The northwesternmost state in the USA and the most westerly point in all of North America, Alaska is renowned for its unparalleled natural beauty. Consequently, it stands as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring breathtaking wildlife, snow-capped peaks, 66,000 miles of coastline, fjords, and waterfalls.

Alaska exhibits remarkable diversity, characterized by various terrains and elevations. It boasts over one million lakes, with 3,197 recognized as natural lakes.

As a local resident of Alaska, I have explored numerous lakes across the state for activities such as hiking and kayaking. Below is a curated list of the most notable lakes in Alaska.

1. Lake Clark; Lake and Peninsula Borough

Nestled within Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Lake Clark is regarded as one of Alaska’s hidden treasures and a prominent site for photography. In fact, over 22,000 individuals visit the lake annually to appreciate its stunning vistas and wildlife.

The national park itself is a significant attraction, with the lake serving as a primary allure. Due to the absence of roads to Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, visitors must arrange for boat or seaplane transfers to experience the magnificent scenery and activities available here.

Fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and boating rank among the most sought-after activities at Lake Clark, while hiking, bird watching, camping, and brown bear observations are also enjoyed in the surrounding area. In winter, visitors have the unique opportunity to bike on the surface of Lake Clark using fat tire bikes. Personally, my preferred activity here is kayaking.

2. Kenai Lake; Kenai Peninsula

This expansive zig-zag shaped lake is situated in southern Alaska within the Chugach National Forest. Kenai Lake is a highly favored destination for recreational activities, several of which can be enjoyed directly on the lake, while others take place on the adjacent land.

Fishing is particularly popular at this 5,590-hectare lake, though many also enjoy boating, kayaking, and canoeing. There are four campgrounds along the lake’s shoreline, the smallest of which features only eight primitive sites, offering nature enthusiasts a true camping experience.

Moreover, hiking is immensely popular at Kenai Lake, with four distinct trails leading off in various directions. Access to the lake is facilitated by both the Sterling Highway and the Seward Highway, which also provide stunning views.

3. Skilak Lake; Kenai Peninsula

Located immediately west of Kenai Lake lies the remarkable Skilak Lake, a vast natural lake fed by glacial meltwater, resulting in remarkably clear waters. The lake is situated within the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge at an elevation of 194 feet above sea level.

Skilak Lake can be reached via a small road off Sterling Highway and is merely a 30-minute drive from Soldotna. This road (Skilak Lake Loop Road) also serves as the starting point for numerous hiking trails that meander through the wildlife refuge.

Both locals and tourists frequent the lake for activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and camping. Two campgrounds are available around the lake, with one being more developed than the other.

4. Mendenhall Lake; Juneau

This incredibly picturesque lake is located at the terminus of the 12-mile Mendenhall Glacier in the Coast Mountains. It lies just north of Juneau, Alaska’s capital city, and is part of the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area.

Accessibility to the lake from Juneau is straightforward via Glacier Highway and Mendenhall Loop Road, followed by a scenic journey through Tongass National Forest. A visitor center is located at the lake’s southeast corner, alongside a trail leading to Nugget Falls.

Situated on the southwest corner of the lake is a campground and cabins available for rent, as well as the entry point of the West Glacier Trailhead. Canoeing and kayaking can be enjoyed on the lake when not frozen, though most visitors come primarily for the scenic views. During my last visit, I camped at Mendenhall Lake Campground, which offers excellent views of the glacier.

5. Wonder Lake; Denali Borough

Wonder Lake is situated in the heart of Denali National Park and Preserve at an altitude of 200 feet above sea level. One of the lake’s key highlights is the breathtaking view of Denali, the highest peak in North America.

At the lake’s southernmost extremity, there is a campground, which is notably the closest camping site to the mountain. All sites are tent-only and devoid of electricity, so visitors planning overnight stays should come well-prepared.

Wonder Lake can be accessed by road, with the drive marked by stunning scenery. However, it is important to note that only designated buses can transport visitors; private vehicles must park at Denali National Park’s visitor center.

6. Eklutna Lake; Anchorage

The 21-mile drive from the city of Anchorage through Chugach State Park and along the east side of Eklutna Lake is considered one of the most picturesque drives imaginable. During warmer months, visitors traverse the landscape on foot, by ATV, mountain bike, or horseback.

Upon arrival, visitors have the opportunity to observe diverse plant life at varying elevations, as well as engage in fishing, boating, and having picnics. At the extreme northern tip of the lake, there is a campground with 50 sites available.

This lake and its campground are open year-round, with the surrounding scenery transforming with each season. During winter, Eklutna Lake can be accessed via cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, or snowshoeing.

7. Portage Lake; Chugach National Forest

Portage Lake is a captivating glacial lake situated at 180 meters above sea level in a glacial valley within the Chugach National Forest. The lake can be accessed on the northern side via Portage Glacier Road, which offers a remarkably scenic drive.

The Byron Glacier Trail Head is located along the northwest shoreline of the lake, while the Trail of Blue Ice lies just to the west of the Begich Boggs Visitor Center. The Boggs Visitor Center provides information about glacial activity and the Chugach National Forest.

The optimal period to visit Portage Lake is during winter and spring when activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, kite skiing, and hiking can be enjoyed. Water activities pose risks here due to low temperatures and potential glacial activity.

8. Iliamna Lake; Lake and Peninsula Borough

As the largest lake in Alaska and the second largest freshwater lake in the United States, Iliamna Lake is located in the southwestern region of the state, just west of Cook Inlet. The lake’s name originates from the Tanaina Indians, and local legend suggests it is home to a mythical giant blackfish said to bite holes in canoes.

This 300,000-hectare lake is comprised of several islands, and six villages are situated along its shores. Tourism is a pivotal element of the economy for these villages, as is fishing, particularly known for having the largest sockeye salmon run in the world.

The Kvichak River connects the lake west to Bristol Bay, creating opportunities to occasionally observe beluga whales and harbor seals within the lake. A significant population of freshwater seals also resides here.

9. Becharof Lake; Lake and Peninsula Borough

Ranking as Alaska’s second-largest lake, Becharof Lake is also among the largest lakes in the USA. Nestled on the Alaskan Peninsula within the Becharof National Wildlife Refuge, it is situated in a remote area of southwestern Alaska.

This 117,000-hectare lake offers stunning views of Mount Peulik, as it lies along its northern shore. It is an exceptional location to observe seals, sea otters, and whales.

Access to Becharof Lake is not available by road; instead, it can be reached via boat or rugged trails, with most visitors arriving by plane from Anchorage.

10. Auke Lake; Juneau

The views of Mount McGinnis from Auke Lake’s northern shoreline are among the most photographed locations in Alaska. Given its prime location, the lake’s shoreline is one of the most developed in the state.

Auke Lake is a highly popular destination for various recreational activities in Alaska, including swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and rowing. Its vicinity is also ideal for running, hiking, and cycling.

Although there are no campgrounds directly at the lake, nearby accommodation options and amenities, such as restaurants and shops, are available. However, visitors should not expect extensive development, as it remains a tranquil lake.

11. Summit Lake; Chugach National Forest

Elevated at 3,300 feet, Summit Lake is found on Canyon Creek within the Chugach National Forest. The Seward Highway runs alongside the lake, providing convenient access while offering stunning scenic views.

Tenderfoot Creek Campground is situated on the northeast side of the 104-hectare lake, featuring 35 primitive sites as well as a boat ramp. For those preferring more comfortable accommodations while enjoying the lake, the Summit Lake Lodge provides rooms and cabins.

In addition to appreciating the scenery, Summit Lake also offers excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Numerous land-based activities are available, thanks to the surrounding forest, including hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

12. Aleknagik Lake; Dillingham Census Area

The charming Aleknagik Lake is positioned in the southeastern section of Alaska, just east of Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, and offers a stunning backdrop. The only access to the lake from roadways leads to its sole settlement (Aleknagik), situated along the southern shoreline.

Alaska’s Bearclaw Lodge, which sits along the northern shoreline of the lake, can only be reached by boat from Aleknagik. The lodge is particularly popular for fishing expeditions, especially for those seeking to catch sockeye salmon.

Outdoor enthusiasts will particularly appreciate a visit to Aleknagik Lake due to its complete isolation from the rest of the world. Upon arrival, you can revel in wildlife observation, hiking, mountain climbing, canoeing, and kayaking.

13. Chilkoot Lake; Haines Borough

Situated at the northernmost point of Lutak Inlet in the southeastern corner of Alaska, Chilkoot Lake is a stunning body of water embraced by natural beauty, providing ample recreational opportunities for visitors.

The Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site is located among Sitka trees along the lake’s southern tip. This recreation area offers camping facilities, picnic shelters, and a boat launch for canoeing, kayaking, and boating.

During winter, the lake becomes an inviting area for ice skating, as it fully freezes over, providing an extraordinary experience against the backdrop of snow-covered mountains.

14. Goose Lake; Anchorage

This small lake is conveniently situated in the city of Anchorage, just north of the University of Alaska Anchorage. It offers a peaceful setting, where visitors may easily forget they are in an urban environment.

Goose Lake is an excellent location for swimming during the summer months, although it can become crowded with locals looking to cool off. Paddle boating is also a favored activity, accessible from one of the two beaches that line the shore.

A 4.8-kilometer trail encircles the lake, providing not only a pleasant walking path but also impressive views of the lake and the university in the backdrop. During winter, the trail is open for cross-country skiing.

15. Tustumena Lake; Kenai Peninsula

As the eighth largest lake in the state, Tustumena Lake spans over 30,000 hectares and is recognized as the largest lake on the Kenai Peninsula in south-central Alaska. It is a relatively isolated lake that features the breathtaking backdrop of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, making it an ideal location for wilderness adventures.

Tustumena Lake is exceptionally pristine, as its waters are sourced from Tustumena Glacier and several nearby streams. Photographers, both amateur and professional, will appreciate the stunning views this lake and its surrounding landscape offer.

Access to the lake is available only via boat, hiking, or horseback riding, as there are no road connections to Tustumena Lake. During winter, it is a renowned site for dogsledding and hosts the annual Tustumena 200 Sled Dog Race.