<Tr> <Th> Settlements </Th> <Td> Garden City, Utah, Laketown, Utah, Fish Haven, Idaho </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> Shore length is not a well - defined measure . </Td> </Tr> <P> Bear Lake is a natural freshwater lake on the Utah - Idaho border in the Western United States . About 109 square miles (280 km) in size, it is split about equally between the two states; its Utah portion comprises the second - largest natural freshwater lake in Utah, after Utah Lake . The lake has been called the "Caribbean of the Rockies" for its unique turquoise - blue color, which is due to the reflection of calcium carbonate (limestone) deposits suspended in the lake . Its water properties have led to the evolution of several unique species of fauna that occur only within the lake . Bear Lake is over 250,000 years old . It was formed by fault subsidence that continues today, slowly deepening the lake along the eastern side . </P> <P> Originally named "Black Bear Lake" by Donald Mackenzie, an explorer for the North West Fur Company who discovered the lake in 1819, the name was later changed to Bear Lake . The lake is a popular destination for tourists and sports enthusiasts, and the surrounding valley has gained a reputation for having high - quality raspberries . </P>

What is the surface area of bear lake