If you want to take a vacation that will leave you with unforgettable memories and nourish your soul with pristine and gorgeous nature, then Alaska should be the first place on your list. And some of the biggest outdoor attractions in Alaska are its stunning lakes. Alaska is home to over 3 million lakes. Three thousand of those have names, while others are considered to be wild bodies. The panoramas that the lakes of Alaska offer make this the perfect place, not just for nature lovers but also for photographers. If you travel here, you’re sure to get a chance to take some gorgeous pictures of nature. However, with this huge selection of gorgeous lakes for you to visit, it can be hard to decide where to go exactly. We hope this list of the top lake vacations to take in Alaska will help you narrow down your options.

Remember that besides these stunning lakes, Alaska has much more to offer. From dense mountains and forests to many national parks with endemic wildlife species. So, if you want to include some of these in your trip, you should factor them in when planning. If you plan to choose one of the lakes from this list, you should check whether you can experience and see the other things you’re interested in if you go there.

The best way to enjoy your trip to Alaska

If you can’t be satisfied by traveling to just one lake, a popular travel option is to go on a cruise that takes you through the bodies of water in Alaska. This is one of the best ways to see as much nature and as many lakes as possible. Most cruises also make stops in residential cities and villages, so you’ll also be able to experience the culture and lifestyle of Alaska.

This is also a great option if you’re planning to move here. The nature you’ll see, and the lakes you’ll visit will make the trip feel like a vacation. While the stops in the residential parts of Alaska will be great for scouting where exactly you could move. All that’s left after that means to find help with a crew of interstate movers and to let pros make it easy to start your new life in Alaska. And what better way than to enjoy one of the following beautiful lakes.

#1 Eklutna Lake

Eklutna Lake is a gorgeous location in the Anchorage municipality, and it’s pretty close to the village of Eklutna. It offers dreamy and picturesque sceneries while allowing various fun outdoor activities. The most popular options are kayaking and canoeing. However, if you’re a fan of camping and hiking, you’ll also enjoy this place. One of the most unique and interesting activities that many people do at this lake is marriage. That’s right; it’s possible to tie the knot at the shore of this lake. So many people choose to do it because of the gorgeous scenery.

While this is one of the best lake vacations to take in Alaska, you should refrain from doing it alone. The weather can change quickly, and it’s much safer to go on a guided tour. And if you go for the getting married option, consult a local professional to help you decide on a date with the minimal chance of weather complications.

#2 Lake Clark

Lake Clark is Alaska’s sixth-largest lake. It is located in the Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. It is one of Alaska’s most beautiful locations and incredibly popular with photographers. However, one issue with this place is that it’s not for the casual vacationer. It’s impossible to get to Lake Clark by car since no roads lead there. Anyone who wants to visit would have to book a boat or plane transfer phone off and advance. However, don’t let this discourage you. You can still enjoy the fun of a road trip until you get there. Just make sure to utilize everything you can to make the road trip safer since the roads in Alaska can be treacherous.

After you get there, you will see how worth it all of that effort was. Lake Clark has so much to offer. From beautiful landscapes and wildlife encounters to activities like kayaking, boating, and fishing

#3 Tustumena Lake

This lake is located in south-central Alaska and is the fifth-largest lake in the state. Similar to Lake Clark, it is relatively isolated, meaning that there is no road access. The most popular way to get here is by boat. However, the positive side of the fact that it’s a bit harder to get to is that the nature of the place is almost untouched. That, combined with the fact that the water of this lake comes from a nearby glacier, means that you can expect it to be truly crystal clear. Another reason this is one of the best lake vacations to take in Alaska is that it is the perfect place for any photographer.

#4 Katmai Crater Lake

This is a unique lake on this list. Just like the name says, this lake is situated in the crater of a volcano. It truly is a fantastic sight. However, it can only be viewed by a guided flight-seeing tour, usually from a helicopter.

This volcanic mountaintop filled with water was found in 1916 after one of the volcanoes near Katmai Mountain erupted. This caused Katmai Mountain to fall and the Katmai Crater Lake to form. The lake was discovered during a survey of the area after the volcanic activity had subsided.

#5 Goose Lake

This lake will offer a different experience from the ones we’ve discussed up till now. Firstly, it is located in the central part of Anchorage, near the university district. Since it’s so close to the city, traveling here will give off more of a summer beach vacation vibe. You’ll be able to spend the day swimming in the lake and relaxing on the beach. And then, in the evening, you’ll be able to enjoy the nearby restaurants and shopping centers. While it is generally all about swimming, it also offers opportunities for fishing and hiking.

One issue with this is that it does get pretty crowded. However, it is an excellent stop for any road trip through Alaska. You can take it easy and rest for the evening in one of the fantastic hotels here. Or explore the city for a bit, go for a swim in the lake, and then pack up and move on.

Final thoughts

Alaska is a stunning part of the US that many commonly overlook. If you want to spend your vacation taking in gorgeous scenery and breathing in the fresh air of pristine, untouched nature, then you should keep these lake vacations to take in Alaska in mind. They will leave you with unforgettable memories, awe, and a photo album full of gorgeous panoramic scenes. And don’t forget to enjoy other aspects of Alaska while you’re here. For example, Alaska is also one of the world’s best stargazing destinations. You can also hike, enjoy watersports in the lakes and go camping. And even if you just plan on going on a general trip to Alaska, make sure to include at least one of these gorgeous lakes in your plan. You won’t regret it.