Posted in Alaska
June 01, 2016
There’s Something Magical About These 15 Alaska Lakes In The Summer
Kick back lakeside and enjoy the stunning snow-capped mountains and lush rain forest that surrounds you. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, grab your hiking shoes and tent and go deep into the back-country to enjoy some of the last frontier’s most spectacular secluded spots. Lake living in the 49th state is anything but ordinary. We offer the perfect balance of utter relaxation and extreme outdoor action, so no matter which option you fancy – the last frontier has exactly what you need to refresh your soul. There’s something truly magical about these 15 Alaska lakes in the summer, and you absolutely MUST experience them in person.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Located deep in Denali National Park at mile 85, Wonder Lake is definitely the most epic place to camp in all of Alaska. Not only do you have beaming views of the tallest mountain in North America but you are also submerged in an area that is filled with huge wildlife and stunning fireweed in the fall. Breathtaking is an understatement!
This turquoise lake located on The Kenai is an outdoor lover's dream. Fish, kayak, float or just kick back and enjoy the sun beating down on you. It's hard not to feel like you're living the dream while you're enjoying the zig-zag shaped Kenai Lake.
With over 50 campsites, Eklutna Lake is perfect for individuals and families of all shapes and sizes to enjoy the great outdoors. Popular activities here include camping, picnics, hiking, kayaking, riding ATVs and fishing.
Located just below the stunning Mendenhall Glacier, visitors to this Juneau hot spot enjoy the water splashing down from Nugget Falls and paddling their kayaks around the lake.
This lake is surrounded by roughly four million acres of the Lake Clark National Park & Preserve. The land is filled with steaming volcanoes, bears feasting on salmon, serene campgrounds, endless hiking trails and a fly-fishing mecca.
This is a glacial lake that is known for its truly unique beauty. Visitors enjoy taking day cruises up to the glacier, kayaking around the lake or hiking in to see the astounding beauty. It's a must-experience in the summer months.
We like to think of Big Lake as the unofficial party lake in Alaska. It just truly seems like it is impossible to go to Big Lake and not have a great time. There is always fun to be had on boats, rafts, kayaks and jet skis.
This 37-mile-long lake located on the Alaska Peninsula is surrounded by the most unwavering beauty in the last frontier. This hot spot is most popular for its epic salmon runs and great access to killer hunting spots.
This stunning lake is only accessible after a relatively steep uphill climb. The hike is beautiful yet slightly challenging and offers a great array of fragrant flowers, colorful mushrooms and peaceful moments away from all the tourism crowds. Once you arrive at the lake your eyes will truly be rewarded with some of the most still beauty in all of southeast Alaska.
Located from the Primrose Trail closest to the town of Seward on The Kenai, Alaska's Playground, this 7-mile trail (one way) will have you working for the reward at the end of the trek. Enjoy a lush rainforest, alpine terrain and beautiful flowers along the trail. Once you get to the lake you will be pleasantly surprised by the unsurpassed beauty that Lost Lake beholds. If you have a mountain bike and love to play in the mountains, this is a bucket list MUST!
Stemming from the Delta River, the tangle lakes are essentially a 16-mile chain of lakes connected by streams. Camping along the river while floating the entire length is a very popular way to enjoy this beautiful place.
Experiencing the stunning autumn colors along the Glenn Highway and ending the day taking a paddle along Bonnie Lake is the perfect way to spend a summer day in Alaska.
Skilak Lake on The Kenai is where so many great adventures begin, from fishing on the Kenai River for dollys, rainbow trout and salmon to hiking and hunting deep into the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors can end the day camping lakeside and soak in a stunning sunset overlooking the south.
This recreational lake offers excellent opportunities to go kayaking, canoeing, fishing and camping. It is always important to be bear-aware in this area as many are spotted each year.
This 160-acre lake located in Juneau is home to excellent dolly varden, cutthroat, steelhead and salmon fishing. Visitors and explorers can enjoy a lush rainforest backdrop and stunning snow-capped mountains in the distance.
How many of these stunning lakes in Alaska do you plan on visiting this summer?
