Swimming in Alaska is certainly not for the faint of heart. It requires thick skin, an adventurous personality, and the ability to throw all of your inhibitions to the wind. With some super hot summer days in Alaska, swimming in the great outdoors is the quickest way to cool down and have a blast while doing so. If you’re daring enough to take the plunge into some chilly water this summer, you gotta check out these 10 swimming holes in Alaska that are truly a must-visit.

1. Wasilla Lake - Wasilla
Wasilla Lake, Alaska 99654, USA
Flickr - Travis
On a hot summer day (yes, Alaska does get hot days), venture down to Wasilla Lake for a picnic with the family, paddle a kayak around or bring your swimsuit and jump right in for a swim! This is one of the best places to swim in Alaska, and so conveniently located. If you want to stay somewhere where you can see the lake right outside your room, Mat-Su Resort is a wonderful place to spend the night.
2. Chena Lake - North Pole
Chena Lake Recreation Area, 3780 Laurance Rd, North Pole, AK 99705, USA
Flickr - Kim F
With one of the greatest temperature swings on the planet, Fairbanks and the surrounding area is known to get pretty toasty in the summertime. On those hot 80-90 degree days, a swim in Chena Lake is a must! Learn more about Chena Lake Recreation Area here.
3. Lost Lake - Kenai Peninsula
Lost Lake, Alaska 99664, USA
Flickr - Dan Logan
After a seven-mile hike (one way) into Lost Lake, it's hard not to be tempted to jump right in after working up a sweat. It is mighty cold but it sure does feel good after a treacherous hike, especially during summer in Alaska.
4. Eagle and Symphony Lakes – Hanging Valley
Eagle Lake, Alaska 99611, USA
Flickr - Travis
From the town of Eagle River, a hike to these beautiful lakes sure is rewarding from start to finish. Depending on how warm the day gets, you'll likely want to jump right in and have a swim once you reach your final destination. Learn about this beautiful trail on Alaska Hike Search’s listing page.
5. Goose Lake - Anchorage
Goose Lake, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
Flickr - Mel Green
Located right inside Alaska's largest city is one of the best swimming holes in Alaska. Goose Lake offers the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day. Bring lunch, some cool drinks, and all of your friends and you'll want to hang out all day long.
6. Pacific Ocean - Ketchikan
Pacific Ocean, Pacific Ocean
Flickr - Elizabeth
The ocean in Alaska is never going to be warm, which is a good thing in retrospect. But when it comes to swimming, you'll probably be much more comfortable with a wet suit on. If you are a true water baby, grab a snorkel and check out all the beautiful underwater sea creatures while you're at it! Alaska swimming is a dream come true.
7. Bering Sea – Nome
Bering Sea, Bering Sea
Flickr - ulalume
When in Rome ... errr, we mean ... when in NOME! Hey, it gets hot in Nome and honestly, there is no better place to cool off than the Bering Sea. Alaskans really do have thicker skin than those lower 48'ers!
8. Jewel Lake - Anchorage
Jewel Lake, Anchorage, AK 99502, USA
Flickr - Luke Jones
Tucked away in the lovely south side of Anchorage is this great lake which is perfect (and convenient) for cooling off on a hot day in Alaska. This quiet lake is great for kayaking, having a picnic, or going for a good swim. And while Jewel Lake is perfect for a day of swimming in Alaska, check out some of our other favorite lakes in Alaska.
9. Pacific Ocean - Seward
Lowell Point State Recreation Site, 14150 Pinnacle View Rd, Seward, AK 99664, USA
Flickr - Eli Duke
When it's hot outside, water is water! And with the beautiful Pacific Ocean screaming your name, it's easy to be tempted to jump right in. But it sure is chilly so be prepared for the shock factor! A great spot to jump in the ocean in Seward is right on Lowell Point Beach.
10. Arctic Ocean - Deadhorse
Arctic Ocean, Arctic Ocean
Flickr - Mike Juvrud
Just another prime example of rural Alaskans being way braver and way tougher than all of the rest of us. When your access to swimming spots is limited, the largest local source of water is the obvious answer. And hey, it works! After a swim in the Arctic Ocean, it's impossible not to feel cooled off on a scorching day. You have to plan ahead to jump into the Arctic Ocean because the access point is on private land. Make your reservations with the Arctic Ocean Shuttle.

Are you planning on taking a dip to cool off at any of these chilly swimming spots this summer? Do you think these are the best swimming holes in Alaska? Are there any more you would add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!

If you want to hike out to your swimming hole, try Alaska’s Most Refreshing Hike Will Lead You Straight To A Beautiful Swimming Hole.

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Best Swimming Holes In Alaska

Megan McDonald | July 21, 2020

Where can you swim in Alaska?

The short answer? Anywhere! What you really need to do is figure out how cold that water is and how long you want to be in it. If you’re jumping into a lake on a glacier, you’re going to want a dry suit, an easy access point, and a short swim. If you’re swimming off the coast of Alaska, you’ll want relatively good weather and not much else for a short swim. If you’re staying out there long enough to surf, you might want a wetsuit. The lakes in Alaska can get pretty warm, so you need nothing more than a bathing suit!

What is the best time of year to swim in Alaska?

You’ll want the water to be liquid and not frozen, so we definitely recommend the spring and summer season. Although some surfers are known to go out in the winter and surf those beautiful waves all year long.

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