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Skirting the west side of Bear Lake to Freedom, Wyoming, the Oregon Trail - " Bear Lake Scenic Byway promises a trip through early western history along turquoise-blue lakes and mountain scenery in southeastern Idaho. As it passes by historic towns, expansive wheat fields, and inviting national forests and recreation areas, the route beckons to both outdoor adventurers and enthusiasts of times past. History permeates the area, calling to mind the struggles of American pioneers heading west to seek freedom and opportunity. At the National Oregon/California Trail Center in Montpelier, actors reenact these struggles for modern travelers among detailed exhibits and art displays. For a more hands-on experience, participate in the museum's "Travelin' West" adventure, which includes a computer-simulated wagon ride and a campfire chat. When you leave the Trail Center and head north, you'll encounter more pioneer history in towns like Hooper Springs, named for a natural mineral spring where early travelers rested from the rigors of the Trail. The byway travels through mountain desert communities who depend upon the life-giving waters of this region for agriculture, tourism, and day-to-day life. On the southern end of the route, shimmering Bear Lake boasts 160 square miles worth of irresistible lake recreation and long sandy beaches. The lake is known as the - œCaribbean of the West, - and not just for its ever-changing palette of vivid blue-green waters. Its long, deep and sandy shoreline, marinas, festivals, towns and resorts attract beach-loving families and groups of friends. Farther north, catch some huge cutthroat trout while fly-fishing from the shores of the Blackfoot Reservoir, or add to your birding life list with sightings at Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge. If getting wet in the byway waters isn't in your plans, two National Forests along the byway are chock-full of opportunities for other adventures. In winter, Wasatch-Cache and Caribou-Targhee National Forests have miles of snowmobile or cross-country ski trails and prime ice climbing conditions for backcountry explorers. Summertime draws a crowd to these public lands as well, though you'll always find quiet corners in these vast forests to mountain bike, rock climb, or camp with your family. To escape summer's heat, explore the cool depths of Minnetonka Cave on a guided tour, where the inside temperature is a constant 40-degrees summer or winter. Wildlife enthusiasts flock to the diverse landscapes and thriving ecosystems in these forests to hunt, fish, or photograph the local fauna. From recreation havens like Bear Lake to the evidence of early American settlers, the Oregon Trail - " Bear Lake Scenic Byway packs a multitude of western experiences in its 113 miles. If you are in the area, stop by and visit.
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