The origins of the Bear Lake Monster go back to a series of articles written by Joseph C. Rich, an LDS pioneer at Bear Lake. His articles in the Deseret Evening News claimed several upstanding citizens, but not Rich himself, had seen the creature. However, in 1888 he recanted the stories, saying he had made up the monster.

Coincidentally, Rich owned the first general store in Bear Lake County, Idaho.

Local tourism director Judy Holbrook invites people to come look for the monster themselves. "But you will need to stay at least a week," she says coyly.

Besides, Holbrook notes, there are other things to enjoy when you're scouting for the Bear Lake Monster: famous raspberries, the natural resources of the lake, mountain scenery and clean fresh air.

Vic Tilt is quick to agree.

"The lake is nice," he said, "with or without a monster."

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If you go. . .

Getting there: From Salt Lake City, take I-15 north 54 miles to the Logan exit. Take U.S. 91 north 27 miles, then U.S. 89 north for 40 miles to Bear Lake.

Nearby attractions:

Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge: Located on the north end of Bear Lake; pacific.fws.gov/refuges/field/ID—Bearlk.htm or 208-847-1757. The refuge is 17 acres of marsh, open water and grassland that is home to large numbers of waterfowl.

Minnetonka Cave: Located nine miles up St. Charles Canyon in Idaho. Open daily through Labor Day; www.bearlake.org/cavexplore.html or 435-245-4422.

Highland Trail: The 55-mile-long National Recreation trail is accessible from many points within the Bear Lake area.

Oregon Trail: The Oregon Trail crosses Bear Lake County. Although much of it is paved over, parts of the original trail are visible parallel to U.S. 30 north of Georgetown, Idaho.

Paris Tabernacle: Located in Paris, Idaho, north of Garden City on Highway 89. Built by LDS pioneers over a century ago, the tabernacle is open for tours.

Lodging: Motels, cabins, bed and breakfasts and campgrounds are available in and near surrounding towns. For help with accommodations and other information (including information on visiting the Paris Tabernacle), visit www.bearlake.org or call 800-448-BEAR.