Harrison Epstein, Daily Herald file photo

Treasure hunts via digital platforms seem to be all the rage in Utah lately. These activities encourage citizens to explore outdoor amenities the state offers — in some cases, in areas they may never have visited.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when large gatherings were not advised, the then-Utah Lake Commission organized and held its first scavenger hunt as a temporary alternative to the annual Utah Lake Festival. “You know, large crowd gatherings, not a good idea. But it’s intended to be a fun and informative way to learn more about the lake,” said Sam Braegger, deputy director of the renamed Utah Lake Authority.

ULA is set to host its third-annual Utah Lake scavenger hunt for two weeks beginning Friday and running through Sept. 6.

Participants up for the game will navigate through a series of missions with the GooseChase app, which allows people to be able to play virtually from anywhere.

Braegger says there are over 150 missions people can choose from. “These range from online stuff to at-home stuff to stuff you can do down at the lake, and that can be things like trivia questions or reading educational material about the lake and answering questions,” he explained.

Courtesy Utah Lake Authority

For those who enjoy recreating near the water, he says participants may enjoy some of the missions that involve being on the lake. “One of my personal favorites I like to bring up is you see how many of your team members you can fit on one paddleboard on the water and take a picture for proof,” Braegger told the Daily Herald.

Feedback from past years’ events has been positive, according to Braegger, from people who uncovered the unknown about Utah Lake.

The overall goal is for people to familiarize themselves with Utah Lake as it sits today, as opposed to its past, which hasn’t always been favorable.

During the spring and summer months, toxic algal blooms plague portions of Utah Lake, prompting warnings from health officials. Recently, the Utah County Health Department downgraded the warnings to “health watches” at several Utah Lake marinas, KSL News radio reported.

Phragmites, an invasive plant found on Utah Lake’s shoreline, also has posed concerns. The Utah Lake Authority says several areas around the lake have been treated to remove phragmites. Native plants also are being placed to restore the lake’s natural environment and prevent invasive species from returning.

Braegger says the work to provide a positive experience for people visiting Utah Lake is ongoing, and while a lot has been done, there’s still more to do.

“Don’t get me wrong, we’re not trying to paint a picture over the stuff that needs to be fixed. But it’s not what it was in the past,” Braegger said.

He adds that for people who may harbor negative feelings and perceptions about Utah Lake, the scavenger hunt may be a good way to reintroduce them to the water body to discover what’s changed.

It’s also a strategy to lure more recreators to the lake: “To try and encourage people to see that Utah Lake is a destination that’s in their backyard,” Braegger said.

For those up for the challenge, the cost is $10 to sign up a team of up to 10 people.

Various prizes will be awarded according to the number of missions a team partakes in, with a grand prize package of inflatable paddleboards with life jackets for each group member at the end of the two-week hunt.

Interested lake scavengers are encouraged to visit utahlake.gov to sign up and get more information.