Bountiful Lake, sometimes called the Bountiful Pond offers year round beauty and recreation for people and pets. People, horses and dogs are regularly seen taking the loop around the lake which is a combination of paved trail, dirt path and two metal bridges. The Lake freezes solid for periods of time in the winter allowing for ice skating and ice fishing. In the summer, fishing along the shore and in boats is a common activity. Kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards are allowed on the lake. Motorized boats are not allowed in the lake, though just North of the lake a gravel road leads to a dock that allows motorized boats to explore the wetlands to the west. 

The only way to access the lake is by heading west on 500 South in West Bountiful. Once you cross the Legacy interchange, the road turns to the north. A couple miles to the north, right before the landfill, the lake can be viewed including an access road that leads to a free parking lot and boat ramp. The Bountiful Lion’s Club has provided a covered group picnic area, bathrooms, as well as several “varmint resistant trash receptacles” around the lake. These make it easy to clean up after your pets and keep the areas pristine. If you have a street bike or stroller, you may want to avoid the rougher north shore and just take the smooth, flat path going clockwise around the lake and  returning the same way once you hit the metal bridge over the outlet of the Lake. 

In the summer, swimming is allowed though maybe not desirable since the water is not drinkable and has a fishy smell. Most summer visitors take advantage of the fishing and family (pets included) recreation opportunities on or around the lake. Several family side picnic tables are situated around the Lake. The water is regularly stocked with Rainbow Trout, Bullhead Catfish, and Rainbow Albino.  Bass, Carp and Perch are also residents of the Lake. A fishing license is required for adults and the daily limit is two fish. If fishermen catch a largemouth bass, they are asked to release this fish back into the Lake. 

Throughout the year, a variety of birds make Bountiful Lake their home. Large flocks of seagulls, duck and geese are often seen. A huge pelican, white with black wings, also calls the lake home. The American Avocet, with long legs and a thin long beak likes to wade in the shallows of the lake flaunting their striking black and white wings and orange/brown head. The tall pampas grass surrounding the lake provides food and shelter for these wetland birds. 

The lake was created when the clay soil was dug up to build the nearby landfill and has an island in the center that is the preferred nesting site for the native birds. The loop walk is often breathtaking as both sunsets and sunrises illuminate the Wasatch Range and reflect in the water and ice. The Lake is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. for the enjoyment of people and their pets.