Although these summer spots are still a little chilly for swimming, the warmer days will be here in no time. Plan your summer so you can be ready to roll to one of these sweet summer spots as soon as you have a day off and the sun is out. These places are a little off the beaten path for travelers, but guaranteed to be beautiful, and refreshingly cold, places to swim. Visit these sweet summer swimming spots and bask in the glow of the midnight sun for a guarantee that your summer will be awesome.

1. Tern Lake, Moose Pass
Kelly Marcum/Flickr
Tern Lake is situated where the Seward and Sterling Highways meet on the Kenai Peninsula. The lake waters are icy cold, but the views are unparalleled. More info and directions
2. Lynx Lake, Nancy Lakes Rec Area, Willow
Kim F/Flickr
This series of lakes in the unspoiled wilderness is about a 90 minute drive north of Anchorage. The lakes are perfect for swimming and canoeing in the summer. More info and directions
3. Lake Louise, Glenallen
Travis/Flickr
Lake Louise is uniquely located between four mountain ranges: the Wrangell, Talkeetna, Chugach and Alaska Ranges. Enjoy striking views and shallow, warm water near the banks. More info and directions
4. Lost Lake, near Delta Junction
Dan Logan/Flickr
This lake is a perfect place to spend a hot summer day in the sun. Part of the Quartz Lake State Recreation Area and abounding with Rainbow Trout for fishing. More info and directions
5. Sandy Beaches, Yakutat
mcav0y/Flickr
The beaches of Yakutat have soft, smooth sand and (some days) nice mid range waves for subarctic surfing. You probably want a wetsuit for the cold water, but it's still a great place to swim in Alaska. More info and directions

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6. Tangle Lakes, near Paxson
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr
21 miles up the Denali Highway, this campground is simply gorgeous. Enjoy swimming, fishing and paddling on the 16 miles of connected crystal clear lakes. More info and directions
7. Lower Dewey Lake, Skagway
Kamlin.ekambaram/Flickr
This lake is a perfect spot for swimming. An easy 2.5 mile hike loops around Dewey Lake. More info and directions
8. Eagle Lake, Anchorage
KaleBrewer
This sapphire lake shimmers with beauty in the morning air. Certainly one of the icier swimming spots, but on a hot day with a long hike, it may be just the thing. More info and directions
9. Mirror Lake, near Big Lake
David Schroeder/Flickr
Near the popular Big Lake, this hidden gem is a great spot for a picnic in the summer. More info and directions
10. Arctic Ocean
Mike Juvrud/Flickr
Prove that you are hardcore by jumping completely beneath the waves of the Arctic Ocean. You can join the Polar Bear Club to get a tee shirt proving your fortitude. More info and directions

Have you been to any of these swimming spots? Tell us about it in the comments below.

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