Here Are 11 Of The Most Beautiful Lakes In Alaska, According To Our Readers.
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Lauren
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With its massive size and incredible natural beauty, Alaska has the most lakes in the United States. There are 3,197 lakes in the state, and it’s estimated that there are over three million unnamed bodies of water in The Great Land. With so many naturally formed bodies of water, it’s almost impossible to determine which lakes are the most beautiful, so we polled our readers on our Only In Alaska Facebook page.
Reflection Lake, Anchorage, AK 99504, USA
Reflections Lake is known for its stunning reflections, as its name suggests. Located in Palmer, there is a short and easy trail around the lake. This is the perfect place to take a stroll and appreciate some breathtaking scenery.
Eklutna Lake, Anchorage, AK, USA
Located 22 miles from Anchorage, Eklutna Lake is a gorgeous, long body of water with 15 miles of shoreline. Fed by the Eklutna glacier, this spot is popular for kayaking and canoeing, as well as hiking and biking. While there's more to do in the summer season, the frozen lake is beautiful to behold during the Winter.
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Horseshoe Lake, Denali Park, AK 99755, USA
Near Denali National Park, Horseshoe Lake is popular for birding and hiking. The 2.1-mile loop trail around the lake offers stunning views, and while it's beautiful in the snow, it's best to visit between April and September.
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Mendenhall Lake, Juneau, AK 99801, USA
Located three miles North of the Juneau Airport, Mendenhall Lake is well worth a visit. This proglacial lake features some incredible scenery and views throughout, including floating icebergs. If you're looking for more adventure, there are hikes that explore the nearby ice caves, as well as tours of the glacier itself.
Kennicott, McCarthy, AK 99566, USA
Near historic Kennicott, The Donoho Lakes are exceptionally beautiful. To reach these lakes, however, is an adventure in itself. Across the Root Glacier, hikers will encounter icy ridges, creeks, blue pools, waterfalls, and more to arrive at the Donoho Lakes. If you're looking for a longer journey, the trek to these lakes is an unforgettable experience.
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Skilak Lake, Alaska, USA
A large lake on the Kenai Peninsula, Skilak Lake is known for its extraordinarily clear waters. The surrounding area offers incredible views of glaciers, as well as the possibility of seeing wildlife. A visit to this special spot will surely be a memorable one.
Portage Lake, Alaska 99615, USA
Considered a newer lake, since it's only been visible since around 1914, Portage Lake is located in the Chugach National Forest. Past the Begich Boggs Visitor Center, this popular lake is one of the most frequented spots near Anchorage. Visitors can learn more about the lake's wildlife and geography at the visitors center, hike around the lake, or even take a boat tour to the face of the glacier.
Hasselborg Lake, Alaska, USA
Popular for its fishing and birding, Hasselborg Lake is an incomparable wilderness in the Tongass National Forest. If you're feeling adventurous, you can kayak up Mitchell Bay to reach the lake, where you'll have the opportunity to see all kinds of wildlife. The journey takes about two hours, which is less strenuous on a Summer day. There are cabins nearby that can be rented for overnight stays, but be sure to read the advice of the U.S. Forest Service ahead of time, as this area is known to have many bears.
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Tangle Lakes, Alaska, USA
One of the Tangle Lakes, Round Tangle Lake is located near Chistochina. Accessible from the Tangle Lakes Campground near the Denali Highway, these gorgeous waters are great for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and more. There is also the Tangle Ridge Hiking Trail which connects to the campground and offers amazing views of the area.
Jerome Lake, Alaska 99631, USA
In Moose Pass, Jerome Lake has beautiful scenery, and is an experience that can feel more rugged than others. This quiet area has some of the most breathtaking views, but there is a great deal of wildlife hidden in the silence. The waters if Jerome Lake can be deceiving- they are harsher and deeper than they look. The gorgeous scenery, however, makes this lake a favorite.
Swan Lake, Alaska, USA
In the small town of Sitka, Alaska, Sawn Lake is actually a man-made body of water. Created during the Russian occupation of Alaska, the lake today is a charming place where visitors can encounter Tundra Swan, Canada geese, ducks, beavers, and more. This lake is a beautiful spot for fishing and hiking as well.
These 11 lakes in Alaska are all absolutely incredible. The state’s natural beauty is almost beyond words- luckily, our readers from our Only In Alaska Facebook page captured some pretty amazing photos of some of their favorite spots. Have you visited any of these gorgeous lakes? To discover more photos of breathtaking places in Alaska, or to share your own, join our Facebook group. For more information on trails in The Great Land, see The Best 5 Hikes in Alaska.
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