Waterfront Living in the Mountain West Region

The Mountain West is a region that isn’t typically defined by its water. Situated in the inner western area of the United States, this region is known for its mountainous peaks, its deep forests, and even its dry deserts. But that doesn’t mean that the Mountain West lacks waterfront landscapes. In states like Utah, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, several great towns and cities have locations on picturesque bodies of water.

Let’s explore some of the different communities across the Mountain West with picturesque locations on the water.

Garden City is a Utah town situated on the Northeast end of the state, along the border with Idaho. This town is mostly quiet throughout the year, but its location along Bear Lake makes it a popular tourism destination every summer. It has been nicknamed “The Caribbean of the Rockies” for the water’s deep blue appeal.

The areas surrounding Bear Lake are undeniably beautiful, with deep forests, camping grounds, fishing spots, and more. Garden City is known for its outdoor recreation, with abundant water sports options around the lake. It is a quiet city in a beautiful natural setting that truly comes to life in the summer.

Cascade is a tiny city in Idaho north of Boise. Cascade is a quiet and picturesque city with a minuscule population but a picturesque setting along the shore of Lake Cascade. It is surrounded by Lake Cascade State Park, making it an incredible place for hiking, boating, and waterfront views.

There is much to do in Cascade, ranging from the great kayaking, fishing, boating, and swimming options on the lake to hiking, ATV trails, and mountain biking in the forest. The nearby mountains make for an incredible backdrop, and the lake is one of the most picturesque settings in the state.

Less than 1% of Wyoming is covered in water, making it a state that is one of the driest in the country. However, that doesn’t mean standout areas can’t be found. One such area is the tiny community of Alcova. Alcova is part of the Casper Metro Area but is sparsely populated, with only 30 full-time residents.

However, the town’s setting along the Alcova Reservoir makes it extremely popular for boating and camping. With resorts and campgrounds lining the water and beaches and hiking trails, it is a waterfront community ideal for those that don’t love crowds.

Montana is similarly a state where water is not abundant, but there are several great towns and cities along lakes and rivers. One such town is Ennis, a quiet town just northwest of Yellowstone. Ennis has gotten a reputation as a vibrant community in recent years, with a setting along the Madison River. It has been jokingly referred to as a Montana drinking town with a fishing problem.

There is a lot to do at Ennis, from horseback riding through its numerous trails to sampling some authentic Montana moonshine. The fishing is phenomenal; there’s golf nearby, and it is great for swimming and canoeing.

Twin Bridges is another small Montana town where the Ruby, Beaverhead, and Big Hole Rivers meet up. It is a quiet town surrounded by flowing rivers and deep forests, with abundant wildlife and beautiful natural scenery. The town has a reputation as one of the best fly fishing spots for trout anglers in the entire state.

Residents of Twin Bridges have a lot of outdoor recreational activities to get up to. Twin Bridges has something for you, whether you are looking to fish, enjoy some rafting, or even browse local products at a Farmer’s Market.

Eden is a tiny census-designated place just north of Salt Lake City. While it is a short drive to the Great Salt Lake, it also rests on its own large body of water, the Pineview Reservoir. While the town has a tiny population, it is busy year-round due to its great boating and hiking in the summer and the presence of the Powder Mountain Ski Resort in the winter.

Along the Pineview Reservoir, several beaches, marinas, and bed and breakfasts give Eden a busy tourist-friendly atmosphere. The waters are clear and blue, and the hiking is top-notch.