Dive flag is required since motorized watercraft is allowed on this reservoir.
About
Bear Lake is a large natural lake on the Utah/Idaho border. Bear Lake is often called the Caribbean of the Rockies for its intense turquoise-blue water. The unique color is due to the reflection of the limestone deposits suspended in the lake.
Getting There
Bear Lake is accessible from U-30 between Lakeville and Garden City and US-89 from Garden City into Idaho. A gravel road provides access to the east shore from Laketown. The road proceeds north into Idaho and intersects with an asphalt road which circumscribes the remainder of the lake. “On water recreation” is extensive and diversified.
On Bear Lake’s Eastside area, Cisco Beach attracts divers with its rocky bottom and a steep drop-off close to shore. Cisco Beach is about 10 miles north of Laketown, Utah.
Cisco Beach: 41°57’15″N 111°16’37″W
The Wreck: 41°57’10″N 111°16’43″W
Westside of the lake
The “Car Lot”: In 2011 local divers located dozens of vehicles submerged in the 30’s to form an ‘artificial reef’.
I have been asked numerous times about the location. I have been provided the coordinates but have been asked to be very selective of who I distribute them to.
Site is approximately 550 yards off shore, so unless you have a boat you can only dream.
The Buckeye
The Buckeye is a boat that sunk just south of the marina. It is called The Buckeye because it was last registered in Iowa.
Approx Coordinates 41°57’36.64″N 111°23’29.72″W
R2D2
R2D2 is an old Caterpillar D2 dozer that sits in about 10′ of water.
Approx Coordinates 41°54’56.12″N 111°23’12.22″W
The Ag Piles
Accommodations
There are three Utah State Parks on the lake. Bear Lake Marina is on US-89 two miles north of Garden City. Bear Lake Rendezvous Beach is on the south shore near Laketown, and Bear Lake Cisco Beach (Eastside) is 10 miles north of Laketown. The Marina is a well-developed boating facility with 176 slips that can be rented by day or season, but has only 15 campsites and a small swimming area. Rendezvous Beach has 138 campsites, a mile of beach, concessionaires and small boat rentals. In 2012 Cisco Beach has been upgraded from primitive camping to designated campgrounds on a first come, first served basis. Bathroom facilities remain unimproved. It is much more remote than the other two. Toilets and showers are available at the Marina and Rendezvous only. Idaho State Park is immediately north of the state line on the east side of the lake. Another Idaho State Park is located on the north end of the lake. Several commercial accommodations are available in the area.
Lake Info
Lake elevation (feet) 5,924
Depth (feet) maximum 208 mean 94
Length (miles) 29.5 Width (miles) 11.3 Shoreline (miles) 77.2
Summer Water Temperature 55-65 °F State Parks Current Conditions
Visibility: 20-30 feet
Aquatic life: Cutthroat and Lake trout, Bonneville cisco, Bonneville whitefish, Bear Lake whitefish and Bear Lake sculpin.
Thoughts
In 2012 Cisco Beach has been upgraded from primitive camping to designated campgrounds on a first come, first served basis. You can no longer create your own camp space. New fire rings have also been installed at Cisco Beach. Camp fires will only be allowed in the 56 fire rings. Campers will no longer be allowed to build their own fire pits.
Bear Lake is one of the best dive sites the state has to offer during the summer. Altitude is not extreme and the water between June and September is nice. I have never had poor visibility at Bear. Cisco Beach has some unique features that give you something to look at. Volcanic rock formations for a wall, a gentle drift dive from north to south, a “cave” is reported to be along Cisco Beach but has yet to be discovered, (note you must be trained in overhead environments before even considering entering) and new in 2008 a wreck which in recent years has been difficult to locate. For the wreck enter the water about 75 yards south of the main entrance. Cisco Beach is becoming more and more crowded with campers, so be mindful where you park and enter. You may be walking through someone’s campsite. Since this hasn’t been a designated diving area, you will still need to fly a diver flag.
Did you ever track down the "car lot"?
I have a pretty good description of the location although the exact coordinates are not being shared with me. Still trying though.
Any coordinates or any other details about where the "car lot is" I'm very interested in it.
Having been on the site last year I can tell you it is south of the marina.
I have been asked not to publisize the coordinates, not to keep it exclusive, only so mapping and installing guidelines can be completed.
Plans are, with approval, to install a mooring and then publisize a map so divers can see all that is down there.
Is it accessable from shore? Yes, but it is a very long surface swim.
Any further word on this? I'm planning an exploratory trip to Bear Lake in April to check out dive spots…
No addtional work has been done that I am aware of. Ice is off and the current water temp is 39 degrees
How many marinas are there? I’d like to drive this and have never been to bear lake.
I can think of four plus a couple other ramps
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What is the water temperature gradient in Bear Lake ? Surface temp. To bottom temp ?
About 30-40 degrees at 250′.
Recreational depths about 15 degrees
Is it possible for me to snorkel in bear lake? and should i bring a wetsuit to avoid hypothermia? Any other advice for a first timer? I am going in a week or so
Yes it is possible to snorkel in Bear Lake. Surface temperatures should be pretty warm. If you plan to free dive down and wetsuit would be preferrable.
What is th closst place to get air fills?
There is no place close. Logan used to have a fill station, but I beleive that shop has closed down. I would plan to bring your own cylinders
Anything new on the car lot? Do you know what depth it sits at. What is the thermocline like? Going Saturday and agian with dive addicts on 29th.
Sorry Jason, settings for email notifications were turned off.
Nothing new at all. Sits a 65-85 feet depending on lake elevation.
I would be interested in the Car Lot, Could you please contact me.
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Anything new on the car lot? I noticed that it is mentioned to be south of the marina in 60-85′ of water and is a long surface swim to get to.
I am planning some dives spring summer.
Also, it was mentioned that there are some caves? do you have any info on these… Photos, stories, locations etc?
Heading to Bear Lake as part of summer vacation – flying in. Where do you recommend renting gear? Is there a guide shop that supports this lake?
Too much info to type here. Responded via email.
Looking for some info on Water temps:
What are the average temps (surface & depth) in March/April?
We want to hit the lake prior to the melt and then again later in the summer.
Thanks
April, May will be mid 40’s to low 50’s
I’m looking to dive with a new diver around mid August. I’ve never dove in Bear Lake before and I’m curious about water temp around that time and if there are any good duve spots.
The best place is on the east side along Cisco Beach. Most divers dive just south of the park range shack.
Surface temps in August should be in the 60’s. The first thermocline will be at about 20 feet, where you can expect mid 50’s.
Most divers use a 7mm with hood. A 3mm would work if you plan to stay shallow.
I would love to dive at Bear Lake again. I’m a noob and went with a guide about 12 years ago. Are there any current guides?
Welcome back! Bear Lake is a fun dive.
I would reach out to the stores in Ogden, Salt Lake or Utah County to see if they have dive outings.
You can also post on Facebook in the Utah Scuba Divers group.