Soda Lake Beach — Attraction in Lakewood

I used to live near here and I would always drive by and think oh people look like they're having fun maybe I should stop there sometime. But in all my years living in the area I never did. This weekend I finally gave it a try because I knew Chatfield was going to be overloaded and I just didn't want to deal with that level of crowd. I was looking for something a little more toned down so thankfully I chose Soda Lake Beach which is part of Bear Lake State Park. Unfortunately is not covered by the state park pass that you get with your registration now and I'm not sure why but that was my first disappointment. And then my second disappointment would be that it smelled kind of rank. And I have been places with an algae outbreak that smelled way worse so it's not like that but it does smell like a stagnant pond I guess. It was a lot less populated compared to Chatfield so that was cool and then you can drive around a little bit after but there's not much to see or do unless you bring stuff to barbecue or you are going to kayak or you want to horseback ride things like that might make it more entertaining for you. And then it was kind of weird to see the highway from the lake. I don't know. I'm not sure I will be back maybe I will just brave the crowds at Chatfield next time haha. Or go up farther into the mountains and get away from the crowds and the traffic. I think it would be way cooler if you lived closer then maybe it would be worth it. But I went on a bit of a drive to come so I just feel like that might be a one and done kind of a thing for me. The coolest thing that I experienced that day was that the geese were really interested in me. I think they hoped that I had some food or maybe they were attracted to the colors I was wearing. Or I'm probably just a Goose Whisperer that's the obvious answer lmao. But it's also kind of sad because they are looking for food which means that they are not living life as they should naturally and it could cause them difficulty finding food if they don't have access to human snaxx in the future. Que sera sera. But I would recommend it if you live closer by or if you have some water sports you are trying to do that might make it more fun. Or if you enjoy watching the traffic on the highway and you laugh at the people who are stuck in their car as you are relaxing maybe that makes...

I’ve been to this beach several times and have never had a problem. Rating 1 star because today I not only had my first problem but was yelled at by a ranger within the first 10 minutes of me being there.

When I looked online for dog friendly lakes I was happy to find this one as it is closest to my home. I brought 2 toddlers with me along with my pup because it is also family friendly. I didn’t have any help and we had to park a little far, I carried all of our belongings plus chairs & started to set up. Amidst all the chaos when we got to the sand I realized I had forgotten my pups leash at home! That I’ll admit is my fault, but online I didn’t read anything that said dogs weren’t allowed on the sand.

I finally got settled and got my 2 toddlers in the water when a ranger walked up and started yelling at me. I wish I was being dramatic, but everyone on the sand looked over at us because he was being that loud. I hadn’t seen the sign that said “no dogs on sand” because I was busy with children and lugging things. My pup is well behaved and stayed by my side the whole time we were there.

I would understand if he had talked to me about it multiple times but this was the first interaction we had had & it was 8am! Ive never felt so embarrassed & disrespected by an...

Let me just say that Bear Creek Lake Park is a gem, a beautiful oasis in the middle of suburban over development... Soda Lake Beach, however, is the least best part of the park. The water, as one dad declared, is like swimming in chocolate milk (heavy clay sediment), the beach sand is just gravel, it faces the highway, the off gassing of the bathrooms - especially when the temp is above 75- is impossible to ignore even if you try not to breathe, there can be piles of goose poop lining the waters edge so you're either trying not to step in it or swim near it, and the irresponsible habits of others means you have to dodge garbage by noon (like swimming with teeth flossers and candy wrappers?) It is a tempting idea, but there are better options in the area to be in the water. The beach alone isn't worth the day pass, but packing a picnic and hiking out biking along the creek is much more enjoyable on every level. Whatever you do please just pick up...