We have done three border to border road trips on US Route 89 which means we have passed through Idaho five times (our first trip was one-way beginning at the Canadian border). US 89 cuts across the southeastern corner of the state for about 40 miles. I think of it as a transition from the entrance to the Rocky Mountains north of Salt Lake City to the heart of the mountains in Wyoming.
The first view of Idaho when driving from the south comes when you reach the top of Logan Canyon and the turquoise-blue waters of Bear Lake come into view.
Bear Lake from the overlook at the head of Logan Canyon
The Morman Tabernacle in Paris, Idaho
Over 100 square miles in size, Bear Lake straddles the Utah-Idaho border is a a popular summer tourist destination especially during Raspberry Days the first weekend of August. Highway 89 follows the western shore of the lake through the small towns of Fish Haven, St. Charles and Ovid and is designated as the Oregon Trail Bear Lake Scenic Byway
On our first time through Idaho we stopped in Paris which is famous for its historic Mormon Tabernacle. We wondered up and done the main street and stopped into a very eccentric antique shop and had an interesting conversation with the owner. On our last trip in 2010 we hoped to meet her again, but alas, the shop was deserted. I’m afraid it is another example of small businesses that depend on tourists and have been hit hard by the recession.
The largest town in the Bear Lake Valley along US 89 is Montpelier. Founded in 1863 by Mormon pioneers, it became a resupply stop for travelers on the Oregon Trail which is commemorated at the National Oregon California Trail Center.
Highway 89 exits from Idaho through the scenic Montpelier Canyon over the Salt River Pass into Wyoming.
US Route 89 ascends Montpelier Canyon to the Salt River Pass
My family a Danish Covert to The LDS Church Jens Hansen an Indian Agent who assisted Rich & The Saints who arrived in Bear Lake County in 1864. He would have been there in 63 however he helped with the Shoshoni Indian affairs in Preston Idaho under direction by Connor (who came to Utah during The Utah War). My Great grandmother Anna Sophia Hansen was born in Ovid January 1st 1865. Hansen became a friend of the local Indians who told him & Rich about “The Bear Lake Monster”. As a Family historian I have persisted in learning of my family. I followed Jens History family as he also helped with The Black Hawk War near Spring City Utah in The Early 1870’s. My grandma Ana Pearl Jones married (Anna Sophia Hanses daughter) . Later my father’s “Davies coal miners” from Wales decent. His mother Anna Pearl Jones Davies raised 9 children in Helper Utah Kenilworth Coal Mine. I was introduced to sailing in the Chesapeake bay in 1971. Later I learned the Truth of The Bear Lake Monster. I know the truth. 801 452 3743.