---
id: "2045"
name: Oregon Trail-Bear Lake Scenic Byway
distance: "111"
duration: Allow 2.5 hours
description: The Oregon Trail-Bear Lake Scenic Byway offers travelers a panoramic view of Bear Lake and the Bear River valley. Following a portion of the Oregon Trail, it also offers panoramic views of the Blackfoot Reservoir and Grays Lake.
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websites:
  - url: https://visitidaho.org/things-to-do/wildlife-parks-zoos/oregon-trail-bear-lake-scenic-byway/
    name: Idaho Travel Guide
attractions:
  - url: https://www.fs.usda.gov/ctnf
    name: Caribou-Targhee National Forest
designations:
  - Idaho State Scenic Byway
states:
  - ID
ll:
  - -111.40869899999996
  - 42.00062900000012
bounds:
  - - -111.594833
    - 42.00062900000012
  - - -111.04405999999994
    - 43.01207000000011

---

__The Oregon Trail__

Take a closer look at one of the Nation's most historic pathways while traveling the byway. The Oregon Trail passed through this area and the pioneers who traveled it sometimes decided to stop here for good. It seems that the area could not have changed much since the first settlers arrived as drivers pass small communities and wheat fields that lead up to the foot of the mountains.

__Bear Lake__

The southern end of the Oregon Trail-Bear Lake Scenic Byway winds its way along the turquoise-blue waters of Bear Lake the gem of Southeast Idaho. Bear Lake straddles the Idaho-Utah border and boasts sandy beaches, great water sports, fishing, boating, and the famous Bear Lake State Park. The Lake has been a popular recreation area for generations.

__Places Along the Way__

Along the drive, visitors will pass many historic towns, some nearly forgotten. Nevertheless, the buildings erected by the earliest settlers of this territory still stand as a monument to the culture of an expanding country. Architecture from a different age can be found in buildings throughout the byway. Often, travelers will find displays that retell the stories of sites and the people who made them signficant.