One Valley at a Time: Bear Lake Valley
When Made In The Valley was first established, we were inspired by the Treasure Valley because it’s home. From Boise to Caldwell, and spanning to the outer reaches of the valley-- to the surrounding communities, such as Emmett and Melba, there have been no shortage of amazing, talented, hard-working individuals setting up shop and making this community something worthy of being a part of.
However, our vision for this magazine—this community—reaches far beyond one valley.
Idaho is a unique and beautiful state made up of brilliant mosaics of mountains and rivers and valleys; every square inch is teeming with communities that have overcome hardship and shown what showing up for your neighbor means.
Those stories are worth telling, and the businesses born out of individual drive and passion are worth knowing.
So, from the Canadian border down to the Nevada line, and from Wyoming and Montana to Washington and Oregon, border to border--we will bring you the facts, stories, and businesses from every valley and basin that make Idaho such a great place to live.
Valley Spotlight: Bear Lake Valley
Welcome to our weekly valley series! Every week, we’re taking a closer look at one of Idaho’s legendary river valleys and structural basins—exploring their unique geography, local history, and the best ways to experience them.
Bear Lake Valley (Southeastern Idaho)
Elevation & Landscape: A high-elevation, fault-bounded basin surrounding the turquoise waters of Bear Lake on the Utah border. The rich color of the water that gives the lake an almost tropical feel is caused by the reflection of limestone deposits suspended within the water.
Formed by "fault subsidence" over 250,000 years ago—a process which continues to deepen the lake today—this majestic body of water is often referred to as the “Caribbean of the Rockies.”
Local History: Originally named Black Bear Lake in 1819 by an explorer who noted the large presence of bears, it was later shortened to Bear Lake by trappers.
Bear Lake Valley is also home to the bank that Butch Cassidy "allegedly" robbed; the Bank of Montpelier on August 13, 1896. After a round of casual drinks, Cassidy, Elza Lay, and Bob Meeks approached the bank just before closing time and caught the unsuspecting employees off guard.
After intimidating the teller, and gathering up the money in a gunny sack, Cassidy strode out of the bank first, got onto his horse and casually rode away. Meeks, who was out minding the horses, was the next to leave, and Lay left in a haste, pandemonium breaking out after him.
The law was after them all, but lost them around Snyder Basin, it wasn’t until weeks later, after a description of Meeks was given, they managed to arrest one of the would-be bank robbers. Meeks swore he never touched a cent of the money, and he was the only one ever arrested in connection with the crime. However, you can still find “mock” wanted posters up around the valley calling for the capture of Cassidy.
Bear Lake State Park
Many amenities including swimming, boating, biking, fishing, snowmobiling, birdwatching, camping, volunteering. Open year round.
If you find yourself starving after exploring the beautiful lake, you can grab a warm meal just around the corner on the St. Charles side of the lake. Minnetonka Market & Cafe (located at 194 N Main St, St. Charles, ID 83272) offers a variety of cafe foods at affordable prices, but reviewers all agree their bacon cheeseburger is one of the best around! Stop by the next time you’re in town.
Where in Idaho are you reading from today? Drop a comment below and tell us which valley or region you want us to feature next week!
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