Quist Beach

Situated on the Pineview Reservoir near the small town of Huntsville, Quist Beach is a quick getaway for Salt Lake City dwellers. Of all of the beaches on the reservoir, Quist Beach is typically the least crowded. Compared to the extremely popular Cemetery Point, or Middle Inlet Beach, it’s a good deal, too—Quist is one of the few beaches that is free to use. It does come at a bit of a price, though: The beach is pebbled, there aren’t many amenities, and it’s a bit harder to get to for those coming from the south.

A new initiative by the National Forest Service is being actualized that will increase recreation opportunities and visitors for the quieter beaches around the reservoir. The North Arm Watchable Wildlife Trail begins on the north side of Pineview Reservoir and travels along the water through a riparian-wetland area featuring prolific riparian and marshy areas. The section adjacent to Quist Beach is set to be completed by mid-spring 2017 and will feature interpretive signage so that bikers, runners, and walkers can get more information on the deer, blue grouse, sage chicken, elk, mountain sheep, moose, waterfowl, bear and mountain lion that inhabit the Ogden Valley.

Situated at the confluence of the north, south, and center forks of the Ogden River, the Pineview Dam has afforded year-round irrigation for farmers in the Ogden River Canyon since it was built under President Roosevelt’s authorization in 1934. Development continues at a rapid pace near the reservoir—it’s a supremely popular destination for recreationalists and families when the weather is nice. It helps that the views are stunning: Pineview Reservoir is encircled by the Wasatch Mountains, providing an incredible backdrop, and all but eliminating wind from the water’s surface. Quist Beach doesn’t have a boat ramp, but plan on sharing water space with boaters, water skiers, wake boarders, SUP boarders, and the like.

Want to stay overnight? Reserve a campsite at Anderson Cove Campground or Jefferson Hunt Campground.