Five Scenic Lakes You Should See In the U.S.
According to NASA, there are around 114 million lakes, while the United States alone has over 120,000 lakes, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. From pristine natural lakes to functional yet beautiful artificial lakes, we take you through some of the scenic lakes in the U.S.
Crater Lake, Oregon
This is the deepest lake in the U.S., at 1,943 feet. Its exceptional clarity results from the lake’s exclusive rain and snow water source, with no inflows or outflows. Located in Oregon, it’s a favorite for hiking and photography and is considered sacred by the Indigenous Klamath tribe.
Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe’s proximity to the Sierra Nevada mountains makes it a top destination for skiing and hiking. It is the second deepest lake in the U.S. and runs through Nevada and California. Its Known for its stunning clarity and turquoise waters, Tahoe holds cultural significance for the Washoe people.
Lake Powell, Utah/Arizona
Named after explorer John Wesley Powell, Lake Powell is a reservoir important for power generation. The lake holds significant cultural and archaeological sites that will interest history buffs, including ancient Native American petroglyphs. Thanks to its picturesque landscape of rock canyons and turquoise waters, it remains a top destination.
Great Salt Lake, Utah
The Great Salt Lake is the eighth-largest saltwater lake in the world. Its hypersalinity supports unique brine shrimp and algae ecosystems, while its shallow waters make it a stop for migratory birds like Wilson’s phalaropes and eared grebes. Salt production, kayaking, and bird-watching draw tourists here annually.
Lake Superior, Michigan/Minnesota/Wisconsin
Lake Superior is the world’s largest freshwater lake by surface area. It played a key role in the 18th-century fur traders and is the site of the 1975 shipwrecks of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald. The lake’s stunning shoreline, cliffs, and lighthouses make it a favorite for nature enthusiasts.
