Franklin Basin Road – Cache National Forest

Visited on: Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Departed: March 16, 2025
Cost: Free
Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
National Treasure: Cache National Forest

After a quick stop at Bear Lake to stretch my legs, I was ready to head into the mountains. Spring was far enough along that I wasn’t too worried about the forest roads being open, but considering I was heading up in elevation, I wouldn’t know until I got there.

The Bear Lake Overlook SR-89 Rest Area begging me to make a quick stop and snap a couple of pictures looking back to the east and at the lake.

A scenic landscape with a grassy foreground leading to a panoramic view of a lake surrounded by rolling hills and dense green forests. The sky above is bright blue, scattered with fluffy white clouds, adding depth and contrast to the scene.
A scenic view of Bear Lake with clear blue skies and scattered clouds. The foreground features grassy and rocky terrain with patches of shrubs and sagebrush. A dense forest of green pine trees covers the rolling hills, which extend towards the expansive lake and distant mountains.

When I arrived on Franklin Basin Road, I was glad I had some extra time because I couldn’t get the trailer level at the first spot I selected. When I moved across the road, I found a spectacular spot by the Logan River. Of course, this high up in the mountains, the river is just a mountain stream.

Once I got the trailer set up, I wandered off to spend some time enjoying this spectacularly beautiful forest. I didn’t make it too far from the road, but I thoroughly enjoyed myself. And my legs and back really appreciated doing something other than sitting in the jeep..

A small camper trailer and a car are parked in a clearing among leafless trees under a clear blue sky. The trees are sparse, and a low hill is visible in the background. The foreground has patches of grass and rocks, suggesting a late winter or early spring setting.
A scenic landscape with rugged terrain and dense sagebrush in the foreground under a clear blue sky. Tall, leafless trees and evergreen forests rest before distant rolling hills. White clouds dot the vivid blue sky, adding a sense of serenity to the natural scene.
A serene landscape showing a flowing river surrounded by dense shrubs and bare trees. A tall evergreen stands prominently on the right. In the background, a forested hill rises under a sky with wispy clouds. The scene captures a tranquil and natural wilderness setting.

I fell asleep to the sounds of the gurgling stream and slept like a brick. The next morning, I woke refreshed and ready to make the drive to the city of rocks. My mood became even better as I drove down the highway and saw a moose.

View from a vehicle's windshield of a rural road with a moose walking across it. The road is mostly empty, bordered by bare trees and green shrubs under a bright blue sky with wispy clouds. The vehicle's hood and part of the dashboard are visible in the foreground.

And a few more shots from this beautiful forest…

A scenic landscape of a rural dirt road curving through a grassy field in the foreground. The sun peeks through thick clouds, casting dramatic shadows. In the background, a forested hill rises under a partly cloudy sky. The atmosphere is serene and expansive.
A rugged black off-road vehicle with a rooftop cargo rack is parked on a grassy trail, towing a small white teardrop camper. Surrounding the trail are tall, slender trees with sparse leaves, against a backdrop of mountains and a cloudy sky. The setting evokes a sense of adventure.
A black off-road vehicle is parked on a grassy field, towing a small teardrop camper. The scene is set in a natural environment with sparse trees and hills in the background under a clear blue sky. The camper has a rounded shape and features a logo on its side.
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From: Utah
Filed Under: Campsite Chronicles, National Treasures, U.S. National Forests
Journal Entry Tags:
Cache National ForestMooseMountain StreamsWildlife
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