Bear Lake County

The crystal clear waters of Bear Lake have been summoning admirers—and fishermen—for centuries. As a result, this large 109 square-mile Alpine lake is populated with cute summer homes along the shoreline from Fish Lake to Dingle. The expansive blue horizons, rolling hills, crisp winters and mild summers of Bear Lake County are perfect for ranching, and all manner of outdoor adventuring. The lakeside communities of Montpelier, Paris, and St. Charles have retained that elusive “small-town feel” a hundred years after their founding by Mormon pioneers. Add waterfront views—and it’s hard to say no to this bucolic slice of heaven.