History of Idaho’s Bear Lake Valley, Land of Enchantment

Many bears roamed the Rocky Mountains. Early settlers knew the temperament of these animals and were cautious. There was one such grizzly by the name of Old Ephraim that roamed the mountains of the Wasatch Front, striking fear into the hearts of men and beasts alike. This grizzly caused unparalleled damage and destruction, killing and plundering everywhere he went. Sheepherders often feared for their lives. From 1911 to 1923, he roamed the Wasatch Mountains from southern Idaho to northern Utah, wreaking havoc wherever he went. He was referred to as "Old Three Toes" because one foot was deformed. The grizzly measured at exactly nine feet and eleven inches tall, weighing 1100 pounds.

The lake itself is seven-and-a-half miles wide and twenty miles long, and is home to the Bonneville Cisco fish, which is indigenous to the area. It is also the home of the Bear Lake Monster. The mystery of this monster has been an exciting part of Bear Lake history ever since the early pioneers arrived in 1863. Native American tribes such as the Shoshone, Bannock, and Utes inhabited this valley. Shortly after the settlement of the pioneers, the Indians told the settlers all about the Great Bear Lake Monster. They said it had captured and carried away two of their braves who were swimming. They told the pioneers that the monster was a serpent-like creature, had legs about 18 inches long and sometimes crawled out of the water.

The legend of the Bear Lake Monster made life a little more exciting for the pioneers. Throughout the years, no one has ever disproved the Bear Lake Monster. A group of scientists tried to discredit the monster and said that it was a huge codfish that was shipped in from the East, but the local people refuse to believe it. Many claim to have seen it and have given their own accounts of the Bear Lake Monster. They described it as being 90 feet long. It had small legs, flaming red eyes, ears that stuck out from the sides of its skinny head, and a huge mouth that was big enough to eat a man. Some said it resembled a gigantic alligator. They claimed it could swim faster than a galloping horse, and roared like an angry bull. This legend still lives on today; the question is: is it fact or fiction?

"A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho" is a series of historical fiction novels that include this captivating history, and at the same time be entertained and watch romance blossom. Rugged mountains, lush valleys, jagged cliffs, and bright red patches of Indian paintbrush; grizzly bears, outlaws, and the Bear Lake Monster! Idaho's Bear Lake Valley is an enchanting place to visit.