The Best Lakes in the US
Having the opportunity to see and spend time at the best lakes in the US can be an incredible experience. From the majestic Okeechobee to the serene Coeur d’Alene, there are so many places to enjoy the beauty of nature. It’s easy to fall in love with the beauty of these lakes, and they are a must see when visiting the United States.
Crater Lake
Whether you’re a hiker, swimmer, camper or fisherman, there are many reasons to visit Crater Lake. The deep blue lake is the deepest in the United States. The lake is isolated from the nearby rivers and streams, which contributes to its exceptional clarity. Its waters are one of the purest in the world.
The lake’s deep blue color is due to its clarity. It’s a pristine lake, so it requires special protection from pollution. The lake’s clarity is measured by the use of a Secchi disk. This black and white disk is lowered into the lake with a cable. The disk measures the depth of the water and the readings are very accurate. The readings consistently measure 120 feet, which is enough to be considered clear for any natural body of water.
Scientists believe that the blue color is caused by the interaction of solar radiation and water molecules. Water molecules absorb red wavelengths of light and scatter blue wavelengths of light. The light is then redirected to the lake’s surface. The resulting color is mesmerizing.
Crater Lake has a variety of wildlife, including squirrels, owls, fish and amphibians. There are also hydrothermal vents on the lake’s bottom. These tubes are part of the lake’s hydrologic cycle.
Crater Lake is also home to a large cinder cone named Wizard Island. Its summit is 763 feet above the lake’s surface. You can take a guided tour to the island. Tours include a ranger commentary and the opportunity to explore the cinder cone.
Lake Chelan
Located in Washington state, Lake Chelan is a 50.5-mile long, glacier-fed lake. This lake is the third deepest freshwater lake in the United States and is one of the best lakes for fishing in the Northwest.
Lake Chelan is an oligotrophic lake, which means that it has relatively little nitrogen and phosphorus. This means that there are few algae spores to grow. The lake also has a great water clarity.
The lake is located in central Washington state. It is 50 miles long and has a maximum depth of 1486 feet. Lake Chelan is surrounded by mountains and is known for its breathtaking scenery.
In addition to fishing, Lake Chelan is popular for water sports, such as kayaking, boating, and skiing. The lake is also home to several wineries. Wine tasting sessions are held at many of the wineries in the region.
In addition to the wineries, Lake Chelan also has several excellent restaurants. It is also home to several guides and outfitters. The lake is also home to numerous species of fish.
The Lake Chelan area is home to numerous land animals, including black bears, mountain goats, and bobcats. In addition, Lake Chelan is also home to a variety of aquatic species, including rainbow trout, lake trout, and kokanee.
Lake Chelan has a number of boat launches. The lake is also home to many watercraft rental companies. There are also several boat-in camping areas.
Lake Coeur d’Alene
Located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, Coeur d’Alene Lake is the second largest lake in the state of Idaho. Located just 40 miles east of Spokane, the lake spans 25 miles and has more than 135 miles of shoreline.
With more than a dozen well-maintained boat ramps, Lake Coeur d’Alene is a popular location for boating, fishing, sailing and other water activities. Lake Coeur d’Alene’s south shore is not suitable for ice fishing, and ice skating is not allowed on the lake’s shores.
While Lake Coeur d’Alene is not becoming anoxic over time, there are some concerns about its water quality. Some of these concerns involve lead, arsenic and phosphorus bound up in the lake’s bed.
The lake’s water quality is being monitored by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, which owns the lake. The Tribe has a team of staff and scientists that work to maintain its lake management plan.
In addition to the Tribe’s work, there is a Coeur d’Alene Lake Waterkeeper, which is part of the Kootenai Environmental Alliance. This organization is working to help quantify the lake’s nutrients and phosphorus.
There are two dams that control the lake’s level. Post Falls Dam was built in 1906 to help control floods and to produce hydroelectric power. Later, the dam was sold to Avista Utilities, which is responsible for its operation. This dam is located about 14 kilometers downriver from the lake.
Lake Okeechobee
Among the most popular lakes in the US, Lake Okeechobee is a great place for fishing. Its waters contain many species of fish, including largemouth bass, catfish, bluegills, and speckled perch. Those looking to fish on the lake need to be aware of some fishing regulations, though.
The United States Army Corps of Engineers manages Lake Okeechobee. They maintain water quality, provide water supply for industries, and enhance wildlife. They are also responsible for the sanitary control of estuaries.
The lake is one of the most important sources of freshwater in the south. It is the second-largest freshwater lake in the US, after Lake Michigan.
The lake is known for its quality bass fishing, but it also has many other attractions. The Okeechobee Scenic Trail is a 110-mile long trail that runs along the lake’s shoreline. There are cabins for rent and campgrounds along the trail.
The lake is also home to a number of different bird species. There are also bobcats, eagles, and many different types of fish.
During the summer months, a number of alligators live in the lake, but the hunt for them is prohibited. In fact, alligators are considered a hazard in Florida.
The Lake Okeechobee Scenic trail is also a great place to hike, cycle, or camp. It is also home to a number of marinas and docks. There are a number of boat tours that can be taken, so it’s a great way to see the lake.
Lake Santeetlah
Located in North Carolina, Lake Santeetlah is a large, pristine lake with clean, crystal-clear water. It is surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest, which protects 80% of the lake’s shoreline. The lake is home to a variety of fish, including trout and bass. It also offers boating and fishing opportunities.
Lake Santeetlah is surrounded by thousands of hiking trails, making it ideal for hiking and other outdoor activities. It’s also located near Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A campground is also located near the lake. It’s a popular location for sports car enthusiasts and motorcyclists.
Lake Santeetlah offers 76 miles of shoreline. Most of the shoreline is public land, managed by the U.S. Forest Service. It’s also home to fifty primitive campsites. There are also six campsites with electric hookups. Located along Long Hungry Road, the campground is open April through October.
Lake Santeetlah also offers a full-service marina, the Santeetlah Marina and Outfitter. There are a variety of services, including boat rentals, fuel, and showers. The marina is located on a peninsula surrounded by the lake. Santeetlah Marina has 50 permanent residents.
The lake is also home to a wide variety of fish, including bream, walleye, bluegill, and bass. Fishing is a popular activity on Lake Santeetlah. It’s also a popular spot for paddling. It offers a variety of swimming locations, including Horse Cove. The lake is also home to many cascading waterfalls.
Hanging Lake
Located on the border of Washington State and British Columbia, Hanging Lake is one of the best lakes in the United States. It is also one of the largest freshwater lakes by surface area. Its turquoise waters are due to mineral deposits that dissolve in the water over time.
Hanging Lake is also a national natural landmark. In 2011, the Secretary of the Interior designated it as a national natural landmark. There is a permit system for visiting Hanging Lake. Permits can be purchased online. The system allows visitors to use shuttles to get to the trailhead and back.
The Hanging Lake Trail is a short 1.2 mile hike that leads to the lake on a boardwalk. It has seven bridges and two Colorado waterfalls along the way.
There are lots of rocks to negotiate on the trail. It is steep in the beginning, but gets easier as you approach Hanging Lake.
The Hanging Lake trail is also the home of the largest hanging garden plant community in the US. The plant community is comprised of hundreds of hanging orchids and ferns.
Hanging Lake is one of the best lakes to view during the day. It is also a good choice for night photography because the lake is partially frozen. In the winter months, you will not be able to see the turquoise water.
The Hanging Lake Trail is undergoing some renovations. The White River National Forest has teamed up with the Colorado Department of Transportation to address the issue. Some improvements include assisted self parking for permit holders. In addition, an environmental education program is being developed. This will hopefully improve the visitor experience and local tourism economy.
