15 Best Lakes in Alaska

Ever dreamed of a place where the air is impossibly crisp, the water a mesmerizing mosaic of blues and greens, and towering peaks reflect perfectly in pristine surfaces? Welcome to Alaska, a land of unparalleled natural beauty, and home to some of the most breathtaking lakes on Earth. From the easily accessible glacial wonders near bustling cities to the remote, wild expanses only reachable by bush plane, Alaska’s lakes are more than just bodies of water; they are gateways to adventure, tranquility, and unforgettable memories. Imagine kayaking past floating icebergs, fishing for trophy salmon, or simply soaking in the profound silence of a landscape untouched by time.

This guide will be your compass to navigating the 14 best lakes in Alaska, offering rich practical information and detailed cost breakdowns to help you plan the ultimate Alaskan lake adventure. The best time to visit most of these stunning locations is during the Alaskan summer, from late May to early September, when daylight is long, temperatures are mild, and all activities are in full swing. However, some offer unique winter charms for the intrepid explorer. Get ready to dive deep into the heart of the Last Frontier!

Kenai Lake; Kenai Peninsula

Kenai Lake, a dazzling turquoise gem on the Kenai Peninsula, is often your first glimpse of Alaska’s glacial grandeur if you’re driving south from Anchorage. Its vibrant, almost unbelievable blue hue comes from glacial silt, or “rock flour,” suspended in the water, reflecting the sunlight in spectacular fashion. This lake is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a plethora of activities against a backdrop of rugged mountains and dense forests. You can spend your days kayaking or paddleboarding its calm, clear waters, feeling utterly immersed in the wilderness.

Anglers flock here for the excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for Dolly Varden, rainbow trout, and various salmon species depending on the season. The lake is easily accessible from the Sterling Highway, making it a popular spot for day trips and camping. Its beauty is so profound that it feels like stepping into a postcard, perfect for capturing stunning photographs or simply breathing in the pure Alaskan air. Families will appreciate the ease of access and diverse activities, while solo travelers or couples can find quiet coves for peaceful reflection.

Skilak Lake; Kenai Peninsula

Just downstream from Kenai Lake, Skilak Lake offers a wilder, more remote Alaskan experience, despite being relatively close to the Sterling Highway. As part of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Skilak is a vast, deep, and often windy lake carved by glaciers, surrounded by old-growth forests and towering peaks. Its sheer size and often choppy waters make it less suited for casual paddling and more appealing to experienced boaters, anglers seeking trophy lake trout and salmon, and those looking for a true wilderness escape.

Hiking trails like the Skilak Loop Road offer incredible viewpoints and access to a rugged landscape where wildlife sightings – including moose, bears, and eagles – are common. The lake’s undeveloped shores provide a sense of profound solitude, making it ideal for adventurous couples or solo travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. You’ll find rustic campgrounds rather than bustling resorts, encouraging a deeper connection with nature. Its untamed beauty and challenging conditions contribute to its allure, promising an authentic Alaskan adventure.

Mendenhall Lake; Juneau

Mendenhall Lake, nestled just outside Juneau, is iconic for one magnificent reason: it’s the foreground to the breathtaking Mendenhall Glacier. This lake is fed by the meltwaters of the glacier, often carrying small icebergs that calve from the ice front, creating a dynamic and ever-changing landscape. Visiting Mendenhall Lake is an immersive experience where you can witness the power of glacial forces firsthand.

The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center offers panoramic views, interpretive displays, and ranger-led programs. Beyond the stunning glacier views, you can walk along paved trails to Nugget Falls, a powerful waterfall cascading into the lake, or explore the Photo Point Trail for different perspectives. Kayaking or canoeing on the lake, carefully navigating around the icebergs, offers an unparalleled up-close encounter with the glacier. This attraction is perfect for families, offering accessible trails and educational opportunities, while couples and solo travelers will find the sheer scale of the glacier deeply awe-inspiring.

Wonder Lake; Denali Borough

Wonder Lake, deep within Denali National Park and Preserve, is arguably one of Alaska’s most iconic and remote lake destinations, famous for its unparalleled reflections of Denali, North America’s tallest peak. Reaching Wonder Lake is an adventure in itself, typically involving a long bus ride along the park road, but the reward is immense. On clear days, the mirror-like surface of the lake perfectly captures the majestic south face of Denali, creating a photographer’s dream.

Beyond its reflective qualities, the area around Wonder Lake is quintessential Alaskan wilderness, teeming with wildlife like caribou, moose, grizzly bears, and wolves. Camping at the Wonder Lake campground offers an immersive, multi-day experience in the heart of the park. This destination is ideal for serious photographers, intrepid hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts who crave a profound connection with nature and are prepared for a rugged, remote experience. Families with older children who appreciate wilderness will also find it rewarding, but it’s not for those seeking quick access or luxury.

Eklutna Lake; Anchorage

Eklutna Lake, a stunning glacial lake nestled in the Chugach Mountains just north of Anchorage, offers a perfect blend of accessibility and Alaskan wilderness. Its vibrant blue waters, fed by glacial melt, are framed by steep, forested mountains, creating a picturesque setting for a wide range of outdoor activities. This is a beloved spot for Anchorage locals, and for good reason.

You can rent kayaks, canoes, or stand-up paddleboards to explore the calm waters, or bring your own. The paved multi-use trail running along the lake’s edge is perfect for biking, walking, or rollerblading, offering incredible views and leading to the historic Eklutna Native Village, where you can learn about Athabascan culture and see the charming Spirit Houses. Fishing for Dolly Varden and trout is popular. Eklutna Lake is ideal for families due to its easy access and varied activities, and equally appealing to couples or solo adventurers seeking a refreshing escape from city life without venturing too far.

Portage Lake; Chugach National Forest

Portage Lake, located within the Chugach National Forest and easily accessible from Anchorage, is a stunning testament to Alaska’s ongoing glacial activity. Framed by towering peaks, this lake is often dotted with icebergs that have calved from the retreating Portage Glacier, offering a dramatic and dynamic landscape. While Portage Glacier itself has receded out of direct view from the visitor center, boat tours operate across the lake, taking you right up to the face of the glacier, where you can witness its immense scale and listen for the thunderous sounds of ice calving.

The Begich Boggs Visitor Center provides excellent interpretive exhibits on glaciology and the local ecosystem. Several short, scenic trails around the lake offer opportunities for easy walks and wildlife viewing. This destination is perfect for families, as the boat tour is engaging and the visitor center educational. It’s also a fantastic spot for photographers and anyone looking for an accessible way to experience glacial landscapes.

Iliamna Lake; Lake and Peninsula Borough

Iliamna Lake, located on the northern Alaska Peninsula, is not just one of Alaska’s best lakes but also the largest lake in Alaska and the eighth largest freshwater lake in North America. Its sheer immensity and remote location lend it an air of mystery and wilderness. This vast body of water is famous for its world-class sportfishing, particularly for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and all five species of Pacific salmon during their runs. It’s also home to the legendary “Iliamna Lake Monster,” a cryptid akin to Nessie, adding a touch of folklore to its wild appeal.

Access is primarily by bush plane or boat from surrounding villages, making it a destination for truly adventurous travelers and dedicated anglers. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of tundra, mountains, and forests, providing critical habitat for abundant wildlife, including brown bears. Iliamna Lake is ideal for experienced anglers, wilderness adventurers, and those seeking an off-grid experience far from the beaten path. It’s not a family destination in the typical sense due to its remote nature.

Becharof Lake; Lake and Peninsula Borough

Becharof Lake, the second largest lake entirely within Alaska, is a vast, wild expanse located on the Alaska Peninsula within the Becharof National Wildlife Refuge. Like Iliamna, its remoteness and pristine nature make it a premier destination for wilderness enthusiasts and world-class sportfishing. The lake is a critical spawning ground for sockeye salmon, which in turn attracts one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world, particularly during the salmon runs.

This makes it an unparalleled location for bear viewing, often from a safe distance with experienced guides. Access is almost exclusively by floatplane or bush plane, landing directly on the lake or nearby airstrips. The surrounding landscape is a rugged tapestry of tundra, volcanic peaks, and braided rivers, offering incredible opportunities for photography, wildlife observation, and truly immersive wilderness experiences. Becharof Lake is best suited for serious wildlife photographers, avid anglers, and intrepid adventurers who prioritize raw, untouched nature and are comfortable with remote, unguided or guided wilderness travel.

Auke Lake; Juneau

Auke Lake, a serene and accessible freshwater lake just north of Juneau, offers a peaceful escape with stunning views without venturing far from the city. Unlike its famous neighbor, Mendenhall Lake, Auke Lake is not glacier-fed but still boasts clear, calm waters that reflect the surrounding mountains and forests beautifully. It’s a popular spot for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding, with easy launch points.

Anglers enjoy fishing for trout and salmon here. The lake also features a lovely boardwalk trail that winds through the wetlands, providing excellent birdwatching opportunities and a chance to observe the local flora and fauna up close. Auke Lake is home to the University of Alaska Southeast, and its proximity makes it a convenient and beloved recreation area for students and locals alike. This lake is perfect for families seeking a relaxed outing, couples looking for a romantic paddle, or solo travelers desiring a tranquil moment in nature close to amenities.

Summit Lake; Chugach National Forest

Summit Lake, perched high in the Chugach Mountains along the scenic Seward Highway, is a true roadside gem offering breathtaking views and easy access to a pristine alpine environment. This picturesque lake, surrounded by rugged peaks and often snow-capped even in summer, is a popular stop for travelers driving between Anchorage and Seward. Its clear, cold waters are a vibrant blue, reflecting the dramatic landscape like a mirror.

While too cold for swimming for most, it’s a fantastic spot for photography, picnicking, and simply soaking in the grandeur of the Chugach National Forest. Anglers can try their luck at fishing for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden. Several short hiking trails in the vicinity offer opportunities to stretch your legs and explore the alpine tundra. Summit Lake is ideal for all types of travelers – families will appreciate the easy access and stunning views, while couples and solo adventurers will find it a perfect spot for a tranquil break amidst an epic road trip.

Aleknagik Lake; Dillingham Census Area

Aleknagik Lake, the largest and southernmost of the Wood-Tikchik State Park’s vast chain of lakes, serves as a gateway to one of the largest state parks in the United States – a true wilderness paradise. Located in the Dillingham Census Area of Southwest Alaska, this expansive lake offers an authentic bush experience. Access is primarily by bush plane from Dillingham, or by boat from the village of Aleknagik.

The lake is renowned for its incredible sportfishing, particularly for all five species of Pacific salmon, rainbow trout, and Arctic char. Beyond fishing, the area is a haven for wildlife viewing, with abundant brown bears, moose, and caribou. The sheer scale and untouched nature of Aleknagik Lake make it a premier destination for serious anglers, experienced kayakers or canoeists embarking on multi-day trips through the park’s interconnected waterways, and wilderness adventurers seeking profound solitude. This is not a casual day trip; it requires significant planning and a desire to truly disconnect.

Chilkoot Lake; Haines Borough

Chilkoot Lake, located just north of Haines, is a small but incredibly vibrant lake famous for its spectacular salmon runs and the resulting concentration of brown bears. It’s a natural magnet for wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts, especially during late summer and fall when the salmon are spawning. The lake itself is beautiful, surrounded by lush temperate rainforest and framed by steep mountains, but the primary draw is the incredible opportunity to observe bears safely from designated viewing platforms or through guided tours.

Beyond bear viewing, Chilkoot Lake offers excellent fishing for Dolly Varden and salmon, and its calm waters are perfect for kayaking or canoeing. The nearby Chilkoot River is easily accessible and provides additional viewing opportunities. This destination is perfect for wildlife lovers, photographers, and families who want a memorable and accessible bear viewing experience. It also holds historical significance as part of the traditional Tlingit territory and a vital resource for their subsistence.

Goose Lake; Anchorage

Goose Lake, situated conveniently within Anchorage’s sprawling urban park system, offers a delightful and easily accessible outdoor escape. While it may not boast the dramatic glacial backdrops of other Alaskan lakes, Goose Lake is a beloved local spot for its recreational opportunities and family-friendly atmosphere. During summer, its shallow waters warm up, making it one of the few lakes in Anchorage where swimming is genuinely enjoyable and popular. You’ll find a sandy beach, picnic areas, and a playground, making it perfect for a relaxed family day out.

The paved trail around the lake is ideal for walking, jogging, or biking, and offers pleasant views of the surrounding urban forest. In winter, it transforms into a popular ice-skating rink. Goose Lake is perfect for families with young children, local residents, or travelers looking for a convenient way to enjoy the outdoors without leaving the city. It’s a true urban oasis.

Tustumena Lake; Kenai Peninsula

Tustumena Lake, the largest lake on the Kenai Peninsula, offers a wild and rugged Alaskan experience, distinct from its more accessible neighbors like Kenai Lake. This vast, glacial-fed lake is known for its deep, cold waters and often windy conditions, making it a challenging but rewarding destination for experienced boaters and anglers. Its remote southern shores are largely undeveloped, providing a true wilderness feel and offering opportunities for multi-day kayaking or fishing trips. Tustumena is a prime spot for fishing trophy lake trout, Dolly Varden, and various salmon species.

The surrounding landscape, part of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, is rich in wildlife, including moose, bears, and eagles. Access is primarily from the Sterling Highway near Kasilof, but the lake’s immense size means venturing far requires proper planning and equipment. This lake is ideal for seasoned anglers, wilderness campers, and adventurers seeking solitude and a profound connection with untouched nature. It’s less suited for casual day-trippers due to its challenging conditions.

Plan Your Visit

From the vibrant turquoise of Kenai Lake to the remote, bear-rich shores of Becharof, Alaska’s lakes are a testament to the state’s unparalleled natural grandeur. You’ve now seen how each offers a unique window into the Last Frontier, whether you’re seeking accessible family fun, world-class fishing, or a truly wild, off-grid adventure. The variety of experiences is as vast as the Alaskan landscape itself, promising everything from glacier-viewing boat tours to silent paddles reflecting towering peaks.

So, pack your bags, prepare your budget with our comprehensive cost guide, and let the spirit of adventure lead you. Alaska’s lakes await, ready to inspire, challenge, and utterly captivate you. Start planning your journey today, and discover why these aquatic wonders are truly the jewels of the North.