Bear Lake
Discovered in 1812 by trappers returning
home from Astoria, Oregon, this valley
and its large lake soon became
an important fur trade center.
Donald MacKenzie, Jim Bridger and a host
of famous beaver hunters operated here. Two
major summer frolics and trade fairs brought
plenty of excitemet to Bear Lake in 1827
and 1828. Helping local Indians expel
Blackfoot invaders, those trappers never
forgot their wild festivals here.
