lake with a minimum amount of money and I guarantee you that the kids have as much fun on those as a $100K surf boat. We also cannot forget that Bear Lake is becoming a favorite place for family reunions. They come once and then want to return. Raspberry Days continues to be popular but now many other weekends equal its visitation.
So, as summer winds down everyone should be happy with the weather. No huge winds and the water is as warm as I have ever seen it at 73.5F. Let’s just enjoy the rest of it safely.
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