Last Unspoiled Place: Exploring Utah's Logan Canyon

by Michael S. Sweeney

Americans have always been passionately bound to the It has shaped our history, our ideas, and our art. In Last Unspoiled Place, the magnificent confines of Logan Canyon, Utah, prove the perfect landscape for exploring these beliefs. In brilliant photographs and vivid anecdotes that range from poignant to exhilarating to hilarious, author Michael Sweeney takes us on an unforgettable tour through the canyon’s unsullied terrain. As he marks the 41 miles of the national scenic byway that courses through, he reveals Logan’s vivid past and astonishing natural history—as well as its closely kept secrets. Anecdotes range from bull snakes to bank robbers, from a legendary witch to the curse of "green invaders," and from the first known human inhabitants—the northwestern Shoshone—to current-day characters such as snowboarders, beekeepers, botanists, and whitewater hounds. In the National Geographic tradition, Last Unspoiled Place is richly illustrated with scores of photographs—both current and historic—that capture the beauty of Logan Canyon and the surrounding Cache Valley.

Filled with excitement and brimming with eloquent stories, more than a trip through a canyon, this book is a natural choice for Father’s Day and other gift-giving occasions. Eye-catching and affordable, it will grab the attention of audiences interested in adventure, travel, wilderness, history, and the American West.`

Genres: Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Corinne Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

In northern Utah there is a smallish city called Logan. Both college town and agricultural area, it sits at the mouth of a huge canyon of the same name. This book takes us through the canyon, mile marker by mile marker, exploring the geography, geology as well as the human interest in the area. It’s not a guide book, although I love that I found in its pages many ideas of places I’d like to visit, it’s more of a tribute, a journey, an introduction to a unique and beautiful part of the world. Little vignettes about fly fishing, mining, skiing and historic figures spice up the narrative that’s written like a National Geographic article. The photography is lovely and while there were a couple typos, I enjoyed what I learned. I will soon be packing up my family and moving to this area next summer and this book really did get me excited for the journey.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished this book as I sat overlooking Bear Lake this weekend. What a great book that celebrates the beauty we are so lucky to have in our own back yard. It was really interesting learning some of the stories behind the places in Logan Canyon. It's a place I've come to love and enjoy since living here. The photos are wonderful too!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was reading this book in bed, and Jay asked me to describe it in one word. I came up with "home." Reading this was like stepping into some of my favorite places on earth (which are about five minutes from our house). Logan Canyon has always been a personal treasure to me, but it has been tremendously enriched for me by the history and back story provided by the book.

Some people may be tempted to let this be a "coffee table book" and just skim through the beautiful pictures, but that would be a mistake. If anything, the writing is more rich and descriptive.

In case there's any question, I LOVED THIS BOOK.

[Arianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've lived in Cache Valley my whole life, and this book made me appreciate it more than I ever have. It paints a picture of Logan Canyon's attractions that you may not get otherwise, and it's very informative! I'm much more grateful to live where I do.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone acquainted with Logan Canyon in Utah, this is a must have book. The photographs are gorgeous, but the reading is wonderful as well.

[Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m giving this book 5 stars not so much for Professor Sweeney’s writing ability (although he’s a fine writer) and not so much for its content (not much, but what’s there is great) but mainly because I’m a sentiment fool. This book is about my home. And I did in fact learn quite a bit. What I already knew just made me love and respect Cache Valley even more. I’m embarrassed it took me so long to finally read it.

[Abby Reddig Moser · Rating 4 out of 5]

It will be 35 years in March that I moved to this beautiful area. Sadly as the Eagles song so rightly says.. " call someplace paradise, kiss it good-bye" Logan Canyon is protected as the Cache National Forest but Bear Lake on the cover photo, not so much :(

[Alan Marchant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Last Unspoiled Place is a predictably breathless and shallow National Geographic picture book. The photos meet the NGS standard for artistic quality and visual interest.

Local (Cache Valley) readers will recognize this as a book written by an outsider for outsiders. Unfortunately, the narration will seem scattered and shallow to the "genteel" target audience. In particular, the attempt to structure the book around Hwy 89 mile-markers doesn't really work.

The book's title is belied by an unintended theme - the success of the conservation ethos. Like many scenic locales throughout Utah, Logan Canyon has been used (sometimes to excess) for many human purposes over the past 150 years. Yet through reasonable stewardship, the value, beauty, and utility of these resources are undiminished.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful pictures and a lot of history, in fact one of our history teachers uses this book in his classroom. I've met the author and know his son well, (his son went to school with my kids). The only thing that really bugs me about this book is, he doesn't portray the Mormons in a very good light. Otherwise, it's worth the read if you are interested in such books.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always loved Logan Canyon and have many fabulous memories so it is no surprise I liked this book. It was just fun reading about why others love it too. I enjoyed how it went into detail about what else there is to do that I had no idea went on or is up there in the canyon.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's like a little piece of home I carry with me on my bookshelf. A fantastic work about Cache Valley, UT.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

979.212 SWE

Wow, a whole book on Logan Canyon, and it's National Geographic! Covers the canyon from Logan to Bear Lake. Nicely done.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Logan Canyon in all its beauty and grace, unveiled.

[Summer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have had this book for years, but this is the first time I have read the full text. I enjoyed most of the history. The more recent content read like a series of magazine articles, some more interesting than others. I love Logan Canyon and this book definitely made me want to get out and do more exploring.