Best place to spend the summer just might be Logan

WHAT A VIEW!: Wind Cave in Logan Canyon is an easy to moderately difficult hike.

By Stephanie Bassett

March 3, 2008 | If you haven't made summer plans yet, be sure to put Logan on the list. Logan is one of Utah's best kept secrets and is a great place to spend a weekend, a year, or the rest of your life. The population is around 50,000 people and some might think that with such a small city there wouldn't be a lot to do, but there definintely is. There is a wide variety of exciting things to do in Logan that anybody and everybody can enjoy, one of which is outdoor recreation activities.

One of the most popular day trips in the Logan area is the Logan Canyon National Scenic Byway. The canyon is stunningly beautiful and as you drive through you can stop and enjoy some great outdoor activities. There are some fantastic hikes, such as the Wind Cave Trail or the River Trail. A full list of great places to hike is here.

Also along the way you could stop and go fishing. Logan River is known for its blue ribbon fly fishing. The largest fish caught in Logan Canyon was reported to be 40 pounds. Another great activity is horseback riding. There are many trails throughout the Wasatch-Cache National Forest that are perfect for this activity. While riding the horses you can enjoy the great views, see wildlife, and just relax--the horse does all the walking.

At the end of the canyon lies Bear Lake. Bear Lake is a beautiful 20-mile long turquoise lake that offers many more activities such as boating, jet skiing, fishing, swimming, and camping. While you're there, don't forget to try one of the world's best raspberry shakes. Bear Lake is the perfect place to spend the day and unwind.

If you can't make it down Logan Canyon then don't fret, there's plenty more to do. In an interview with Julie Hollist, director of Cache Valley Visitors Bureau, she said, "Our motto is 'come discover your own adventure.' We base our marketing in three primary areas; arts, heritage and the outdoors. We truly believe that there is something here for everyone to enjoy. It's the only place I know of where you can go to the Utah Festival Opera, and then go fishing in the same day! There are a billion things to do here."

A great place for kids and adults is the Willow Park Zoo. Willow Park Zoo is home to about 100 species of birds, 12 species of mammals, and various fish and turtles. There are sometimes bald eagles that will fly in on an open perch. There are also coyotes, elk, and other small animals. It is the perfect place to go for a peaceful walk and enjoy nature.

Morgan Cox, accounting student at Utah State University said he spends summers here because he loves summers in Logan. He said, "There always seems to be something to do in Logan. I spend a lot of my summer outdoors. I love all the nice walks in Logan and just being able to relax is a major plus. I think Logan would be a perfect place to spend a summer for anyone and everyone."

If it's a nice walk you want then be sure to visit historic downtown Logan. The early Mormon pioneer architecture is amazing. The buildings that are must see are the Logan Tabernacle, the 1914 Bluebird Café, and the newly restored Cache County Courthouse. A 45-minute walking tour guide is available at the Cache Valley Visitors Bureau.

For the more daring individual try rock climbing in Logan Canyon. According to tourcachevalley.com, "Many climbers make a pilgrimage to Logan Canyon for the abundant vertical and overhanging limestone and quartzite faces, and for the steepness and quality of rock. Mild weather, low humidity, and little rain offer excellent climbing opportunities during spring, summer, and fall. More than 275 routes have been developed and approximately 230 are bolt-protected sport climbs. The remaining routes require placing natural protection. Most climbs are in the 5.10 to 5.12 range."

I asked Paul Bowman, Rental Program Supervisor for Outdoor Recreation Center at Utah State University, what he thinks the more popular outdoor activities are and he said, "Some of the more popular activities are tubing the canal in Logan Canyon, hanging out and canoeing at First Dam, hiking, disc golf, mountain biking, trail running, canoeing, camping and just spending time outside."

Basically there are a lot of exciting things to do in Logan this summer. Don't be afraid to try something new, this is the perfect place to learn. Logan is a beautiful city and is a wonderful place to relax and have a good time.

NW
MS