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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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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A lakeside view can truly be special. The crisp air, the relaxing vibes and the simplistic beauty of nature can be incredible. To illustrate the point, here are the most beautiful, prettiest lakes in the USA.

1. The Lakes in Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is located in Montana on the border between the US and Canada. Here you’ll find several worthy lakes including the largest, McDonald Lake, Grinnell Lake, Saint Mary Lake, and Swiftcurrent Lake. This is also reputed to be one of the best spots in the country for backpacking and backcountry hiking. The park’s stunning wilderness also includes cozy lodges, glacier peaks, and verdant valleys. Stop in at the nearby resort town of Whitefish, too.

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The Lakes in Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is one of the nation’s best wilderness reserves. Some say it’s due in part to the beautiful lakes there. The prettiest one is perhaps Delta Lake which has its own unique opaque turquoise hue. The color is the result of a specific rock flour that is a product of the Teton Glacier. You should visit the northern area too which is perhaps best known for the luxurious mountain resort town named Jackson Hole.

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Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is located on the state line between California and Nevada. Visit whenever you wish as this crystal-clear lake and neighboring mountains are beautiful at any time. If you’re into skiing then visit in the winter. If you’re a fan of water sports then summer is best.

You can go rock-climbing and hiking here too. Finally, once you’ve worn yourself out, you can relax in one of the four main towns around this lake. They are Incline Village, Stateline, South Lake Tahoe, and Tahoe City.

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The Lakes in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park in California has many lakes, reservoirs, and even rivers. This is the place to unplug as they say. Camp and hike near the lovely lakes and waterfalls.

The most accessible of these lakes is Tenaya Lake. Here you can go canoeing, swimming, have a picnic or simply hang out. Mirror Lake is said to be one of the park’s most beautiful lakes due in part to the way it so clearly reflects Mount Watkins and Half Dome. Don’t forget to see Half Dome and Glacier Point either.

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The Bonneville Salt Flats

Salt flats (a.k.a. salt pans) aren’t meant for swimming but are worth a visit nonetheless. The Bonneville Salt Flats are the largest ones you can find west of the famous Great Salt Lake. In prehistoric times, this was a big lake.

If you visit in the winter, the pan actually contains almost one inch of water. It gives it a glassy, ethereal look. Scenes from many motion pictures are shot here specifically because of its intense, otherworldly sheen.

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The Lakes in Vail

Vail, Colorado is a quaint mountain town with a European feel. Built to resemble a European mountain resort, it is said by some travel bloggers to look like a pedestrian-friendly village square complete with restaurants and boutiques. Visit in the summer and you can go canoeing in the numerous surrounding lakes such as Booth, Gore or Piney Lake. You can go hiking and ride the gondolas and take in the mountain views and in the winter ski the back bowls.

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Lake Powell

Lake Powell straddles the border of Arizona and Utah. It’s a reservoir on the mighty Colorado River. Veteran visitors say you simply must visit it at least once in your lifetime.

It is pristine and truly looks as if it is untouched. Be sure to take some time to see the Rainbow Bridge, too. It is one of the world’s largest naturally occurring bridges. And you can swim in it, which is hard to believe since it looks so pristine and untouched.

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Lake Superior

Lake Superior in Michigan is best visited during the fall. For it is then that the nearby foliage is a virtual rainbow of warm colors. Lake Superior is famous for being the largest of all the Great Lakes. In the southeast area of the lake, you will discover popular Spray Falls. Specifically, it is situated in the little town of Munising. The crystal-clear blues and turquoise water looks as if it came from the Caribbean.

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The Telluride Lakes

Breathtaking Telluride is ensconced within the stunning San Juan Mountains in Colorado, is about as and exciting as it gets. Visit the many mountain springs. Be sure to see the Blue Lakes, Hope Lake, Island Lake, Navajo Lake, and Silver Lake. After seeing all the pretty green and blue lakes, be sure to stop in at the charming town center. Stop in the chophouses, the gourmet eateries, and the saloons too.

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Redfish Lake

Redfish Lake is located near Stanley, Idaho. More specifically, this alpine lake is situated at the very base of the Sawtooth Mountains found in Custer County, a bit south of Stanley. The lake was originally named after the sockeye salmon that used to return from the Pacific Ocean in such great numbers that during spawning season the water itself appeared to turn scarlet. Today only a small number of the salmon manage to navigate through the hydroelectric dams along the route back to spawn there.

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The Alpine Lakes

The Alpine Lakes in the Pacific Northwest is part of a large wilderness area found in the well-known North Cascades mountain range, in the northern section of Washington state. Those who have been, report there are a number of notable lakes there in the wilderness. They are Snoqualmie Lake, the Enchantment Lakes, Melakwa Lake, and Mason Lake. Online sources confirm that the entire Alpine Lakes Wilderness is managed by the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in the east and the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in the west.

Owens Lake

You’ll find Owens Lake in the Owens Valley. It’s on the eastern side of the famous Sierra Nevada almost five miles south of Lone Pine in California. Owens Lake is a mostly dry one.

Owens contained a significant amount of water until some time in 1913. It was then that the majority of the Owens River was intentionally diverted into the Los Angeles Aqueduct. This caused the lake to desiccate by 1926. At press time, some of the river’s flow has been restored so the lake has a little water.

Great Salt Lake

The famous Great Salt Lake is situated in the northern portion of Utah. It’s the Western Hemisphere’s largest saltwater lake. It’s also the world’s eighth-largest terminal lake.
On average, this lake spans an area of roughly 1,700 square miles. The lake fluctuates in size due to its significant shallowness. Its recorded size has fluctuated from 950 square miles in 1963 through 3,300 square miles in 1988.

Mono Lake

You will find Mono Lake in Mono County, California. It is a saline soda lake. Researchers say this desert lake was formed more than 760,000 years ago as “a terminal lake in an endorheic basin.”

It has no outlet so this causes a lot of salt to accumulate there. The salt also makes the water there alkaline. The ecosystem here is surprisingly productive. The lake provides a habitat for 2 million migratory birds every year that eat the alkali flies and shrimp living there.

Trillium Lake

Trillium Lake is located 7.5 miles away from Mount Hood in Oregon. The lake was formed by a dam erected at the headwaters of the Salmon River, Mud Creek. The dam was built in 1960 by Oregon’s Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The area was originally a portion of the old Barlow Road which was once part of the famous Oregon Trail. It was here that immigrants once used a log road across marshes in order to reach Summit Meadow, a toll station back in the late 1800s.

Lake Diablo

Diablo Lake is ensconced in the North Cascade mountains in the northern part of Washington state. Specifically, it can be found on the Skagit River between Gorge Lake and Ross Lake. This reservoir was created by the Diablo Dam project.

It has an elevation of 1,201 feet above sea level. The lake is actually part of the official Skagit River Hydroelectric Project. If you’re feeling athletic, hike the Diablo Lake Trail, which runs for almost four miles along the northern shore of the lake.

Lake George

Finally, Lake George, a.k.a. The Queen of American Lakes is nestled in at the base of the well-known Adirondack Mountains in the northeastern section of New York state. It’s a narrow, long, oligotrophic lake. It drains into the St. Lawrence River drainage basin and Lake Champlain.

The number of people who live there all year is relatively small. The number of residents in the summer, however, is over 50,000. So if you want to avoid crowds the best time to visit is not summer!

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