There are literally thousands of lakes across the United States. No doubt you are aware of some of those great lakes. However, not all lakes are equal in terms of rugged good looks. Therefore, Earthwonders would like to present below the 12 most beautiful lakes located entirely in the United States.
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1. Crater Lake
Crater Lake is also known as “Old Man of the Lake” is a caldera lake located in South Central Oregon in the western United States. Crater Lake is famous due to its deep blue color and water clarity. This is the deepest lake in the United States and 7th in the world with a depth of around 1943 feet.
2. Lake Powell, Arizona and Utah
Lake Powell straddles the borders of Arizona and Utah. Humans don’t often accidentally create anything this beautiful. It’s not only the second-largest reservoir in the nation but it comes complete with warm blue water surrounded by crimson sandstone cliffs and over 90 neighboring side canyons. A fantastic way to visit Lake Powell is in conjunction with a trip to the Grand Canyon or Monument Valley or the other sites in and around Page, such as Antelope Canyon. This is one of the most epic corners of the US and Lake Powell will blow your mind. Lake Powell also makes a fantastic base for exploring southern Utah and its national parks as well as the sites in northern Arizona.
3. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Lake Geneva is known worldwide for its beauty and upscale charm. It is a gem of the midwest and easily one of the most beautiful lakes in the United States. It is known for it’s sprawling mansions along the water. A shoreline walking trail loops around the entire 21 mile perimeter for a backyard view of these mansions and their pristine white piers.
4. Lake Minnewaska, New York State
Minnewaska Lake is the jewel of New York’s Minnewaska State Park. The lake has it all. At one end are steep cliffs that give stunning views over the lake. There is a large grassy picnic area nearby with picnic tables and lawn to play games on. Opposite the cliffs is a tiny beach where you can swim in summer.At the far end of the lake, there is another area where you can get right to the water’s edge. This is especially lovely in the fall and makes for great photos, as some rocks jut out into the water. In summer, there is long distance swimming. It is even possible to go SCUBA diving in the lake! If you like hiking, there are plenty of other hikes in the state park and the adjacent Mohonk Preserve.
5. Lake Michigan, Chicago
Lake Michigan is one of the Great Lakes of North America and is the second-largest among Great Lakes according to volume. It is located in the United States of America and its shoreline is shared by 4 mid-west states like Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan. Lake Michigan in Chicago is so huge that it looks like a beach with small waves too. People relax here on the sandy beach in front of Lake Michigan. As in the winter season, most of the parts of the lake get frozen and you can see icebergs floating around. Swimming is only allowed when lifeguards are on duty from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day which can also change as per weather conditions.
6. Flathead Lake, Montana
Flathead is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, with clean, crystalline waters cradled in the Flathead Valley. The lake has an unusually mild climate for an area so far north and inland, allowing for surrounding fruit orchards, and vineyards on its west side. There’s even a Flathead Lake Monster, which, judging by some accounts, may have a close cousin living in Loch Ness. It’s more likely, however, that you’ll spy wild horses roaming the state park.
7. Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe is the ultimate adventure travel destination. It is the largest alpine lake in North America and the second deepest (1,645 feet) in the U.S. With visibility of more than 70 feet in places, the lake’s clarity is so remarkable that — if it weren’t for the year-round chilly water — you could swear you were swimming in the Caribbean. During winter, the nearby ski runs offer exhilarating views down to the lake.
8. Echo Lake, New Hampshire
In a southeast corner of the White Mountains National Forest, Echo Lake rests under the shadow of Whitehorse Ledge, whose reflection nearly covers the 16 acres of water. White Horse and the nearby 500-foot cliffs of Cathedral Ledge are popular rock-climbing destinations; both reward hikers with gorgeous views of Echo Lake below and the distant mountains. Fall is particularly lovely, when those slopes erupt in brilliant reds, yellows, and oranges; get an up-close look along one of the 1,000 hiking trails.
9. Lake Eklutna, Alaska
Less than an hour outside Anchorage, Lake Eklutna is an under-the-radar destination that can be explored by hiking, biking, and even by ATV. Kayaking is also popular. It’s located inside Chugach State Park, which spans 495,000 acres of rugged Alaskan terrain. When you visit the lake, you can fish for salmon and trout. There is also a campground nearby if you would like to stay overnight and picnic areas for spending a day at the lake.
10. Lake Chelan, Washington
Lake Chelan, which spans 50.5 miles, is a popular destination for boating and water sports. Its proximity to the North Cascades also makes it an attractive site for hikers, plus it’s near the region’s wineries. It is one of the prettiest lakes in the US and truly deserves a spot on this list. Not many people know about tiny Lake Chelan, and it is a well-kept secret. The entire area has a small-town feel, which makes it a great place to visit with family.
11. Finger Lakes, New York
The Finger Lakes is a popular tourist destination located in Upstate New York. The lakes are so-called as they are long and narrow, resembling fingers. The eleven lakes are enormous, and tourists can do dozens of things throughout the year. The lakes have picturesque waterfalls, magnificent parks, gorgeous beaches, one-of-a-kind museums, and resorts all along the borders. The Finger Lakes area is also New York’s premier wine-producing region, with more than 100 different vineyards and wineries located on the lake borders.
12. Lake Havasu, Arizona
Another favorite lake for houseboating is Arizona’s Lake Havasu. Located on the border between Arizona and California, the lake is especially popular with college students who come for spring break celebrations. The water is warm, and there are some gorgeous side canyons, with crystal-clear turquoise water, sandstone cliffs, and waterfalls that you can explore on a stand up paddleboard or kayak. Lake Havasu City is where to stay if you aren’t sleeping on a boat.
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