Cache is popular spot to explore, savor flavors

The first things that likely come to mind at the mere mention of Cache Valley are Utah State University, home of the Aggies; cheese, a windy cave and wildlife.

All are popular stops for both visitors and residents. All get their share of visitors.

What you know

USU is, among other things, well respected for its forestry and wildlife study programs, which include everything from grizzly bears to raptors to fish. All of which has resulted in a lot of available information on popular stops.

A short distance from the school is the Fish Experiment Station, staffed by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Recognized as one of the finest facilities in the country, ongoing work includes everything from buoying the endangered June sucker to finding disease tolerant hybrid trout to creating new catches such as the tiger trout.

A little ways away is Cutler Marsh on the lower arm of Cutler Reservoir, with access to some of the most extensive flat-water boating within the state. Hundreds of miles of waterways weaving through the marsh's self-made maze, or on the narrow, 10-mile long reservoir, or on one of its main arteries — the Little Bear, Bear, Logan or Blacksmith Fork rivers.

It, too, is sanctuary for one of the state's most extensive populations of migrating and resident birds. More than 400 species stop or live here, everything from swallows to eagles. A combination of boating and wildlife watching offers a unique and interesting recreational experience.

About 10 miles up Logan Canyon, on the right-hand fork road, is the trail leading to the site where Old Ephraim, the legendary grizzly, was killed. A granite monument marks the site. His skull sits under glass in USU's Merrill Library Special Collection. The giant bear, which stood nearly 10 feet tall, terrorized sheep and cattle ranchers for 10 years in a wide area between Utah and Idaho. It was finally brought down in an epic battle with a sheepherder.

About 5.2 miles up the canyon is the parking area for the popular Wind Cave. Over time, wind and water have created in the limestone wall a delicate triple arch and natural cave. The cave has also been known as DeWitt's Cave, Sun Dance Cave, Witches Castle and Devil's Cave. The trail, mildly strenuous, is 1.3 miles long.

There are actually several caves here, part of a triple-arch formation belonging to the China Wall rock area on the slope of Logan Canyon. The main cave, more like a wind tunnel, is about 35 feet wide and 20 feet high.