With hundreds of lakes scattered across the nation, the odds are you’re more than a tankful of gas from a stunning lake. However, not all lakes are equal: certain lakes have won Nature’s prize for natural beauty, so we’ve collected a few top lakes within the U.SU.S.
For instance, the incredibly blue, deep waters of Oregon’s Crater Lake which was created by a volcano. Or the clear frigid Lake Superior, as it runs against striking sandstone rock formations.
The man also plays an important role in creating many stunning lake systems throughout the U.S.U.S. In the time that Glen Canyon was dammed to generate electricity from it was dammed to provide electricity downstream. Colorado River rose to form Lake Powell, which snakes its course through red Slickrock canyons that border the Utah-Arizona border. In California, the impressive limestone patterns that make Mono Lake are visible now because the lake’s water sources were diverted, and the lake dwindled.
But don’t just accept the word of our mouth: take the highway to discover the most beautiful Lakes within the U.SU.S.
Crater Lake, Oregon
About 7,700 years ago, Mount Mazama collapsed after erupting, creating the present-day lake known as Crater Lake. It covers an area of 20.6 sq miles and an average depth of 1,949 feet. Crater lake is crystal clear waters, and in addition to its beauty, it is the largest lake in the United States.
Crater lake is situated in the south of Oregon. It is located in the southern part of the Cascade mountain range. The lake’s water originates directly from the snow or lake and is extremely transparent. Bike trails, hiking trails, and the natural surroundings create Crater Lake a popular spot.
Lake Powell, Arizona, and Utah
The second largest reservoir within the U.S.U.S., Lake Powell, is created by humans. As a result of damming up the Colorado River at Glen Canyon near the border between Utah and Arizona frontier, Lake Powell is another one of the most stunning Lakes in America. There, you’ll see the crimson sandstone cliffs that drop into turquoise and emerald-hued waters that are as warm as their colors suggest.
More than 90 sides of canyons to discover. The massive lake extends over 200 miles from Arizona to Utah and is extremely popular for hosting a vacation on a houseboat. It is also accessible by paddling or kayaking.
Don’t forget the natural (not artificial) beauty of the Rainbow Bridge on the shores of one canyon. It is thought to be the longest natural arch in the world.
Lake Tahoe, California, United States
Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake within the Sierra Nevada Valley, bordering both Nevada and California. Lake Tahoe formed over two million years ago in the Ice Age. It has received worldwide praise for its beautiful mountain views and clean water. It’s so clear that you can see to the bottom.
With snowboarding and skiing to enjoy in the winter and water sports and hiking to be enjoyed during the summer, it’s not surprising why Lake Tahoe is such a significant tourist destination. It is home to a stunning beach and chalets for skiers. This lake has rugged terrain and tall trees for a beautiful panorama that can make anyone who is a nature lover feel at home after a visit to the lake.
Iceberg Lake (Montana)
Glacier National Park in the Northern Rocky Mountains has many stunningly beautiful mountain lakes. However, the most prominent among the most spectacular has to include Iceberg Lake along the Continental Divide of the Lewis Range. At close to six hundred feet high, this stunningly beautiful water body is bound by the majestic mountains of Iceberg Peak, Mount Wilbur — in a tense, northeast-facing cirque that holds snow and ice for the duration of the summer, with floating icebergs on the water. (The Blackfeet called it Kokutoi Omahxikimi (or “Ice Lake.”) It is accessible from its Swiftcurrent Motor Inn trailhead and take a walk along the stunning Ptarmigan Wall. Be on the lookout for grizzly bears.
Blue Lake, Colorado
Blue lakes in Colorado are a favorite local spot for fishermen and hikers. It is situated in a beautiful glacial basin in the Mt. Sneffels Wilderness area of the Uncompahgre National Forest. Lower Blue Lake is nestled within a basin surrounded by sharp peaks. Dallas Peak is located in the southwest, and Mount Sneffels is in the east. Upper Blue Lake is in the middle of a flower field, making it an ideal spot to stop and unwind.
The waters found within the blue lakes in Colorado are a stunning turquoise color due to the minerals in the surrounding glacial basin. The land surrounding the lakes is rugged and grassy. The vast trees and vibrant wildflowers cover the area providing some color to the landscape.
Lake Waiau, Hawaii
It is located on the dormant volcano Mauna Kea in Hawaii; Lake Waiau is the only lake on Hawaii Island, and one of the few found across the entirety of Hawaii. It is a small lake of about 100 meters, though the depth changes with the water level increasing and decreasing. Waiau is a Hawaiian word meaning swirling water. Hawaiian, however, the lake does not make a swirl.
Between 2010 and 2013, the lake dramatically diminished. In September 2013, the lake was just 10 yards and had a maximum height of nine inches. In May 2014, the lake was back to its size. Drought and melting of the permafrost layer beneath the lake are believed to be the main reason for the sudden drop in water.
The lake is considered a Hawaiian sacred spot, so boats, swimming, or fishing are not permitted. In Hawaiian mythology, the goddess of snow, Poliahu, is believed to have taken a bath in the lake. Therefore the entire region that is Mauna Kea was considered sacred. Only chieftains and priests were permitted to use the waters. When the Hawaiian kingdom was established, only royalty was allowed to use it.
Lake Santeetlah, North Carolina
This oasis of tranquil waters and lush greenery lies within the Nantahala Natural Forest. With a total area of 3,300 acres (1,214ha) and a total area of 1,214ha, the artificial Lake Santeetlah is perfect for paddling, fishing, and canoeing. It’s also the home of wildlife like beavers, otters, and Hawks. The shoreline extends over 76 miles (122km) with stunning panoramic views over The Great Smoky Mountains and about 200mi (322km) of trails for hiking. This lake is also connected to the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest.
Caddo Lake, Texas and Louisiana
A maze shaped by backwaters and swampy marshes than a lake in its own right, Caddo Lake is named after the Caddoans or Caddo, which are the Native Americans who lived in the area up until they were evicted during the 18th century. It’s now an internationally-protected wetland with one of the biggest Cypress forests flooded across the U.SU.S. The most enjoyable way to explore the lake is to go on a canoe or by boat – Beware of the lurking alligators.
Lake Baikal, Russia
Located in Southern Siberia, Lake Baikal is the deepest in the world. It even can reach a depth of one mile in some places. It is home to one of our world’s sole freshwater seals. In winter, the lake changes into a stunning wonderland with ice caves jagged around the basin and bubbles forming as they freeze beneath the water’s surface.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
There’s a reason Lake Bled is one of Slovenia’s most sought-after tourist destinations. With its turquoise lakes, stunning views that overlook the Julien Alps and Disney-like castles perched on hills, you’ll never be devoid of breathtaking views if you visit the lake.
Lake Erie, Ohio
Lake Erie is one of five lakes considered to be the best in the United States and is also one of the most stunning lakes in the region. It is approximately 200 miles long and approximately 57 miles (91.7 km) wide. Lake Erie stretches into the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, and Michigan across the U.SU.S. A portion of the lake can extend into Canada close to Ontario. It is the second largest great lake and has an average depth of 220 feet, making it the smallest among the lakes of great size.
Beautiful beaches are found all around Lake Erie, making it an enjoyable place to visit during summer. Various fish, such as yellow perch, walleye, and sturgeon, are found in the lake, making it ideal for visiting fishermen. Alongside the lake, it is also home to forests, grasslands, and beautiful fields.