If you’ve ever visited the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, then you know just how truly beautiful this area is. From scenic mountain tops to hidden waterfalls to serene lakes, there’s majestic beauty around every corner. One of the most incredible outdoor experiences you can have in the Sooner State is an early morning adventure to Lake Quanah Parker in the refuge. The sunrises over this lake are otherworldly and worth waking up for.  Keep scrolling below to see eight photographs taken by the talented Larry Smith via Flickr.

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Located inside the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Quanah Parker Lake is a small lake with 89 surface acres of water within three miles of shoreline.
Larry Smith/Flickr
The Wichita Mountains are already a quiet place but early in the morning, it's hard to find a quieter spot than on the shores of the lake. This sunrise on an overcast day looks as if the sun is gently cradled by the clouds.
Larry Smith/Flickr
And here the sun is trying to burst through the morning clouds while shining brightly.
Larry Smith/Flickr
This sunrise is creeping up behind the mountains and the lake. Doesn't this look like a postcard setting?
Larry Smith/Flickr

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This fiery, June sunrise over Mount Scott is hard to replicate. Great capture, Larry Smith!
Larry Smith/Flickr
And here's another shot of it, as Lake Quanah Parker sits in the distance.
Larry Smith/Flickr
This sunrise over a very calm Quanah Parker Lake doesn't even look real. Check out the beautiful clouds reflecting off the lake below.
Larry Smith/Flickr
A bit after the sun rises, the stillness on the lake is so peaceful and beautiful. It's also a great spot to go fishing, so bring your pole along on your early morning sunrise hike.
Larry Smith/Flickr

Who’s ready for an early morning adventure to catch a beautiful sunrise at Quanah Parker Lake? For more information about this lake, please visit www.travelok.com.

If you’re interested in hiking while in the Wichita Mountains, click here to read more about the Narrows Trail – a 1.4-mile loop that takes you to the top of Boulder/Eagle Mountain.

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Quanah Parker Lake, Oklahoma, USA