Cache Valley Utah Relocation Guide

Cache Valley Summer/Spring Recreation

Once the winter ice finally disappears, a beautiful Cache Valley comes to life. The April rain showers turn the mountainsides green and wildflowers flourish. The sun takes hold in early May and recreational opportunities abound. If you have the energy, there is plenty to discover in the Valley of Cache.

Backcountry ATV / Jeeps

The valley and surrounding mountains of Logan provide many side roads to be able to gain access to scenic mountain ranges. The Temple Fork Road is a popular
route to find other roads. The aspen trees in the area are always a beautiful site. The Beaver Creek Lodge provides jeep rentals. They can be reached at their website or by calling 1-800- 946-4485.

Bird watching

Cache Valley has an abundant of bird population that allows for great bird watching. Cutler Marsh is located west of Logan and offers all that a wetland habitat can. White pelicans, great blue herons, common egrets, western grebes, plus a variety of ducks, geese and shorebirds frequent the area every summer. The number of different birds in this area will impress you!

The north end of the Wellsville Mountains is a great place to observe the annual raptor migration. Various birds can be seen beginning their journey south. Northern harriers, kestrels, goshawks, red-tailed hawks, golden eagles and other species are among the
species seen.

The local Bridgerland Audubon Society web site is:
http://bridgerlandaudubon.org

Boating/Water sports

Scenic Bear Lake is located just 45 minutes east of Logan. The popular summer water spot has a deep beautiful turquoise color. Hyrum Dam is also a popular place for skiing, boating and fishing; Porcupine Reservoir is a great place for quiet fishing weekend.Water skier who want a little more privacy can escape to Cutler Reservoir or Newton reservoir. Tony Grove Lake is a natural glacier lake that can be accessed right off Hwy. 89 in Logan Canyon. This lake is known for its beautiful vistas of wildflowers and
vegetation. More information is available at the state parks website.

Caves

There are various caves available for exploring close to Cache Valley. The wind caves are carved into a limestone outcropping at the top of a 1.3 mile trail. The Witch's Castle, as known by some, provides a scenic view of China Wall, across the canyon. Logan
Cave is located right off of Hwy. 89. This cave extends 4,000 feet deep into the mountain. The cave is gated to protect the Townsend big-eared bats which are
a species sensitive to any type of activity. Minnetonka cave provides an amazing display of stalactites, stalagmites and 486 stairs. Guided tours are available by calling the Scenic Canyons Recreational Services at (435) 245-4422.

Canoeing

Various lakes and marshes are spotted throughout the valley and mountain region. Canoeing provides a great opportunity for bird watching along the Bear River. The Cutler Wetland maze will provide an adventure and help you discover so many bird species. The Benson Marina is also a popular spot located at 3000 North and approximately 4800 West in Benson. A private marina called Muddy Road Outfitters Marina is maintained by Muddy Road Outfitters Canoe Rentals. They can be reached at (435) 753-3693. Canoes can also be rented at the Trailhead, located 117 N. Main Street in Logan.

Camping

Three main camping spots provide the most scenic escape from the city. These spots are located up Logan Canyon, Blacksmith Fork Canyon, and Green Canyon. The most popular campsites go quick on weekends during the summer months but some of them can be reserved through the Wasatch-Cache National Forest Ranger Station. The
phone number there is (877) 444-6777. The site can also be reserved at ReserveUSA.com.

Golfing

Five different elegant courses dot the valley. The Logan and Birch Creek courses rank in the top 500 courses in the nation. Birch Creek Golf Course located in Smithfield has received honors as one of the best courses in the country. Below is a list of all of the
available courses.

Birch Creek Golf Course
550 East 100 North, Smithfield
http://www.birchcreekgolf.com (435) 563-6825

Logan Golf and Country Club
1500 East 710 North, Logan
(435) 753-6020

Logan River Golf Course
550 West 1000 South, Logan
http://www.loganutah.org (435) 750-0123

Sherwood Hills (Wellsville Canyon)
12 miles southwest of Logan on Hwy 89/91
http://www.sherwoodhills.com (435) 245-6055

Fishing

Looking for a good fishing story? Anglers can access some of the best fishing in the Rockies within minutes of downtown Logan. Blacksmith Fork River, Logan River and Bear Lake are three of the most popular fishing places Looking for trout? Then head up
to Tony Grove Lake which is stocked with beautiful rainbows. If bigger Lake Trout or Cutthroat are your style then head up to Bear Lake. It's said that the largest fish caught up Logan Canyon was a 40 pounder!

Hiking

The trails never end here in Cache Valley. The interwoven network of scenic trails will take you on picturesque hikes for all ages. You may be looking for a three hour hike to the top of the Wellsville Mountains or a short hike up to the Wind Caves to explore the wind card arches of Logan Canyon. The summer temperature of the Canyons usually stays in the 70's or 80's. The Bridgerland Hiking Trail Guide will help you get a good look at the fifteen most popular hikes.

Horseback Riding

Numerous winding trails climb the wilderness around the Wasatch-Cache National Forest. You will find these trails minutes from the road you, which will make you feel as if you have jumped back in time to the Old West. Come and see nature, wildlife and the great outdoors. Horses are available for rest as follows:

Beaver Creek Lodge:
Hwy. 89, Logan Canyon
Take a guided trail ride through the hills of Logan Canyon
http://www.beavercreeklodge.com

Sherwood Hills Information:
(435) 245-5054, 1-800-532-5066

Hot Springs

In just a short 30-minute drive from downtown Logan, you could be relaxing in one of five natural hot springs. After visiting the other invigorating activities in Logan,
plan on visiting one of these spots.

Riverdale Resort
3696 North 1600 East, Preston, ID (30 min. north of Logan)
Mon-Thu 2-9:45 pm, Fri 2-12pm, Sat 11am-9:45pm

Downata Hot Springs
25900 South Downata Road, Downey, Idaho (1 hour northwest of Logan)
Campgrounds available

Lava Hot Springs
Lava Hot Springs, Idaho (1 hour, 30 min. north of Logan)
Olympic pool: Mon-Thu 12pm-9pm, Fri-Sun 11am-9pm
Hot pools: Apr 1-Sep 30 8am-11pm
Oct 1-Mar 31 9am-10pm
http://www.lavahotsprings.com 1-800-423-8597

Maple Grove Hot Springs
11386 N. Oneida Narrows Rd.
Thatcher, ID (55 miles north of Logan)
http://www.maplegrovehotsprings.com
maplegrove@starband.net
208-851-1137

Mountain Biking

Cache Valley is well known for beautiful cycle rides throughout the valley. There are several places to go including Logan Canyon. The canyon is a wonderful place to bike in the spring, summer and fall. These rides will take you along rivers and lakes and picturesque mountain landscapes.

Logan is the home to three well-known bicycle events. The first of these, MS 150 Bike Tour, is held at the end of June. Over 1,000 people ride 75 miles throughout Cache Valley?s beautiful countryside. There is also and option 40 mile ride available for leisure riders. This challenging ride will be entertaining for all, whether you?re an experienced or beginning rider.

The second big cycling event, the LOTOJA Classic Bicycle race, is held annually in September. The race begins in Logan and travels north through the scenic back roads to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. This race is the longest single-day bicycle road race in North America. Cyclists are able to travel 203 miles through three states, Utah, Idaho and Wyoming, and climb over a 7,000-ft. mountain pass. Thousands of spectators watch throughout the course and the finish line.
The third bicycle event, the Cache Classic, is held Labor Day weekend. The race is sponsored by the Logan Race Club which includes Prologue Time Trial, Little Mountain Road Race, Downtown Criterium, Canyon Road Race and a Time Trial. For more information, contact Doug Wilkins (435) 787-2534.www.loganraceclub.org.

Utah?s Best Dam MS 150 Bike Tour
http://www.fightmsutah.org
(801) 493-0113
1-800-527-8116

LOTOJA Classic Bicycle Race
http://www.lotoiaclassic.com
(801) 627-6200
1-800-497-7335

Al?s Cyclery and Fitness
Mountain bikes, $35/day
1617 North Main, Logan
(435) 752-5131

Joyride Bikes
Mountain, road, hybrid, cruiser, and tandem bikes,
$25-50/day.
65 South Main, Logan
http://www.joyridebikes.com
(435) 753-7175

Norda?s Mountain Outfitters
Mountain bikes, $20.day (only rent during Spring-Summer)
77 North Main, Logan
(435) 753-2934

The Sportsman
Mountain, road, tandem. $14.95/half day, $25-30/full day
129 North Main, Logan
752-0211

Swimming

Logan Aquatic Center
The Logan Aquatic Center is Logan's new outdoor pool, located just across the street from the Logan/Cache Fairgrounds. The aquatic center has two waterslides, both a speed slide and a winding slide. There is a children's pool, lap pool, leisure pool and diving well. This is a fun activity for the whole family!
451 South 500 West
June thru August Mon. thru Fri. 12 pm to 7 pm, Sat. and Sun. 11 am to 7 pm
(435) 716-9266

Wildlife Watching

You don?t want to miss out on an opportunity to see Elk, moose and deer throughout the mid-section in Logan Canyon. Beaver dams are often found along the Logan River. Hardware Ranch Wildlife Management Area, located 17 miles east of Hyrum, has over 600 elk which make the ranch their winter home. Sleigh rides are available December-March.

Hardware Ranch Elk Refuge
15 miles east of Hyrum, on US Hwy 101 in Blacksmith Fork Canyon. Each year more than 600 Rocky Mountain elk make the ranch home for the winter. Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride and learn about these magnificent creatures. On Friday and Saturday evenings, enjoy a moonlit sleigh ride and dinner.
Daily, 10 am to 5 pm; from Dec. 15 to March 15
http://www.hardwareranch.com
(435) 753-6206

U.S. Highway 89 showcases beautiful Logan Canyon. Mile-high vertical limestone cliffs can be seen from this popular roadway. As you travel through this gentle canyon route, you will see forested canopies, the winding Logan River and mountain wildlife. Many camping, picnicking and fishing areas are located throughout the canyon. A seven-mile drive off the highway leads you to spectacular Tony Grove Lake. A short, level trail takes you around the lake to view the many wildflowers in this area. This canyon is a popular winter paradise, with more than 300 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. Beaver Mountain Ski Resort is located on the route just 27 miles northeast of Logan.
http://www.byways.org/browse/byways/2001/