Sign leading into Bear Lake State Park. — Bear Lake State Park, St. Charles. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A family of four ride a raft down the Portneuf River — Portneuf River, Lava Hot Springs. Photo Credit: Visit Idaho.

Lava Hot Springs Hot Pools at sunset. — Lava Hot Springs Hot Pools, Lava Hot Springs. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A child jumps into his father's arms at the Lava Hot Springs Olympic Swimming Pool & Waterpark. — Lava Hot Springs Olympic Swimming Pool & Waterpark, Lava Hot Springs. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

two girls look at the water in Hooper Springs Park — Hooper Springs Park, Soda Springs. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

A family of four walking down the stairs and out of a historic brick building in Chesterfield. — Holbrook Mercantile General Merchandise, Chesterfield Historic Town Site. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Paris Tabernacle from the front, in spring — Paris Tabernacle, Paris. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

Front view of The National Oregon/California Trail Center building and a small covered wagon. — The National Oregon/California Trail Center, Montpelier. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A view from the bottom of the stone steps inside Minnetonka Cave. — Minnetonka Cave, St. Charles. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

An aerial view of the Paris Tabernacle. — Paris Tabernacle, Paris. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism.

A purple-colored sunrise over Bear Lake. — Bear Lake State Park, St. Charles. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Minnetonka Cave, St. Charles. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism — Minnetonka Cave, St. Charles. Photo Credit: Visit Idaho

Oregon Trail–Bear Lake Scenic Byway

Natural splendor and the promise of adventure lures travelers to southeastern Idaho and the Oregon Trail–Bear Lake Scenic Byway. Bear Lake boasts shimmering turquoise waters, sandy beaches and magnificent views. It’s no wonder it’s known as “The Caribbean of the Rockies”! Along this scenic route, check out the world’s only captive geyser, Minnetonka Cave, historic sites, and a variety of experiences tied to the Oregon Trail.

Length

92.8 miles
149 km

Time

1 hour,
50 minutes

Region

Southeastern Idaho

When to Visit

Year-round

31 Byways. 31 Ways to Be Inspired.

A variety of scenic, natural, historic, recreational, archeological and cultural experiences can be found on Idaho’s 31 scenic byways. Watch the video to preview the wonders that await you as you plan your next road trip.

Watch now

Road Trip Tips

Turn-by-Turn Directions: Begins at Bear Lake on U.S. 89 near Fish Haven. Drive north on U.S. 89 to Montpelier, where U.S. 89 meets U.S. 30. Merge onto U.S. 30 and continue heading north. Remain on U.S. 30 as it winds through Soda Springs toward Alexander. Moving westbound through Alexander, turn north onto Blazer Highway (Old U.S. 30). Follow the highway through Bancroft and on to Lava Hot Springs, where Blazer Highway ends and U.S. 30 resumes. Merge onto U.S. 30 and continue west, approaching I-15 in McCammon.

Full Services in: McCammon, Montpelier, Soda Springs and Lava Hot Springs

Partial services in: Paris and Georgetown

Motorcycle Route: Yes

Nearby Adventures

Spend the day examining stalactites in a limestone cave or saddle up for some Wild West history and tour the last standing bank robbed by Butch Cassidy and his gang. The Oregon Trail–Bear Lake Scenic Byway awaits.