The United States has abundant natural wonders, from mountains and canyons to waterfalls and rivers. Many crystal clear lakes are also a part of it. They are a combination of pristine, alpine lakes perched in the mountains and shimmering blue-green bodies of water that give one a feel of the Caribbean. While on your visit to each of them, you could indulge in a boat ride for a serene experience or a hike along the encompassing trails to get stunning views of the entire surrounding.
Perched at an elevation of 6,225 feet, Lake Tahoe boasts immaculate beauty. Its crystal clear waters with the Sierra Nevada backdrop make it an enchanting spot, attracting around 3 million visitors annually. The sandy beaches of Lake Tahoe are truly mesmerizing and a popular hub for recreational activities like boating and swimming. If wanting to explore the area and experience nature up-close, you can head to the adjoining trails or be a part of a cruise ride. Known as the clearest lake in the United States, Lake Tahoe is also a hotspot for scuba diving with 70 feet of visibility underwater and attracts more than 3 million visitors yearly.
Sourced by rain and snow, Crater Lake is a pristine blue lake nestled in the caldera of Mount Mazama within Crater Lake National Park. With a maximum depth of 1,943 feet, it is also America’s deepest body of water. In addition to the lake’s exceptional clarity, you can also admire the surrounding old-growth forest and interesting natural features like Wizard Island and Old Man Of The Lake, a 30-foot hemlock log bobbing vertically along the surface of its waters for more than a century. A parking fee is required to enter the area which would cost $30 per vehicle from around mid-May through October and $20 from November to mid-May.
You will find about 55 lakes in the Couer d’Alene area in northern Idaho formed by the glaciers of the Ice Age era. However, none matches the beauty and clarity of Lake Coeur d’Alene. It’s a favorite summer destination with numerous parks, beaches, campgrounds, and hiking trails lined along its 135-mile shoreline. Migratory birds like bald eagles also visit the place from November to February, offering one the opportunity to spot them overhead if visiting in winter.
Lake Chelan, Washington’s largest natural lake, is also the third deepest in the United States. Nestled within the North Cascades National Park, it is a great place to relax and admire its blue waters encompassed with rolling hills. Visitors often enjoy indulging in water activities like jet skiing and wakeboarding. You can also have an adventurous time on foot, exploring Lake Chelan Valley. Don’t miss visiting the vineyards here for some wine tasting.
The largest freshwater lake on the west side of the Mississippi River, Flathead Lake features 188 square miles of sprawling blue water. Surrounded by the Swan and Mission Mountains, it’s an ideal place to soak in the beauty while enjoying a family picnic. Wildlife enthusiasts can also head to the wildlife refuge in its Wild Horse Island to see bighorn sheep, deer, bears, coyotes, and more than 75 species of birds. In addition, many cherry orchards also dot the lake area that is worth a visit. One could even visit the wine shops and art museum in Kalispell, not too far from the lake premises.
Nicknamed as ‘Queen of American Lakes,’ Lake George is fed by streams and underground springs, due to which it gets its clear, sparkling waters. It has over 109 miles of shoreline boasting a spectacular background of the Adirondack Mountains, making it a perfect lakeside getaway. Visitors can enjoy swimming, kayaking, jet-skiing, water-skiing, lake cruises, camping, and exploring the numerous islands around. The area turns into an icy wonderland in winter with excellent country-skiing and snowboarding opportunities. The Lake George RV Park, adjacent to the lake, is a hub of all recreational activities. This beauteous lake has over 50,000 visitors thronging the place every summer.
Located within White River National Forest, Hanging Lake is Colorado’s gem known for its glistening turquoise waters. Formed by the travertine geological deposition, it is truly a sight to behold. Accessing it is, however, no less than an adventure. You will have to hike along a rugged and steep path, for 2-3 hours. But, the efforts are indeed rewarding with views of dramatic waterfalls, scenic canyon walls, and of course, the gorgeous lake. Do keep in mind that you will have to acquire a permit of $12 per person to access the lake.
This pristine beauty sits in the Lakes Region of central New Hampshire. Fed by eight underground springs, it is one of the state’s cleanest and clearest lakes. With 22 miles of shoreline and surrounding dense woods and mountains, it offers a mesmerizing experience to those visiting it. You can also visit Wellington State Park on its western side to indulge in fishing, boating, or hiking. Many also enjoy taking a refreshing dip in summer at New Hampshire’s largest freshwater swimming beach, located within the park premises.
A short drive of 12 miles from Grand Rapids will bring you to Deer Lake in northern Minnesota. Fed by rainfall and underground and surface springs, it is a clear body of water with a visibility of about 11 feet. Visitors are drawn by its changing colors from blue to green to turquoise, giving it the nickname of ‘The Lake of the Changing Colors.’ Don’t miss kayaking in the pristine waters to take in its beauty while you explore its 25 small islands.
Torch Lake offers a slice of the Caribbean in Michigan with its clear and turquoise waters. Initially, the Ojibwa Tribe named it the Lake of Torches as they attracted fish here at night by lighting up their torches. Presently, it is the state’s sought-after vacation destination. Visitors enjoy plenty of water activities like swimming, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, and snorkeling. Also, the 2-mile sandbar at its south end becomes a party hub in summer.
Elkhart Lake is deep and clear with vibrant blue-green hues of water. It is spring fed, surrounded by a quaint little town that shares its name. An ideal family outing spot, the lake offers fun-filled activities year round ranging from swimming, kayaking, tubing, and paddleboarding in summer to snowboarding and ice skating in winter. You could visit the nearby La Budde Creek Park to hike the 2.8-mile Ice Age Trail to add up to a day’s adventure. It’s easy and runs through the woods, providing one the views of lush greenery.
Known for its shimmering blue waters, Lake Murray is a hidden gem encompassed by Lake Murray State Park in south-central Oklahoma. As the scenic State Highway 77S encircles it, you can have a spectacular view from your vehicles and easily access the beaches and campgrounds on the shoreline. With several hiking trails and attractions like Tucker Tower, a castle-like monument, it also offers many places to explore and admire. Don’t miss treading along the 3.4-mile Buckhorn Hiking Trail. It’s overall an easy hike with little bridge crossings and impressive views of the lake.
The combination of white sand and blue-green waters makes Western Lake a pure gem. Located in Grayton Beach State Park, it offers a less common experience of a coastal dune lake with an impressive landscape. You can enjoy a boat ride on its clear, calm, and tranquil waters or hiking to admire the surroundings on foot.
Fed by the Rocky Broad River, Lake Lure, with its sparkling blue water and the Blue Ridge Mountain setting, provides a stunning vista. The sandy beaches and water park featuring several games like water cannons, water slides, and bumper boats allow visitors to have a pleasurable time. It also makes an excellent outdoor trip, offering activities like hiking, picnicking, rock climbing, and bird watching. For an adventurous family outing, you can head to the nearby Hickory Nuts Falls Trail to hike an easy 1.5-mile to witness a lovely waterfall.
Redfish Lake is a beautiful alpine lake sitting at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains in central Idaho. Its cool, crystal clear blue waters make it an excellent spot to enjoy cooling off in summer. To get some of the breathtaking views of the lake and its scenic surroundings, you can consider hiking along the 17.5-mile Redfish Lake Trail that encompasses it. Another nearby trail that you can head to is 4.4 mile Fish Hook Creek Trail to experience the secluded meadow and gorgeous mountainous setting.
This serene lake is a part of Finger Lakes, ideal for a peaceful, relaxing time. Its clear blue waters also accounts for various recreational activities like pleasure boating and swimming. You can even visit the wineries by treading along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail in the vicinity.
TOP PICKS
Best Lakes for Fishing: Coeur d’Alene Lake, Flathead Lake, Crater Lake
Best Lakes for Swimming: Lake Tahoe, Newfound Lake, Lake Chelan
Best Lakes to Live On: Coeur d’Alene Lake, Lake Tahoe, Lake Lure
Best Lakes for Camping: Lake Chelan, Crater Lake, Flathead Lake
Hello there! My name is Jay and I run this website. I'm a full-time traveler and freelance writer. This is where I share travel advice and help people pursue their traveling dreams.
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