[3] Peg-Leg Smith established a trading post on the Oregon Trail from 1848 to 1850 near Dingle.

Bear Lake County was established in 1875,[5] and the railroad was extended through Montpelier in 1892.

Bear Lake County comprises the state's southeast corner.

[6] The county is centered on Bear Lake Valley and includes the surrounding mountain ranges.

The valley is high in the mountains, with its lowest elevation over 5,900 feet (1,800 m) above sea level.

As of the 2000 United States Census,[13] there were 6,411 people, 2,259 households, and 1,710 families in the county.

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 5,986 people, 2,281 households, and 1,661 families in the county.

[17] Bear Lake County voters have been reliably Republican for several decades.

In only one national election since 1948 has the county selected the Democratic Party candidate.