Michigan may have the largest lake in the U.S., but Alaska has the most lakes of any state in America. I’m talking over three million lakes and ponds across the entire state! Some of them are only reachable by air, while others are just off the asphalt or down a gravel road. The best lakes in Alaska are all over the state and are honestly too many to mention.

Out of three million bodies of water, it is impossible to choose the top ten most beautiful lakes in Alaska and everyone has their own opinion! But, here are ten really awesome, popular, AND off-the-beaten trail lakes of Alaska that are beautiful beyond belief.

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What do you think the most beautiful lakes in Alaska are? What do you think are the most famous lakes in Alaska? Do you have a favorite? Let us know in the comments! And, if you are searching for any hiking trails near some of the best lakes in Alaska, make sure to visit AllTrails for suggestions and information.

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Most Beautiful Lakes In Alaska

Why are some of the lakes so blue in Alaska?

Glacial-fed lakes are turquoise or bright blue-green in color because they sit at the base of glaciers. Silt is created as the ice from glaciers ground down rocks as it moves. This silt is very fine and light and sits suspended in the water. The sunlight reflects off of the silt and gives the lakes these gorgeous colors.

Why does Alaska have so many lakes?

Although Michigan proudly boasts “10,000 lakes,” Alaska is actually home to more than 3 million of them. Lakes in Alaska are primarily made from glaciers. Others were made from the snow and rain runoff from our gorgeous mountaintops. There are even a series of lakes on the North Slope that are rapidly growing, sometimes at a rate of 15 feet per year. There are thousands of these lakes that are created from “thaw slumping,” when the permafrost melts into a lake after a rapid warming period.

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