The 5 Most Beautiful Lakes in the United States

The United States has thousands of lakes within the state. In the US, you can find extremely large lakes that stretch into multiple states like lake Michigan, or artificial lakes used to house a variety of wildlife. You can also find lakes to spend your vacation, providing amazing scenery and serenity.

In this article, you will learn about the 5 most beautiful lakes in the United States and the amazing scenery they offer. If you live near these lakes or love to travel, you will love the sight they offer. Here are the 5 most beautiful lakes you can find in the United States.

1. Crater Lake, Oregon

Around 7,700 years ago, Mount Mazama collapsed after its volcano erupted, forming what is now known today as Crater Lake. The lake has a surface area of around 20.6 sq mi and a max depth of 1,949 feet. Crater lake has crystal blue water, and along with its beauty is the deepest lake in the United States. 

Crater lake is located in southern Oregon; it is surrounded by the Cascade mountain range. The water from the lake comes directly from snow or lake, making it extremely clear. Hiking trails, biking, and the surrounding nature make Crater Lake a popular spot.

Find out what lives at the bottom of Crater Lake in this article.

2. Blue Lake, Colorado

The blue lakes of Colorado are a local favorite for hikers and fishers. It is located in a scenic glacial basin within the Mt. Sneffels Wilderness area of the Uncompahgre National Forest. Lower Blue Lake is nestled in a basin surrounded by jagged peaks. Dallas Peak is located in the southwest and Mount Sneffels in the east. Upper Blue Lake is found in the middle of a wildflower field, making it a picturesque place to stop and relax.

The water found in the blue lakes of Colorado gets its beautiful turquoise color from the minerals of the glacial basin surrounding it. The terrain around the lakes is rocky and grassy. Large trees and colorful wildflowers surround the area, adding color to the area.

3. Lake Waiau, Hawaii

Located on the dormant volcano Mauna Kea in Hawaii, Lake Waiau is the only lake on Hawaii Island and one of the few found in all of Hawaii. The lake is small, coming to about 100 meters across though the depth varies with the water level rising and falling. Waiau means swirling water in Hawaiian though the lake doesn’t actually swirl.

Between 2010 and 2013, the lake significantly shrank. In September of 2013, the lake was around 10 yards with a maximum depth of 9 inches. By May 2014, the lake had returned to its original size. Drought and the thawing of a permafrost layer under the lake are what is believed to be the reason for the sudden loss of water.

The lake is considered a Hawaiian sacred site, so swimming, boating, and fishing are not allowed. In Hawaiian mythology, the snow goddess Poliʻahu is said to have bathed in the lake, so the entire peak region of Mauna Kea was considered sacred. Only priests and chieftains were allowed to access the waters. After the Hawaiian kingdom was formed, only royals were allowed to access it.

4. Lake Tahoe, California & Nevada

Located on the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is the largest lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the largest alpine lake in North America. The water in Lake Tahoe is said to be 99.994% pure and is considered one of the purest lakes in the world. The depth of the lake comes to 1,644 ft (501 m) and is the second deepest lake in the United States. 

Tourism is a large portion of the area’s economy due to the variety of things to do and the spectacular view. The lake is surrounded by gorgeous mountains on all sides and is breathtaking in every season. Ski resorts and cabins are found in the area providing a wonderful lodging experience in a beautiful place. The Nevada side of the area has multiple casino resorts.

5. Lake Erie, Ohio

Lake Erie is one of five great lakes in the United States and is also one of the most beautiful lakes in its region. The lake is around 210 miles long and 57 miles (91.7 km) wide. Lake Erie stretches into the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, and Michigan in the US. Parts of the lake also reach into Canada near Ontario. This lake is the second smallest great lake and has a max depth of around 210 feet, making it the least deep of the great lakes. 

Beautiful beaches are located all along Lake Erie, making it a fun spot to visit in the summer. Various fish like yellow perch, walleye, and sturgeon inhabit the lake, which is great for visiting fishers. Along with the lake, there are grasslands, woodlands, and amazing fields to see nearby the area.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/becky johnson