Welcome to Bear Lake County!

First known photo of Bear Lake taken on the east shore in 1871 by the U.S. Geological Society

My name is Shirlene Jensen and I am the host of Bear Lake County.  I am native to this wonderful county and even though I don't live here now, I have a great love for my former home.  We are proud to be part of the Idaho GenWeb group. I will be updating and adding lots of wonderful new things.  And if you have something you would like to see added please email me!

Bear Lake Valley was settled September 26, 1863 by forty Mormon pioneer families from Cache Valley, Utah. 
Charles Coulsen Rich was the presiding Elder under the direction of Brigham Young.  Bear Lake County was formed January 5, 1875 from Oneida County and was named for the body of water named Bear Lake, which lies half in Idaho and half in Utah. Our wonderful county covers 1,049 square miles and Paris is the county seat.