Kick back lakeside and enjoy the stunning snow-capped mountains and lush rainforest that surrounds you. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, grab your hiking shoes and tent and go deep into the back-country to enjoy some of the last frontier’s most spectacular secluded spots. Lake living in the 49th state is anything but ordinary. We offer the perfect balance of utter relaxation and extreme outdoor action, so no matter which option you fancy – the last frontier has exactly what you need to refresh your soul. There’s something truly magical about these 15 lakes in Alaska during the summer, and you absolutely MUST experience them in person.

1. Wonder Lake - Denali National Park
Wonder Lake, Alaska 99743, USA
Flickr - Gregory Slobirdr Smith
Located deep in Denali National Park at mile 85, camping at Wonder Lake is one of the most incredible things to do in the summer in Alaska. Not only do you have beaming views of the tallest mountain in North America but you are also submerged in an area that is filled with huge wildlife and stunning fireweed in the fall. Breathtaking is an understatement!
2. Kenai Lake - Cooper Landing
Kenai Lake, Alaska, USA
Flickr - Kelly Marcum
This turquoise lake located on The Kenai is an outdoor lover's dream, and one of the most beautiful lakes in Alaska. Fish, kayak, float or just kick back and enjoy the sun beating down on you. It's hard not to feel like you're living the dream while you're enjoying the zig-zag shaped Kenai Lake.
3. Eklutna Lake – Chugach National Forest
Eklutna Lake, Anchorage, AK, USA
Flickr - Tyler M. Yates
With over 50 campsites, Eklutna Lake is perfect for individuals and families of all shapes and sizes to enjoy the great outdoors. Popular activities here include camping, picnics, hiking, kayaking, riding ATVs and fishing.
4. Mendenhall Lake – Juneau
Mendenhall Lake, Juneau, AK 99801, USA
Flickr - mark byzewski
Located just below the stunning Mendenhall Glacier visitors to this Juneau hot spot enjoy the water splashing down from Nugget Falls and paddling their kayaks around the lake.
5. Lake Clark - Port Alsworth
Lake Clark, Alaska, USA
Flickr - Caitlin Marr
This lake in Alaska is surrounded by roughly four million acres of the Lake Clark National Park & Preserve. The land is filled with steaming volcanoes, bears feasting on salmon, serene campgrounds, endless hiking trails and a fly-fishing mecca. It's known to be one of the most beautiful lakes in Alaska, and the water is a mesmerizing blue!
6. Portage Lake - Chugach National Forest
Portage Lake, Anchorage, AK 99587, USA
Flickr - Dana Orlosky
This is a glacial lake in Alaska that is known for its truly unique beauty. Visitors enjoy taking day cruises up to the glacier, kayaking around the lake or hiking in to see the astounding beauty. It's a must-experience in the summer months.
7. Big Lake - MatSu
Big Lake, AK, USA
Flickr - Michael Hayes
As far as Alaska lakes go, we like to think of Big Lake as the unofficial party lake in Alaska. It just truly seems like it is impossible to go to Big Lake and not have a great time. There is always fun to be had on boats, rafts, kayaks and jet skis.

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8. Becharof Lake – Aleutian Chain
Becharof Lake, Alaska, USA
Flickr - Alaska Region U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
This 37-mile-long lake located on the Alaska Peninsula is surrounded by the most unwavering beauty in the last frontier. The second largest lake in Alaska, Becharof Lake is hot spot is most popular for its epic salmon runs and great access to killer hunting spots.
9. Lower Dewey Lake – Skagway
Lower Dewey Lake, Skagway, AK 99840, USA
Flickr - cubby_t_bear
This stunning lake in Alaska is only accessible after a relatively steep uphill climb. The 3-mile hike is beautiful yet slightly challenging and offers a great array of fragrant flowers, colorful mushrooms and peaceful moments away from all the tourism crowds. Once you arrive at the lake your eyes will truly be rewarded with some of the most still beauty in all of southeast Alaska.
10. Lost Lake – Chugach National Forest
Lost Lake, Alaska 99664, USA
Flickr - Frank Kovalchek
Located from the Primrose Trail closest to the town of Seward on The Kenai, Alaska's Playground, this 7-mile trail (one way) will have you working for the reward at the end of the trek. Enjoy a lush rainforest, alpine terrain and beautiful flowers along the trail. Once you get to the lake you will be pleasantly surprised by the unsurpassed beauty that Lost Lake beholds. If you have a mountain bike and love to play in the mountains, this is a bucket list MUST!
11. Tangle Lakes - Interior
Tangle Lakes, Alaska, USA
Flickr - Bureau of Land Management
Stemming from the Delta River, Alaska's tangle lakes are essentially a 16-mile chain of lakes connected by streams. Camping along the river while floating the entire length is a very popular thing to do in summer in Alaska, so be sure to put this on your bucket list!
12. Bonnie Lake – Chickaloon
Bonnie Lake, Chickaloon, AK 99674, USA
Flickr - Cecil Sanders
Experiencing the stunning autumn colors along the Glenn Highway and ending the day taking a paddle along Bonnie Lake is the perfect way to spend a summer day in Alaska.
13. Skilak Lake - Kenai Peninsula
Skilak Lake, Alaska, USA
Flickr - Bill Bumgarner
Skilak Lake on The Kenai is where so many great adventures begin, from fishing on the Kenai River for dollys, rainbow trout and salmon to hiking and hunting deep into the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors can end the day camping lakeside and soak in a stunning sunset overlooking the south.
14. Nancy Lake - Willow
Nancy Lake, Willow, AK, USA
Flickr - Kim F
This recreational lake in Alaska offers excellent opportunities to go kayaking, canoeing, fishing and camping. It is always important to be bear-aware in this area as many are spotted each year.
15. Auke Lake - Juneau
Auke Lake, Juneau, AK 99801, USA
Flickr - Tom Brady
This 160-acre lake in Alaska is nestled within Juneau and is home to excellent dolly varden, cutthroat, steelhead and salmon fishing. Visitors and explorers can enjoy a lush rainforest backdrop and stunning snow-capped mountains in the distance.

How many of these stunning lakes in Alaska do you plan on visiting this summer? Did your favorite lake make the list? Let us know in the comments below.

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Jackie Ann | June 08, 2022

What are the most beautiful beaches in Alaska?

With over 5,500 miles of coastline, you might be surprised to learn that Alaska has more coastline than any other state in the country. Visiting Alaska’s beaches is one of the best things to do in the summer in Alaska, especially Alaska’s hidden beaches. Kenai Beach is located at the mouth of the Kenai River and may be known for world-class salmon fishing, but the beach is the real hidden gem here. Sink your toes in the sand and gaze out onto the water, you might just catch a glimpse of a beluga whale passing through.

Where can I find the bluest water in Alaska?

Alaska’s incredible glaciers ensure that many of the rivers and lakes in Alaska are a beautiful blue color, and the Kenai River is no exception. Running for 82 miles, it’s the longest river in the Kenai Peninsula, also known as “Alaska’s Playground.” Kenai Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in Alaska and the source for the Kenai River, is near Cooper Landing and is a great spot to be mesmerized by these icy blue waters with those iconic mountains in the background.

Are there any good swimming holes in Alaska?

Swimming in Alaska is a bit different than swimming in the lower 48. The icy waters stay pretty frigid year-round, but on the hottest of days, they’re the best way to cool down. If you’re in the Fairbanks area, a swim in Chena Lake is a must. If you’ve got a bit more time on your hands, one of the best things to do in the summer in Alaska is to hike the trail to Lost Lake, a beautifully secluded lake in Alaska. The water may be cold, but it will feel great after the 7-mile hike to get to the lake.

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