Logan (Utah) - Wikitravel (2024)

Logan[1] is a fair-sized town and is growing rapidly, located in the Wasatch Front region of northern Utah. The town is home to Utah State University, a state school with approximately 23,000 students. Logan offers a wealth of outdoor activities, including some excellent hiking, mountain biking, sport climbing, kayaking, fly-fishing, and skiing. Luckily, Logan remains relatively undiscovered, so many of these activities can be experienced in far less crowded conditions than those found in other, similar areas of the US.

Understand[edit]

Climate[edit]

Cache Valley has very unpredictable and extreme weather compared to the urban centers of the Wasatch Front. Winters are very cold, with daytime temperatures rarely getting above freezing and overnight lows frequently dropping below 0F (-18C). Snow is less frequent than in Salt Lake City but the individual storms are usually larger. Cache Valley also has one of the worst inversions in the state, in which cold, moist air and pollutants can become trapped in the valley. A simple five minute ride up any of the cayons will get you out of the inversion and into some of the most beautiful winter mountain landscapes in all of Utah. Spring and Fall are wild and feature frequent temperature changes with possibilities of snow as early as October and as late as May. Summer is cooler than in Salt Lake City but still hot, with daytime temperatures generally ranging from 75F (24C) to 95F (35C) - they rarely reach above 100F (38C). It is, however, far enough north that it avoids most of the summer thunderstorms. Although the city is cozy and the surrounding terrain is spectacular, the unpredictable weather is a turnoff for some. Others find the changing weather enjoyable and enjoy spend time outdoors taking in the many recreactional oppertunities throughout the valley and its many canyons.

Get in[edit]

By plane[edit]

The Salt Lake City International Airport, located just 80 miles to the south, is a major Delta hub and offers many direct flights to destinations throughout the U.S., with some direct flights to Europe, Canada and Mexico. Most major car rental agencies have offices at the Salt Lake City Airport, and the Salt Lake Express offers multiple express routes to Logan each day.

The Logan-Cache Airport (KLGU) offers some business and charter flights to Logan, as well as resources for a vibrant general aviation community. Leading Edge Aviation offers a full-service FBO that includes flight lessons and airplane rentals. Additionally, Utah State University Aviation has a full aviation campus at the Logan-Cache Airport.

By car[edit]

From the southMost visitors to Logan will be coming from the Wasatch Front, to the south. Coming north on I-15 from Salt Lake City you will want to take exit 362 (Brigham City), and then follow US 89/91 through the mountains (unofficially referred to as Sardine Canyon) into Cache Valley. The drive from Salt Lake City should take about 75-90 minutes.

Alternately, you can also take I-15 N and take Exit 351 (Willard). The short UT-126 section branches off towards US-89 for Logan and Ogden. Keep left at that fork and follow the road till you reach Brigham City and then the right lane will lead you towards Logan. This route is 7 miles shorter and a more comfortable drive with very little traffic.

If I-15 is closed or congested (as it might be at the beginning or end of a USU semester, for example), you can take US-89 all the way from Salt Lake City to Logan, except for a short jaunt between Bountiful and Farmington, where US-89 joins the freeway. For this section in Davis County, you can take UT-106, which parallels the freeway directly to the east.

From the northComing south on I-15 from Idaho, take exit 36 (Downey/Preston) and take US-91. Coming through Preston, be sure to stay on US-91 towards Logan, which will require you to remain vigilant as you can easily end up on a different road. The Utah/Idaho border lies about 20 miles north of Logan. US-91 becomes Main Street in Logan, and joins with US-89 at 400 North.

From the westComing from Seattle, Portland, or Boise, visitors will take I-84 eastbound until it intersects with I-15 just west of Logan. At the I-15 interchange, take I-15 northbound towards Pocatello, and soon after take exit 385 (Riverside) eastbound onto UT-30. From there, it's a short 20 minute drive into Logan. UT-30 will turn into 200 North as you come into Logan.

From the northeastUS-89 heads east through beautiful Logan Canyon towards Bear Lake, a popular tourist destination, and from there towards Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park, and Yellowstone National Park. US-89 turns into 400 North upon entering Logan. Be aware that severe weather conditions can exist on US-89 through Logan Canyon during the winter, causing occasional closure of the highway.

By bus[edit]

• Salt Lake Express has the largest number of connections to and from Logan. Pick-up and drop-off are available at Utah State University, the Logan Transit Center at 150 E 200 N, Holiday Inn Express at 2235 N Main Street, or door-to-door for an extra fee. Connections are available to various destinations throughout Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming and Montana, including an express route to Salt Lake City International Airport. +1 435-563-6400.
• Greyhound also has connections to Salt Lake City twice a day, leaving from Logan Transit Center, 150 E 200 N, +1 214-849-8966.

Get around[edit]

Driving, riding the bus, walking, and cycling are convenient ways to get around town. Utah State University, on the east side of town, sits on the Provo Bench of ancient Lake Bonneville, about 250 feet higher than downtown Logan. This elevation difference is a major deterrent to non-motorized transportation.

By bus[edit]

Cache Valley Transit District operates a simple route system that radiates out from the transit center at 150 E 200 N every 30 minutes. All buses are wheelchair accessible and equipped to carry two or three bicycles. All bus trips on CVTD are completely free.

During the school year, buses that go up to Utah State University leave every 15 minutes during the mornings and early afternoons, when most students travel to and from school. Free parking is available at the Cache Valley Transit Center.

Aggie Shuttle provides free transportation to, from, and around USU campus during the school year, on weekdays, between 7am and 5pm. Routes include the Orange Innovation Campus bus, which provides transportation to Space Dynamics Lab and the USU Research Foundation every 15 minutes; Blue Stadium Express, which provides transportation to the Maverik Stadium every 3 minutes; several routes which connect different parts of campus; and the Evening Express, which runs from 5pm until 9pm.

By car[edit]

Most residents use their car to get around, and it is easy to get around by car. There are practically no one-way streets, and parking is abundant. Main Street is heavily used and often congested but parallel streets often provide faster access within Logan.

Parking limitations are usually clearly indicated by signage, but complete information can be found at the Logan City Parking Enforcement web site. For example, to park in the areas surrounding Utah State University a residential parking permit is required during the school year, and free on-street parking is limited to 2 hours throughout most of the downtown area.

Parking around Utah State University is extremely limited. There is some 3-hour parking on 700 East and between 500 and 700 North, at the bottom of Old Main Hill. There is also 1-hour, 2-hour, 3-hour, and 8-hour parking on 700 North to the east of 1200 East, but this fills up quickly. Paid parking on campus can be had at $2.00/hour, or $7.00 for a day pass. More information is available on the USU Parking web site, or you can talk to someone in-person at the Visitor Information Center, located in front of the Aggie Terrace on 700 East. Most on-campus parking is free after 5pm, with the exception of dorm parking.

Due to the need for snow removal, the following municipal code was passed: "No person shall park a vehicle on any street or city owned parking lot between the hours of twelve o'clock (12:00) midnight and six o'clock (6:00) A.M. of any day, beginning November 15 and ending March 15th of each year." (Logan Municipal Code 10.52.170)

By bike[edit]

Streets throughout the old grid part of town are wide, thanks to the admonition of Brigham Young to lay out early Utah cities with streets wide enough to turn a double-team of horses and a buck-board around, so there is plenty of room for cyclists. Many streets have designated bike lanes, with maps available at the Cache County Trails website.

On foot[edit]

Main Street in the downtown area has very wide sidewalks and is most easily explored on foot. There are also sidewalks along most streets in the grid area. However, it could easily take half an hour to walk from one part of town to another (e.g. from USU to the mall, or to downtown).

See[edit]

• Willow Park. Located in Southwest Logan. Willow Park is huge and a great place for picnics or to take the kids. It has three different playgrounds and a zoo with a wide variety of species. It's also right next to the Aquatic Center (the largest public swimming pool in the valley), Logan's only skate park, and the Fairgrounds, where the Fair takes place at the end of every August.

• Logan Canyon. Located along US 89 northeast of Logan, Logan Canyon is a long, scenic canyon that offers numerous hiking and camping opportunities. Tony Grove, near the summit, is among the most popular camping area, and marks the beginning of several trails. Beaver Mountain, further up the canyon, is the local ski area. Logan Canyon itself is very scenic, and offers spectacular fall colors that rival those of New England. During winter, temperatures are excessively cold and the road may be closed at any time due to heavy snow. Numerous sinks lie near Logan Canyon, and these areas are popular for snowmobiling. The coldest temperature ever recorded in Utah was in Peter's Sink, near Logan Canyon, a frigid -69°F (-56°C). Cave exploring and rock-climbing are also popular activities in Logan Canyon.

• Logan Tabernacle. Found on Center and Main of downtown Logan, this building and surrounding landscaping is worth a glance. A monument heralding Mormon pioneers lies in the northwest corner. Monday through Friday during the summer months (June-August) music, concerts and lectures are provided free of charge at the Logan Tabernacle. Most programs start at 12PM, last 30 minutes and are performed by various artists. The only exception is during Summerfest Arts Festival on the Logan Tabernacle Grounds in June (there will be no concerts inside the building), however, there will be many musical performances on the grounds outside. A schedule of performers can be found on the Logan Tabernacle's blog and Facebook page, at the Cache Valley Visitors Bureau, or at the concerts themselves. You can also check for details on tours.

• Logan Temple. The second temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints finished in Utah dominates the Cache Valley skyline day and night. Well tended gardens and unique architecture are worth a close look. Be aware that only members of the church can enter the temple itself.

Do[edit]

Hiking[edit]

Hiking and mountain biking are very popular in the summer but varied elevation change significantly affects outdoor activity seasons. Low, south facing trails like the Wind Caves can often be hiked as early as March, while areas above 9000' are usually not hikeable until late June or early July, maintaining broad areas of snow until August. Temperature varies with elevation as well, usually temps at 8000' are 20F cooler than in Logan, and increasingly colder with elevation gain. Summer hail and rain storms are common in high areas even when there is no precipitation in Logan.

• Wind Caves. 2.6 mile round trip, 900' elevation gain. The trail winds up the north side of Logan Canyon, through maple groves, to a small formation of caves and arches. Offers a beautiful view down into the canyon as well. Trailhead is ~5 miles up US 89 into Logan Canyon, located on the north side of the road opposite Guinavah-Malibu Campground.
• Crimson Trail. 4.8 mile round trip, 1300' elevation gain. The trailhead is accessed from Third Dam, just a mile closer to Logan than the Wind Caves trailhead. The quite steep hike offers beautiful views of Logan Canyon and of the Wind Caves on the other side of the highway. Sharp cliffs make this trail not recommended for very young children. The loop involves a return on the Riverside Trail by the highway; you could also go back the way you came.
• White Pine Lake. 7.8 mile round trip, 1300' elevation gain. The trailhead is at the same location as the trailhead to Naomi Peak, and is a very nice hike on a wide trail towards gorgeous White Pine Lake.
• Naomi Peak. 5.8 mile round trip, 1980' elevation gain. Naomi Peak (9980’) is the highest point in the Bear River Range and in Cache County. The trail leads through meadows full of wildflowers to the peak, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and of Cache Valley. The trailhead is located at Tony Grove Lake. Take US-89 approximately 19 miles up Logan Canyon to the Tony Grove turnoff. The lake (and trailhead) are 7 miles from US-89.
• Naomi Peak via Cherry Peak. More adventurous and in-shape hikers can access Naomi peak from Cherry Creek near Richmond, UT. From Logan drive 13 miles north on US 91 to the town of Richmond. Turn right on Main Street, and go straight until reaching 300 East. Turn left on 300 E and go straight until the road sort of splits, taking a right onto 500 North. The road turns gravel, keep following the gravel road to a parking area, and continue. The road after the parking area is dirt and rocky, but accessible by most vehicles in the summer until a river crossing. High clearance vehicles should have no problem crossing the river, while hikers in cars can start their hike from the river crossing. The trail begins at approx 6000' and climbs east past 9765' Cherry Peak before crossing a basin leading to Naomi Peak.

See also Cache Trails, an online copy of a local trail guide (http://www.logannature.org/cache_trails/canyontrails/), and CacheTrails.org, website for the local trail maintenance organization (http://www.cachetrails.org/)

Rock Climbing[edit]

Rock climbing is a popular summer pastime in Logan. There are numerous routes up Logan Canyon that offer climbing ranging from easy to very difficult, or you could choose indoor rock walls such as the following:

• Elevation Rock Gym, 1780 N 200 E North Logan, UT, ☎ (435) 799-3902, [x]. Mon-Sat 10am-11pm. Elevation Rock Gym offers a wide variety of top rope and lead climb routes, with a bouldering section upstairs. Equipment is available for rental or for sale. Classes for children and adults are also available. $12-$16.
• Utah State University Aggie Rec Center, 805 East 700 North Logan, UT, ☎ (435) 797-0453, [x]. Mon-Thu 6am-11pm, Fri 6am-9pm, Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 2pm-7pm. Only current USU students (and spouses with a valid Spouse Pass from the USU Card Office) may use the Aggie Rec Center (ARC). While admission to the rec center is free with valid student ID, admission to the rock wall costs an extra $3. Top roping and bouldering are available.

Snowmobiling[edit]

A number of local businesses as well as some in Bear Lake offer snowmobile rentals. Logan Canyon has four main parking/trailhead areas for snowmobiles (Franklin Basin, Beaver Creek, UDOT shed, and "The Sinks") and there are a number of other areas to start from including Providence Canyon and Blacksmith Fork Canyon near Hardware Ranch. The trailheads offer access to groomed trails, primitive routes, open play areas, and hills. Peter Sinks is one of the top ranked snowmobile areas in the country - generally accessed from the Sinks parking area a few miles north. Logan Canyon trailheads also offer access to trails leading into the Idaho portion of the Bear River Range, providing an equal array of snowmobile activities.

Skiing[edit]

• Beaver Mountain, 40000 East Highway 89, Garden City, UT, [x]. Beaver Mountain Ski Resort is about 45 minutes up Logan Canyon and offers many great ski routes. Ski lessons are available. $40-$50.
• Cherry Peak Resort, ☎ (435) 200-5050, [x]. About 30 minutes from Logan up U.S. Highway 91, Cherry Peak offers a number of great skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing options. Cherry Peak also offers summer options such as water slides and a summer concert series. $18-$40.

Water Sports[edit]

• Invert Sports, 888-205-7119. [2] Enjoy the lakes and reservoir around Logan with luxury vacation rentals and guided watercraft tours including; boats, jet skis, waverunners, stand up paddle boards, wakeboards, water skis, other water toys, water sport lessons, and private tours.

Fun[edit]

• Logan Lanes, 1161 N Main Street, ☎ (435) 752-4966, [x]. 9:30am-midnight. Logan Lanes has regular and professional bowling, as well as a cafe. $2.81-$3.99 per game.
• Cache Valley Fun Park, 255 E 1770 N North Logan, UT 84341, ☎ (435) 792-4000 ([emailprotected]), [x]. Mon 11am-10pm, Tue/Thur 11am-11pm, Wed 11am-9pm, Fri/Sat 11am-12am. Offers bowling, laser tag, arcade, roller skating, and other activities, as well as a cafe. Country swing dancing, every Wednesday night from 9pm-midnight (with free instruction at 9pm -- just look for an instructor with a green shirt), is open to both couples and singles ready to mingle.
• Jump Zone, 1510 N 200 W. Logan, UT 84341, ☎ (435) 755-5867 ([emailprotected]), [x]. Mon-Thur 3pm-9pm, Fri 12pm-11pm, Sat 10am-10pm. Trampolines for open jumping offer loads of fun at the Jump Zone. Note that all jumpers are required to have reusable Jump Zone socks ($3). USU students get 20% off. $10 (over 46in) or $5 (under 46in) for first hour, $8/$4 each additional hour.

Arts[edit]

• Music Theatre West, [x]. Music Theatre West offers a variety of high-quality music theatre throughout the year.
• The Utah Theatre, [x]. The historic, recently renovated Utah Theatre specializes in silent films (accompanied by the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ), but also hosts a variety of live performances and older movies.
• American Festival Chorus and Orchestra, [x]. Logan's resident community choir, led by Dr. Craig Jessop, brings together over 200 singers from a 90-mile radius and offers high quality music, ranging from classical oratorios to their annual Family Pops Concert. Not to be missed is their annual Christmas from the Daines Concert Hall, featuring guest artists that have included Gentri, Jenny Oaks Baker, Daniel Beck, Juanito Bandito, and others.
• Whysound, 30 Federal Avenue, ☎ (435) 363-4700 ([emailprotected]), [x]. All ages music performance venue and recording studio.
• The Yellow House, 130 N 100 E, ☎ (435) 213-5906 ([emailprotected]), [x]. Located in the Historic District of downtown Logan, Utah, The Yellow House is a nonprofit event venue supporting disadvantaged children and adults in stem, music, nutrition, and empowerment.

Buy[edit]

• Cache Valley Mall, 1300 N Main Street - A variety of boutique stores including Bath & Body Works, Zumiez, Spencer's, GameStop, Hot Topic, Buckle, and more.

Eat[edit]

Restaurants[edit]

• Angies, 690 North Main - "where the locals eat" - ask about the "kitchen sink" for dessert.
• Cafe Sabor, 600 W Center St, (435) 752-8088. Very good Mexican/Tex-Mex restaurant. Located in a former railway station.
• Le Nonne, 129 N 100 E, (435) 752-9577. Great Italian cuisine with a good selection of wines! This restaurant is located on 100 E, just around the corner from Caffe Ibis. The restaurant is a beautiful old house that has been converted, and includes a tranquil, tree-shaded outdoor dining area. Highly recommended!
• Takara Sushi (Previously named "Tanpopo"), 55 W 1000 N, (435) 752-1677. Fine Japanese food in the heart of Cache Valley. The Shogun platter is highly recommended. Wonderful sushi options!
• Tandoori Oven, 720 East 1000 north, ☎ 435-750-6836, [x]. Offers delicious Indian food--don't let the location (adjacent to a gas station) fool you! Opt for menu items instead of the buffet.
• Texas Roadhouse, 42 E 1400 N, (435) 753-7740. A legendary steak restaurant serves hand-cut steaks, fall off the bone ribs, made-from-scratch sides, fresh baked rolls and ice cold beer.
• Sweetly Divine 695 W 1725 N, Incredibly beautiful & tasty pastries, sweets, and desserts. They also have good salads, soups, and sandwiches.

Coffee Shops[edit]

• Caffe Ibis, 52 Federal Ave (in downtown Logan), [3]. Offers excellent organic, shade-grown coffee, as well as sandwiches and wraps fresh from the deli. Every now and then it features a live local band.

Drink[edit]

• The White Owl, 36 West Center Street. Located on Center St just west of Main St, has a good selection of beers from inside and outside of Utah. During the summer the upstairs deck offers fresh air, good company, and a view of the Wellsville Mountains to the west.
• Barrel & Stave, 35 E. Federal Ave., [x]. Cozy take on a traditional wine, whiskey & co*cktail bar. Occasional live music and events.
• Prodigy Brewing Co., 25 West Center Street, ☎ 435-375-3313, [x]. Family-friendly brewpub with burgers, pizza, wings, nachos.

Sleep[edit]

• Anniversary Inn, 169 E Center Street, Logan, UT 84321, ☎ +1 435-752-3443, [x]. checkin: 5pm; checkout: 12pm. A cute B&B offering themed rooms such as Pirate's Paradise, Lake Powell Suite, European Honeymoon, and more. All rooms come with a 2-person jacuzzi tub, large screen, and free cheesecake and cider (as well as a delicious breakfast). Check out Specials page on website for $109 monthly special. $109-$279.
• Best Western Baugh Motel, 153 S Main Street, Logan, UT 84321, ☎ +1 435-752-5220, [x]. checkin: 4pm; checkout: 11am. $99.95.
• Best Western Weston Inn, 250 N Main Street, Logan, UT 84321, ☎ +1 435-752-5700, [x]. checkin: 3pm; checkout: 11am. Nice place downtown, with lots of great dining and shopping options in the area. $94.99.
• Hampton Inn, 207 N Main Street, Logan, UT 84321, ☎ +1 800-231-5634, [x]. checkin: 3pm; checkout: 11am. Newest motel in town. $96-$196.
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, 2235 N. Main Street, North Logan, UT 84341, ☎ +1 435-752-3444, Toll-free +1 800-315-2621, [x]. 100% non-smoking hotel offers a convenient location just off Hwy 89 / 91 in Logan, Utah.
• Old Rock Church (Bed & Breakfast), 10 South Main, Providence, UT, ☎ 435-752-3432. Have a historic taste of the Cache Valley by staying at this pioneer-built bed and breakfast, nestled about 5 minutes from downtown Logan, UT.
• University Inn, 650 N 875 E, Logan, UT 84321, ☎ + 800-231-5634, [x]. Owned and operated by Utah State University and located on the campus. $89-$129.

Get out[edit]

Logan is a good starting point for many adventures in the area. Those seeking water recreation can drive through scenic Logan Canyon up to Bear Lake, or may also consider driving south to scenic Hyrum Dam or Porcupine Reservoir. Skiers are well-positioned in Logan, with Beaver Mountain Ski Resort and Cherry Peak Resort both within a 45 minute drive. There is also a wealth of hiking opportunities up Logan Canyon.

The Great Salt Lake lies not far from Logan, where visitors can check out the earthwork sculpture known as the Spiral Jetty, or Antelope Island State Park.

Salt Lake City is a significant tourist destination just 80 miles to the south, with places of historical, architectural, and cultural significance.

Stay safe[edit]

Logan has very little crime and has been repeatedly named as one of the safest cities in the country. It is still wise, however, to not forget about the basic tips.

Winters can get very cold in Logan and proper precautions must be taken against the weather. Major snowstorms should also be prepared for, and the winter inversions may aggravate people with respiratory problems such as asthma.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!

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