Logan Canyon's Scenic Byway Is Northern Utah's Quiet Escape

While southern Utah's national parks draw the bulk of the state's tourism attention, the Logan Canyon Scenic Byway offers northern Utah travelers a quieter alternative — a roughly forty-mile stretch of Highway 89 winding through limestone canyon walls, alpine forest, and access to Bear Lake's turquoise waters.

The drive climbs steadily out of Logan, following the Logan River through a canyon that stays noticeably cooler than the valley floor even in peak summer months, making it a popular escape for Cache Valley residents during hot afternoons.

Waterfalls and Overlooks

Several short, well-marked trails branch off from pullouts along the byway, including a popular route to Wind Caves, a set of natural limestone formations accessible via a moderate hike with sweeping canyon views from the top. Ricks Spring, a small roadside spring emerging directly from the canyon wall, offers an easy stop for travelers not looking for a full hike.

The byway's high point, Bear Lake Summit, offers one of the route's most photographed views — a sweeping overlook of Bear Lake's strikingly blue water framed against the surrounding mountains, best visited in late afternoon light.

Reaching Bear Lake

Beyond the summit, the highway descends into the Bear Lake valley, where a handful of small communities straddling the Utah-Idaho border offer lakeside access, dining, and lodging. Summer weekends bring a steady stream of Wasatch Front visitors, though the crowds remain considerably lighter than those found at Utah's national parks during the same season.

For travelers based in Salt Lake City or Ogden looking for an accessible day trip that doesn't require the drive to southern Utah, Logan Canyon offers a genuine alpine escape well within reach of a single day, or an easy overnight extension to Bear Lake for those wanting more time.