Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada is the official largest alpine lake on the continent.  Straddling the border between the US states of California and Nevada, it is nestled between snow-dusted mountains and surrounded by verdant pine forests, it’s a very popular place to visit. This can make it difficult to decide what to do there. In an effort to assist you in organizing your itinerary, here are the 10 best things to do in Lake Tahoe. 

The 10 Best Things To Do In Lake Tahoe

1. Emerald Bay State Park

There are a number of different hiking trails that will take you to the underwater state park and official national natural landmark known as Emerald Bay State Park. Situated on Lake Tahoe’s west shore, this state park is a favorite for its various hiking trails and a well-known jump-off point to explore the popular Vikingsholm mansion which hosts tours in the summer. Additionally, you can go kayaking along Emerald Bay’s pristine shoreline and even head out onto the water for a memorable adventure. 

It’s such a serene place. If you enjoy epic, excellent views, check out Emerald Bay State Park Lookout. From there, you will enjoy exceptional views of lovely Lake Tahoe.  

It’s also said by some to be the perfect place to begin a hike along the shoreline as well. Enjoy live music? Be sure to visit the Tallac Historic Site located not far from the park.  

This group of historic estates is favored for the numerous festivals it hosts. For example, there’s the famous two-day Gatsby Festival, celebrated in August. It comes complete with several other themed events, jazz concerts, and related “Roaring Twenties” parties.

There’s also the Valhalla Estate where the locals hold the Valhalla Art, Music, and Theatre Festival. It is highlighted by cultural events, performances, and shows. If you’re into camping, break camp at the Eagle Point Campground. Just remember to take precautions as black bears “camp” there too!

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Kings Beach

Kings Beach is nestled on Lake Tahoe’s northern shore. Some travelers include a visit to this beach as a mandatory stop on a bigger road trip between Nevada and California. Anchor yourself here for a few days and explore the assorted eateries and indie boutiques.

Have a picnic or two at any one of the different picnic spots at the Kings Beach State Recreation Area. Up for some watersports? Rent a kayak or paddleboard and hit the lake.  

If you need more sun and sand, visit the nigh-iconic Speedboat Beach. Feeling athletic? Take a healthy hike to the popular Historic Stateline Fire Lookout and enjoy the views. The trail is steep in some places but is relatively short and otherwise easy to do.

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Echo Lake

Less than 25 minutes from Lake Tahoe, you will discover Echo Lake. This popular summer spot is also worth a couple of hours of attention. In addition to the water, there are some noteworthy hiking trails here as well.

Indeed, seasoned hikers say that the Lake Aloha Trail is especially beautiful. Enjoy a bite to eat at the Lower Echo picnic site. It is generally quiet and free of crowds of tourists to boot.

If you’re more of a snow bunny, visit this spot at the same time you book a ski trip to the popular Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort less than five miles away. Don’t forget to get your lift pass ASAP, and if need be, you can rent skis too. It is also good to know that the assorted eateries atop the mountain can be a bit pricey.

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D.L. Bliss State Park

Not far from Emerald Bay, visiting distinctive D.L. Bliss State Park is reportedly the best place to be if you simply want some peace and quiet. As this goes to press, the area is not well publicized or that built up and veteran visitors say it will make you feel as if you are “a million miles away” from the hubbub of civilization. Do you enjoy camping?

This is a comparatively small campground available with crude firepits and a small shower area as well. If you enjoy water sports consider kayaking on little Lester Beach. You can also hike on the Rubicon Trail and check out the historic Rubicon Point Light. The views are well worth it. Don’t forget to visit cozy Calawee Cove Beach either.

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The Tahoe Rim Trail

If you’re the athletic type who is always in search of a challenge, then try hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail. This trail is all about exercise, excitement, and sore calves if you’re not in shape! It is a loop trail that is 165 miles long and circles Lake Tahoe.

No worries though as you can always complete the trail in sections if need be. Some travelers just hike the portions they prefer. You can do a group of small day hikes as there are a number of different trailheads available.

If you enjoy stunning panoramic views of majestic mountain tops, serene meadows, and calm lakes, consider hiking through distinctive Desolation Valley and the popular Carson Range. Check the condition of your hiking boots and stock up on sunscreen and all the essentials. Perhaps more importantly, don’t forget about the bears who live here in Lake Tahoe either. 

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The Mt. Tallac Hike

Mighty Mount Tallac is 9,735 feet high. That makes it one of the tallest mountains in the area. This can be a challenging trek for an average hiker due to the elevation and terrain of crushed granite and loose rocks. Still, those in the know say the view from the top makes it all worth it.

Enjoy the views of Cathedral Lake, Fallen Leaf Lake, and Gilmore Lake. From atop the mountain, you will get an epic view of Lake Tahoe too. The views of Granite Lake and Desolation Wilderness are also breathtaking. This hike is not for beginners, so put some miles on your boot soles prior to tackling it.

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Sand Harbor State Park

Explore 50+ acred Sand Harbor State on Lake Tahoe’s Nevada side. When in Nevada, this is one of the best places to visit in Lake Tahoe. Here you will find fragrant pine forests, hidden coves, and beautiful beaches.  

Your visit can be a relaxing day of sightseeing or a fun-filled day of water sports. Go for a dip or rent a kayak. If you like hiking, both the Sand Point Nature Trail and the popular Memorial Point Trail offer adventurers striking views of beaches and coves.  

Feeling like a culture vulture? Great! Reserve your tickets for the popular Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. You can enjoy some awesome outdoor performances right there in the park.

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The Eagle Rock Hiking Trail

Eagle Rock is a well-known volcanic outcrop located a few hundred feet above the heart of Lake Tahoe. It affords travelers terrific views. The Eagle Rock Hiking Trail can be joined on Lake Tahoe’s western shore and is only four miles out of the city.

It is very popular and easily accessible. In less than half an hour you can complete the hike and experience the sweeping views of the lake and surrounding area as well. You should know that the trail can get a bit busy at times. If you wish to avoid too many other hikers, avoid weekends and head out early in the morning.  

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Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park

Whether you are more interested in an outdoor adventure or an indoor tour, you will find it here at the popular but sometimes overlooked Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park. If you’re taking a road trip from busy Tahoe City to the southern shoreline, this is an especially great place to stop. One memorable attraction here is the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion.

This manse was once the haughty home of the affluent family of famous financier Isaias W. Hellman. Tour and explore the interior of the mansion. Notice the dining room’s rich redwood paneling and the genuine Navajo rugs as well.

If you’re a hiker, you may want to visit in the summer. Just remember to start each hike early no matter which of the trails you choose. If you prefer the cooler months, winter is a good time to visit nearby Homewood Mountain Resort. It features some of the Lake Tahoe area’s best ski slopes regardless of your skill level and the views are said to be phenomenal. 

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Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park 

You will find this fun-filled adventure park in Tahoe City behind the well-known Granlibakken Resort. The exciting Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park offers visitors quite a different kind of outdoor activity. This is yet another must-see place and yet another way to get some exercise and stretch your legs.  

Some of the major highlights here include exciting zip lines, terrific tree-top platforms, and bridges as high as 50 feet. While this is a fun hot spot, veteran visitors can confirm that guests of the park often work out muscle groups that they forgot they had.  Get in shape now!  

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Some say that lakes are actually one of nature’s “most stunning expressions.” Indeed, few things are more peaceful than a calm, clear blue lake in the middle of the verdant wilderness. Mind you, there are a plethora of lakes on this planet, and while some lakes are pretty and pristine, others are worth little more than passing. Thus, without further ado, we now present 15 incredibly clear lakes and an explanation of why they’re so clear.

15 Incredibly Clear Lakes and Why They’re So Clear

1. The Blue Lake, New Zealand

New Zealand is famous for its abundant natural beauty. The moment you leave any city there, you are surrounded by lovely lakes and memorable mountainous terrains. Ah, but New Zealand is also known as the country with the world’s clearest lake. Blue Lake’s visibility depth is between 70 and 80 meters (roughly 230 to 260 feet).  

This lake is also the world’s “clearest body of natural freshwater.” Experts report Blue Lake’s water is similar to distilled water. Researchers who have studied the lake say its clarity is due to a specific underground passage that filters the water as it comes in from Lake Constance. That’s also why its natural color, blue-violet, shows through here. 

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Lake McKenzie, Australia

Australia’s Lake McKenzie, a.k.a. the “Jewel of the Fraser Island,” is so clear you can see your reflection in it. This is a popular perched lake. It was formed by sand slowly cementing aluminum, iron, and assorted organic matter into an individual layer of material above actual sea level.

It is also important to note that the lake is acidic. Thus, it is not a suitable environment for all species. In fact, it hosts a fragile ecosystem and is therefore a difficult place for healthy aquatic life. The visibility here reaches a maximum of 50 meters. It is so clear because of the lake’s impermeable bottom layer.  

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Torch Lake, USA 

Located in Michigan, Torch Lake is well-known for its green-blue, crystal-clear water. This fjord-like bay was originally carved out by glaciers during the last ice age. The color of this clear water is due to its geology. Tourists often comment that it resembles the Caribbean Sea complete with several sandbars. The formation of the sandbar across the lake’s mouth separated it from Lake Michigan a long time ago. Today it is the state’s second-largest lake.  

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Lake Tahoe, USA

The freshwater lake known as Lake Tahoe straddles the state line between Nevada and California. It is one of the clearest lakes on the planet. Visibility here reaches 100 feet.  

Its clarity is due to the fact that 40 percent of the falling raindrops land right in the lake. The other 60 percent drains through nearby marshes that filter the water. Here you can see shipwrecks from the 1920s and the 1930s sitting in a boat right on the lake’s surface.

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Lake Baikal, Russia

Lake Baikal, in Siberia, is well-known for both its depth and significant surface area. Indeed, Lake Baikal is the world’s deepest lake and it is also the world’s “largest freshwater lake by water volume.” The Lake is also one of the world’s cleanest and the water is also some of the clearest on the planet.  

The lake’s underwater visibility is between 30 and 40 meters. If you go sailing on this lake, you can easily see the ecosystem alive inside it. The resident plankton actually filters the water by consuming various sediments and minerals, making the water consistently clear. You may even be able to spot the lake’s resident freshwater seal species endemic to this area.

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Crater Lake, USA

Oregon’s clear Crater Lake is the world’s ninth deepest lake. Situated in the south-central section of the state, it is also famous for its beautiful blue color and is one of Crater Lake National Park’s main tourist attractions. Born from the collapse of massive Mount Mazama 7,500 years ago, the clarity of the lake can be attributed to the rain and snow from whence the lake water originates. Its rich hue remains consistent because there are no other waterways or entrances to the lake and therefore no debris or mineral deposits flow through it.

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Lake Mashū, Japan

The endorheic crater lake known as Lake Mashū is located in the memorable Akan Mashu National Park on Japan’s Hokkaido Island. The local residents refer to it as “the Devil’s Lake” perhaps because it was actually formed in a potentially active volcano’s caldera. It is not only a very popular tourist destination but also an official UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Some travel writers refer to Lake Mashū as a superb example of the splendors of nature. It has also been called “the clearest lake” on the planet. Its clarity is due to a number of different factors. The lake has no truly significant inlets and no outlet. It is therefore free of debris potentially carried by local rivers and is mainly fed by rainfall.

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The Five-Flower Lake, China

The famous multi-colored Five-Flower Lake is a shallow lake that has a bottom crisscrossed with fallen, ancient tree trunks. The dominant colors of the lake are blue, green, and yellow. It is located in the Jiuzhaigou National Park, in Sichuan.  

Visit whenever you wish as it does not freeze in the middle of the winter, and during the summer months, the water level does not rise. The little, crystal-clear lake stays the same regardless of the seasonal heat or a lack of rain. The water is so clear you can see the previously-mentioned tree trunks along the bottom. The clarity of the water is the result of calcium carbonates and hydrophytes in the lake. The residents often say the lake is “a piece of mirror that fell from a goddess’ hands.”

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Melissani Lake, Greece

Charming Melissani Lake flows through Melissani Cave. It is nestled on the isle of Kefalonia northwest of the town of Sami and is quite famous for its clear water. Veteran visitors remark that it is so clear that boats there appear to be floating in the air. According to classic Greek mythology, this caverned place is actually a nymph’s den. On a nice day, the reflection of the sun actually reflects off of the clear sea-green water and creates a striking effect.

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Flathead Lake, USA

When measured according to the surface area, the famous Flathead Lake is the largest in the state of Montana. It is also the cleanest lake. This lake’s renowned clarity is the result of little nutrients that actually enable algal growth.

Are you a fishing fan? This lake is well-known as the home of northern pike, sturgeon, trout, whitefish, and yellow perch too. If you’re looking for a sandy spot to kick it or are interested in watersports, then hit the neighboring tree-lined beach. Here you can enjoy fishing, powerboating, sailing, swimming, waterskiing, and more!

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Moraine Lake, Canada

Majestic Moraine Lake is in the heart of the verdant Valley of the Ten Peaks in the craggy Canadian Rockies. The lake basin is solely fed by glaciers. It is well-known for its clear blue hue that changes depending on the season, the angle of the light on the lake, and the time of day. Some say it’s best to visit Moraine Lake during the summer. For it is then that the lake exhibits a strikingly clear blue reflection as the natural light refracts from the deposits on the lake’s floor.

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Lake Blausee, Switzerland

Arguably Switzerland’s most famous crystal-blue lake, Lake Blausee is fed mainly by multiple underground springs. The water is tinted blue-green and totally transparent. More than 12 meters underwater, you will see boulders and sunken tree trunks too. The water’s clarity is generally credited to the “mineral-rich mountain spring water” found here.

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Lake Bacalar, Mexico

Habla Espanol? It might be helpful when you visit this lovely lake or freshwater lagoon found in the state of Quintana Roo. This is the country’s second-largest lake and comes complete with a sandy white bottom.

It is fed mainly by a number of different underground rivers. The lake changes color from indigo to turquoise throughout the day. Hence, it is nicknamed the “lake of seven colors.” 

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The Attabad Lake, Pakistan

The awesome Attabad Lake was actually the result of a truly tragic event. It was formed following a powerful landslide in northern Pakistan back in 2010. Attabad was buried, but this striking lake was born. Visit in the spring or summer when the great glaciers melt and give the clear, pristine lake a vivid shade of blue.

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Lake Malawi, Mozambique, And Tanzania

The narrow Lake Malawi stretches across two African nations, Tanzania and Mozambique. Despite being one of the world’s deepest lakes, it still has clear water. This is because the lake is meromictic. Its layers do not mix and all the sediments remain on the bottom. Thus, the water remains clear.

These are 15 incredibly clear lakes. Did we include your favorite clear lakes? Let us know!

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If you need to get out into the wild, visiting a lake resort is one of the best ways to do it. Whether you’re looking for fall foliage, a winter escape, or a simple summer trip, there are plenty of lakefront hotels that will welcome you. So without further ado, here are 14 of the best lakefront hotels in the USA.

15 Best Lakefront Hotels in the U.S.A.

1 The Point, New York

The Point is found on a verdant, forested peninsula that overlooks Upper Saranac Lake. Some have called it a “playground for Adirondack adventure.” It features lovely log cabins that once actually hosted the Rockefellers.  

They include “traditional rustic-chic décor,” comfy-cozy fireplaces, and real white-pine walls. Here you can hike the local trails, take a popular vintage Elco boat ride on the lake, or try one of the other seasonally appropriate activities available there. At dinner time, you can eat a meal in the Great Hall, The Pub, or even in your own room.  

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Tordrillo Mountain Lodge, Alaska

Located on the scenic shore of Judd Lake, Tordrillo Mountain Lodge is the place to stay. It will provide you with a genuine wilderness escape that is less than a one-hour flight out of Anchorage. Here guests can schedule their own activity schedule.

Thus, their experience at this lodge is personal. Optional activity choices include eFoil boarding, mountain biking, and wake surfing. There are also heli-based excursions for skiing, glacier-trekking, and more. You can even board an otter plane and go flight-seeing to Katmai National Park for bear-viewing. The best accommodations here are private cabins with personal decks and floor-to-ceiling windows too.

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The Lodge at Edgewood Tahoe, Nevada

The Lodge at Edgewood Tahoe in Stateline brings to mind mental images of azure water nestled amidst snow-topped mountains. The lodge provides guests with a front-row view of languorous Lake Tahoe and a nice, private beach. The decor includes distinctive accents of its wilderness locale. Note, for example, the trees hand-carved into the structure’s stone walls.

It also includes muted tones, a contemporary design, and a specific emphasis on natural light. Highlights include a year-round outdoor pool close to the waterfront, where you can relax on Adirondack chairs lining the beach. Visit in the summer and golf the18-hole course designed by George and Tom Fazio. Visit in the winter and go skiing just moments away.

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The Sagamore, New York

The Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing is unlike all the other resorts in the Adirondacks. Nestled upon its own island within Lake George itself, it features iconic architecture and its own pool. It’s a family-friendly, historic property that offers several waterfront activities including fishing and swimming with or without an on-duty lifeguard.

The hotel also owns a 72-foot yacht christened The Morgan. You can take a complimentary hour-long excursion twice a day. If you choose to stay more than a couple of nights, book the four-bedroom First House, once the home of the original innkeeper. It’s even got a fireplace! 

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Lake Austin Spa Resort, Texas

The Lake Austin Spa Resort is a 40-room boutique hotel for travelers seeking a fun lakeside escape complete with those seeking a wellness weekend. This popular 25,000-square-foot spa offers several fitness and water-based activities hourly. The “Fresh Air Fitness” programs most recently added weighted-vest workouts and floating yoga by the lake. Most of the rooms are decorated with floral prints, stripes, and warm colors.

They include private front porches, and often private gardens, and views of the lake and the surrounding maples, oaks, and sycamores too.

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The Lake House on Canandaigua, New York

Situated on Lake Canandaigua in the Finger Lakes, The Lake House on Canandaigua has 125 rooms and is recommended for a weekend or even more. It’s owned by the brother-sister business Brooklyn Home Company which redesigned numerous New York beautiful, highly valued brownstones. The resort is highlighted with sculptural chandeliers and hand-crafted hardwood beds and a spa. Here you can go fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and even take one of the captained sunset cruises.    

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The Lodge at Moosehead Lake, Maine

The Lodge at Moosehead Lake is high on a hill in Greenville, above the state’s largest lake. Backed by massive mountains, this bed-and-breakfast-style resort includes nine uniquely designed rooms and suites. Eight of the lodge’s rooms offer views of Moosehead Lake, and most of them have private decks. This inn also offers “moose safaris” in the area. Expert guides lead guests deep into the forests of Maine in search of moose. They also offer moonlight canoe trips and pontoon rides.

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Basin Harbor, Vermont

Opened in the 1880s, Basin Harbor in Vergennes is nestled near a little cove on Lake Champlain’s southeastern shore. Less than an hour’s drive out of Burlington, veteran visitors say this family-friendly getaway is “a veritable village.” It includes 74 private cottages with their own individualistic designs and floor plans.

Cornell Cottage and the Loon Lodge provide the most privacy because they’re furthest away from all the others. You can grab some Basin Harbor-cue from the onsite food truck or dine at the sushi bar on the lodge deck. Here you can enjoy a number of different activities including biking, golf, tennis, and volleyball. If you enjoy watersports, hit the lake and partake in boating, tubing, or wakesurfing.

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Winterlake Lodge, Alaska

The Winterlake Lodge is located amongst 1,000,000 pristine state-protected acres less than 20 miles away from popular Denali National Park. It is said by some travel journalists to be one of the top wilderness lodges in the state. The lodge can accommodate a total of 20 guests at once in six separate wooden cabins.

The cabins include simple but comfortable furnishings. Some also have private decks. The lodge offers guests all the expected activities including fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more. If you book a cabin for at least three nights, you also get a complimentary helicopter-based excursion for glacier-trekking, ice climbing, or even to visit the dog-mushing school located on a neighboring mountain glacier.

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Lake Kora, New York

Travel to Raquette Lake, at the very end of a secluded two-mile gravel road deep in the Adirondacks. It is here you will find the ultra-private resort known as Lake Kora. Specializing in takeovers, this was the “great camp” of New York Lieutenant Governor Timothy Woodruff sometime in the 1800s.

Today it’s great for multigenerational family gatherings. Through the month of October, it is open to parties of between 13 and 35 guests. You can choose from “loft-style cabins” to a small three-bedroom building nestled on its own isle that’s only accessible by boat. The resort’s cooking staff provides customized meals too.

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Migis Lodge, Maine

Visit Lake Sebago and experience a stay at the beloved family retreat known as Migis Lodge. Found on the shore of Sebago Lake, this resort for rustic relaxation opened its doors in 1916. Migis Lodge includes almost 135 acres of verdant pine woodlands and 3,500 feet of noteworthy shoreline.

This is an exceptional place for groups. It offers 35 different cottages that vary in size from small studios to six-bedroom houses. This is an all-inclusive resort that serves meals al fresco at Cookout Point, inside the large main lodge, or even on an intimate private isle.  

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Lake Placid Lodge, New York

This rustic Adirondack lodge sits atop a slight slope just above famous Lake Placid in the lofty High Peaks region. It has a distinct Craftsman-style aesthetic—plenty of pine and stone—complete with family-friendly, laid-back luxury. From here you can take some of the best hiking trails in the Northeast. Here you can go kayaking, swimming, and engage in other favored watersports. If that’s too athletic for you, you can always kick back on one of the dock’s sturdy Adirondack chairs.

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Grand Hotel Mackinac Island, Michigan

The renowned Grand Hotel is located on Mackinac Island in Lake Huron, close to Lake Michigan. Open since 1887, it retains a Gilded Age vibe to families looking for family-friendly summer vacation accommodations. Its well-known front porch stretches for almost 700 feet and adds an air of gentility.

The resort offers such traditional activities as horseback riding, lawn games, and tennis. The rooms and suites are individually designed with pleasantly bright colors and fanciful fairytale bedding, and there’s even a popular 220-foot-long serpentine-shaped pool. If you like West Virginia’s Greenbrier, you’ll like this place too.

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The Chatwal Lodge, New York 

The Chatwal Lodge opens to the public on April 1st. It is ensconced in Bethel, in The Chapin Estate on 30 acres of protected land roughly 90 miles out of New York City. You’ll have your choice of 11 different suites complete with arched windows, reclaimed wood walls, vaulted ceilings, and private patios or lovely lakeside decks.

Looking for more adventurous accommodations? Book the 850-square-foot tent suite that completes with a wonderful wraparound veranda. You can also book a unique 1,000-square-foot treehouse that towers 25 feet above the ground. Go fly-fishing, horseback riding, fly fishing, and kayaking. Relax with an Ayurvedic spa treatment, meditate, dine at the farm-to-table restaurant, and sample something from the wine cellar too.

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Ross Lake Resort, Washington

Ross Lake Resort offers you different experiences boat, fish, hike among dense evergreen forests, or camp surrounded by nature in the backcountry you can plan an enjoyable, safe, and memorable visit to Ross Lake for unbelievable adventure in these floating cabins

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Ice skating in the nippy winter air can be an exhilarating feeling. From Canada to Switzerland, winter chillingly changes lovely lakes into spectacular natural ice rinks. So if outdoor ice skating appeals to you, check out our list of the world’s most beautiful lakes for ice skating.

1.  Lac de Joux, Switzerland

You will find the enormous alpine lake, Lac de Joux, at an altitude of nearly 3,300 feet, in the Jura Mountain Region in Switzerland, not far from the French border. It becomes Europe’s largest natural ice skating rink in the winter. The lake is ringed by a forest that in the colder months has a barren, frost-tinged beauty.

During the peak months of February and March, many visitors come to this special spot in the Jura Mountains. Indeed, the lake is so vast that speed skating here is truly thrilling.

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Lake Morey, USA

Located in the state of Vermont, this lake’s frozen perimeter becomes an icy 4.5-mile expedition. So strap on some Nordic skates–a cross-country ski boot with long metal blades–and get ready to take on the United States’ longest Nordic skating trail. You’ll skate along the edge of a thick forest of birch, maple, and pine trees. Keep an eye out for the local bald eagles perched in the rather bare branches in winter.

The local Lake Morey Resort rents skates, offers lessons, and maintains the trails here.  

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Lake Louise, Canada

Picturesque Lake Louise is nestled in Banff National Park, in Alberta. The best time to enjoy winter activities here is from December to roughly mid-April. The favored Fairmont Chateau hotel’s grounds staff maintains the lake to make sure the frozen surface is safe.

You can even rent ice skates at the lake. Avoid the tourists and hit the ice after dark for a more serene skating experience.  

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The Vermilion Lakes, Canada

While in Alberta’s Banff National Park, why not go west, to this charming chain of lakes famous for its sunsets and sunrises? Lake Louise can be a bit busy during the winter holidays so this peaceful alternative might work better for those seeking some serenity.

Remember though that this terrific trio of lakes isn’t supervised so you’ll need to check the strength and depth of the ice before skating. Luckily, the water is generally little more than knee-deep but there’s no sense in being careless.

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Lake Bogstadvannet, Norway

While there are several lakes in the area, Bogstadvannet is the second largest and most popular for winter skating. It’s located on the forested outskirts of Oslo. Barring truly stormy days, this is where local skaters can be found during what little daylight hours they have during the winter months.

This popular lake is beautifully bordered by Nordic woodlands, and only a 20-minute drive from the heart of the city as well.

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Lake Mälaren, Sweden

Mere minutes from the capital city of Stockholm you can spend days on a cross-country skating adventure via numerous world-class natural ice skating rinks. The Stockholm Archipelago’s waterways and the area lakes make one of the world’s best environments for ice-skating. An hour’s drive from the city, you can skate on the clear black ice of crystal clear Lake Mälaren. It is the fifth-largest lake in Europe covering an area of 440 square miles.

The Mälaren region is both a beautiful and historic place. You can see several monuments from the Imperial Age including the onion-domed Gripsholm Castle while you skate!

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Evergreen Lake, Colorado

This large lake encompasses 40 acres and is surrounded by thickets of ponderosa and lodgepole pine trees that are vibrant and verdant all year–hence the lake’s name. Here visitors can partake in an actual natural ice-skating experience. It is arguably one of the largest groomed outdoor skating rinks in the world.

The locals actually employ a Zamboni to keep the ice usable for the ice hockey teams, and family and friends looking for an enjoyable afternoon skating experience. It’s roughly a 40-minute drive out of Denver. You can rent a pair of ice skates right there or even rent a cabin and stay overnight. 

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Portage Lake, USA

Alaska is perhaps one of the ultimate destinations for backcountry skaters seeking a perfect, pristine expanse of ice. There are various ice caves, frozen rivers, and lagoons in south-central Alaska, but the Portage Lake in the popular Chugach National Forest is a paradise for those looking to skate in the wild. It’s nearly a mile wide and three miles long and is found at the foot of the icy monolith named Portage Glacier. Indeed, if you get tired of ice-skating, you could even ride across this lake on a specially outfitted fat bike, should you so desire.  

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Great Slave Lake, Canada

As you may have already realized, there are a number of different incredible natural ice skating destinations here in Canada. Nevertheless, there are not many more spectacular than the icy Arctic lakes located in the Northwest Territories. The Great Slave Lake is not far from Yellowknife, the regional capital.

It is the world’s tenth-largest lake just 250 miles from the Arctic Circle. Hence you might even get a glimpse of the great shape-shifting lights known as the aurora borealis. Ice skaters use this lake almost half the year. Stop by in late March and attend the much-loved Long John Jamboree, where skate-clad partiers revel one last time prior to the spring melt.

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Lake Baikal, Russia

If you ever get to Siberia, be sure to participate in what some call one of the world’s “most stunning” ice skating experiences. This freshwater lake spans an area of 12,248 square miles. This World Heritage-listed wonder is actually larger than all of Belgium and holds more water than the Great Lakes combined. 

The best time to visit is between the months of November and April when it transforms into the planet’s largest ice skating rink. The ice is, on average, more than a foot thick and is so transparent you can actually see through it into the unfrozen black abyss below.

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There are literally thousands of lakes across the United  States. No doubt you are no more than a full tank of gas away from seeing a (ahem) great lake.  Mind you, not all lakes are equal in terms of rugged good looks.  So we thought we would present to you the 12 most beautiful lakes in the United States.  Here they are:

1.  Lake Powell, Arizona, and Utah

Lake Powell straddles the borders of Arizona and Utah.  Humans don’t often accidentally create anything this beautiful.  This reservoir on the mighty Colorado River once stirred up a flood of trouble when the old Glen Canyon was dammed up and the river rose to create this artificial lake.

But today no one can deny the natural allure of this pristine, lengthy lake.  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.  Veteran visitors say you must visit it at least once in your lifetime.  Don’t miss the sandstone Rainbow Bridge too.  It’s one of the planet’s largest naturally occurring bridges. 
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2.  Lake George,  New York

Also known as the “Queen of American Lakes”, Lake George is situated in the Adirondack State Park.  This lovely lake stains into famous Lake Champlain.  At The Narrows, the spring-fed lake is squeezed by the well-known southern Adirondacks squeeze the spring-fed lake into a five-mile length complete with numerous islands of various sizes.  

After you see the narrow, long oligotrophic lake, be sure to check out the famous Sagamore Resort, which harkens back to the 19th century.  This lake was once a natural playground for robber barons of the Gilded Age.  Many of these robber barons once owned the old waterfront stone mansions still found on the 10-mile strip nicknamed Millionaire’s Row. 

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3.  Lake Santeetlah, North Carolina

The 3,000-acre man-made Lake Santeetlah was created back in 1928.  It was then that the Alcoa corporation dammed the Cheoah River in order to hydroelectrically generate power for the residents of Graham County.  Ensconced in the beautiful Nantahala National Forest, 

It is surrounded by the famous Great Smoky Mountains.  Its 76-mile, forested shoreline is generally protected from any potential future development.  Thus, it is now a peaceful, undisturbed place for canoeing, fishing, kayaking, communing with nature, or kicking back on the Cheoah Point beach.  This lake remains practically pristine.  It’s also a watering hole for bald eagles, beavers, otters, and hawks.  

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4.  Yellowstone Lake, Wyoming

Yellowstone Lake is situated in one of the planet’s most geologically active places.  It is also the officially largest body of water in all of Yellowstone National Park.  (The park itself spans the states of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.)

The Absaroka and Beartooth mountains serve as a fitting backdrop to this crystal clear lake.  Although over 2 million travelers come here to the park every summer, some sources suggest the best time to see the lake itself is in the winter.  They report that the lively geysers found along the striking West Thumb shoreline look like multi-colored cauldrons amidst the virgin white snow.  Indeed, the rising steam released there adds an eerie aura to the frozen landscape.

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5.  Lake Superior, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin

Veteran visitors say the lake’s name pretty much speaks for itself.  This state-spanning lake is not only the largest of the Great Lakes but also the largest freshwater lake on the planet (measured by surface area).  The best time to visit the lake is during the fall.

Take in the views along the lake’s lovely 2,700-mile shoreline.  It’s then that the nearby foliage is a virtual rainbow of warm, welcoming colors.  Visit the southeast of this lake and see Spray Falls.  The clear turquoise water looks as if it came from the beautiful Caribbean.  Other neighboring natural attractions include the beaches, the impressive 200-foot sandstone cliffs, and additional waterfalls that pour into the lake at popular Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

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6.  Flathead Lake, Montana

You’ll find Flathead Lake nestled in the Flathead Valley in northwest Montana.  To the east, you’ll see the mighty Mission Mountains, and to the west, the stunning Salish Mountains.  Due to an exceptionally mild climate for a place so far inland and north, you will also find fruit orchards in the surrounding area and vineyards, and vineyards to the west.    

Flathead is reported to be the officially largest natural freshwater lake just west of the Mississippi.  The water is crystalline here and the locals claim there’s even a resident Flathead Lake Monster.  According to some reports, the creature could be a close cousin of the legendary Loch Ness Monster.  Still, most travelers say you’re more likely to see wild horses and other wildlife roaming the state park.

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7.  Hanging Lake, Colorado

This turquoise gem is situated in Glenwood Canyon, roughly seven miles east of popular Glenwood Springs.  More specifically, this waterfall-fed lake is located along the very edge of noteworthy Glenwood Canyon Cliffs.  It’s the big payoff at the end of one of the state’s most well-known hikes (which currently requires a permit).  The 1.2-mile trail is both steep and rocky but eventually leads to a newer boardwalk that was built to protect the now-fragile lake ecosystem and travertine bed, created over the millennia by various mineral deposits.  Swimming in the lake itself is not permitted but a brief detour off the trail will take you to popular Spouting Rock, where a waterfall is available to cool any and all hot, sweaty hikers.

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8.  Crater Lake, Oregon

Crater Lake is a mountain lake in the south-central section of the state.  It’s the main attraction at the aptly-named Crater Lake National Park.  It was created almost 8,000 years ago when the volcanic Mount Mazama erupted and formed a caldera that was slowly filled with rainwater and snowmelt.  

Crater Lake has a diameter of almost six miles.  It is well-known for its significantly deep blue color and its noticeable clarity.  The clarity is due to its being cut off from incoming rivers and streams.  The visibility is reported to be between 90 and 100 feet.  Sunlight penetrates the lake as far down as 400 feet.  With a depth of 1,943 feet, it’s the country’s deepest lake.

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9.  Lake Tahoe, California

One of the country’s more famous lakes is Lake Tahoe.  This lake is situated on the border of California and Nevada.  It is surrounded by the stunning snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains.  This is the second deepest lake in the nation.  

It is 1,645 feet deep and has a visibility of over 70 feet in certain areas.  The water is so clear that if the weather was not always so chilly you would think you were in the Caribbean.  Any time is good for witnessing the natural beauty of North America’s largest alpine lake.  If you like skiing then visit in the winter as the ski runs offer exhilarating views.  If you’re into watersports then best visit in the summer.

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10.  Caddo Lake, Louisiana and Texas

Caddo Lake spans 25,400 acres.  It’s located on the border between Louisiana and Texas.  In truth, it is much more than a simple lake.

Like the lake town of Uncertain, Texas, this place is shrouded in mystery.  Spanish moss hangs from the crooked tree limbs here in this network of bayous, backwaters, and swampy marshes.  Indeed, many beer boats went into hiding from the authorities here during Prohibition.  

The area is rife with submerged tree roots, frogs, and lurking alligators.  Even the legendary creature known as Bigfoot has supposedly been sighted in the area.  The best way to experience the primordial beauty of Caddo is via canoe or boat.  Just don’t forget your map! 

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11.  Mono Lake, California

You can see Mono Lake in Mono County, California.  This saline soda (carbonate-filled) lake is situated amidst a foreboding landscape of dry hills, dusty desert, and old volcanic craters on the eastern side of the famous Sierra Nevada.    

Researchers report that this lake was created more than 760,000 years ago as “a terminal lake in an endorheic basin.”  Since it does not have an outlet, a lot of salt accumulates here.  Thus the water is alkaline.  Still, the ecosystem here is quite productive.  The lake is actually a habitat for approximately 2 million migratory birds annually that feed off the shrimp and alkali flies living here.

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12.  Echo Lake, New Hampshire

Travelers will find Echo Lake in the southeast corner of the well-known White Mountains National Forest.  Echo Lake is nestled beneath the shadow of striking Whitehorse Ledge.   The ledge is so large its reflection takes up almost all of the lake’s 16 acres of clear water.

White Horse and the neighboring 500-foot cliffs of memorable Cathedral Ledge are quite popular places for rock climbing.  Hikers also come here to take in the incredible bird’s eye views of the lake and the nearby mountains.  If you’re a leaf lover, then fall is the best time to visit.  It is then that the slopes seem to explode with striking oranges, reds, and yellows.  

Enjoy the lakes!

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