Find the cleanest water in your state! From the deep blue of Crater Lake to the turquoise-tinted waters of Lake Tahoe, this guide to the 10 cleanest lakes in the US has them all. Discover your next crystal-clear swimming destination, boating destination and natural beauty spot.
The U.S. certainly has no shortage of stunning lakes, but not all of them are home to the kind of crystal-clear, pure water that takes our breath away. But these lakes are not only another pretty face — their outstanding clarity is actually a visual testament to thriving, unspoiled ecosystems. If you dream of swimming in crystal clear water or kayaking on a glass-like surface, this guide is for you. We’ve looked across the country, from the peaks of the Sierra Nevada, to the forests of the Adirondacks, to find the cleanest lakes in the US. Get ready to add these glittering cities to your own travel wish list!
But before we get to our list, let’s clarify what “clean” really means when it comes to a lake. It's more than just appearance. The water purity of a lake will normally be determined by:
1. Water Clarity (Secchi Depth)
This is a scientific measurement that measures the depth of the water using a Secchi disk. Greater depth equals higher clarity.
2. Low Pollutant Level
Which means low pollution from agricultural runoff, chemicals, or human waste.
3. Well-Structured Ecosystem
The presence in balance of native fish, plants and microorganisms is an indicator of a clean, healthy environment. The lakes on our list are some of the best when it comes to all of the above, and they’re popular destinations for swimming, boating and just marvelling at nature’s purity.
With a depth of 1,932 feet, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States, and it is famous for its pure, clear water. It is a closed basin formed by a volcanic plateau; most of the water entering the basin is from snowmelt and rain, with no outflow to the ocean, insulating it from the pollutants that effect water coming in from tributaries. As a result, the lake appears a famous deep blue hue and is world renowned for its clarity, just the thing for nature enthusiasts. It has a lot for visitors who enjoy unsullied nature when they visit the rim or simply gaze at the source of some of the cleanest lakes in America and zoom through pictures of the incomparable sights that is Crater Lake.
Lake Tahoe, a national treasure known for its brilliant clear, cobalt-blue water—a showcase of pine forests and snow-capped peaks straddling the California and Nevada state lines. High altitude, water that passes through a granite basin that filters it and a relentless push for conservation has the clarity of the lake unlike anywhere else. Known for having some of the cleanest lake water for swimming, Sand Harbor on the Nevada side features pristine, sandy beaches and turquoise shallows. If clear lakes for boating, kayaking or paddleboarding are your thing, Lake Tahoe is one of the nation’s top — with incomparable visibility and jaw-dropping mountain views.
Referred to as the “Caribbean of the North,” Torch Lake, Michigan is well known for its crystal-clear, bright blue waters that rival white sandy beaches anywhere in the tropics. This icy cold glacier-cut lake is spring-fed, explaining its remarkable purity and vivid colors. Its clear water has long made it one of the premier summer recreation destinations, particularly for boating, and the sandbar is well known among boaters, young seasonal residents and fair weather tourists who want a taste of the ideal conditions. If you're looking for the cleanest lakes in the US for a summer getaway, your plan is failed without passing by the gorgeous and clear waters of Torch Lake in Midwest.
Located in the southern basin of the Adirondack Mountain range, Lake George is often referred to as the "Queen of American Lakes" for its beauty. Its deep, cold, incredibly clear water is safeguarded by strict conservation regulations and a mostly undeveloped watershed. It’s spring-fed, which keeps the quality high, and one of the cleanest lakes in the Northeast for swimming, fishing and boating. Lake George will appeal to families and outdoor enthusiasts, with clear water to make every adventure look better—whether your thing is visiting a bunch of islands or hitting up the popular public beaches.
The Flathead Lake in Montana is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi and shines as a pristine and clean example of water bodies in their natural state. Its incredibly large size combined with the cool, pure water fed by the Rocky Mountains is what allows the lake to maintain such exceptional clarity. On still days, the water is so clear that we can see the bright-colored rocks on the lake bottom even when they’re far below us. All of which makes Flathead Lake a haven for kayakers, sailors and anyone who wants to experience one of the purest lakes in the US, with the added bonus of getting to see the wild horses on Wild Horse Island State Park.
In the Idaho Panhandle sits Lake Coeur d'Alene, with clear, sparkling water that attracts visitors from around the country. Thanks to pure rivers that run down from the surrounding mountains, the lake water is clean and refreshing all summer long. Because of its excellent water quality it is the site for many recreational activities such as swimming, water skiing and of course fishing for Chinook salmon. Those looking for gorgeous, pristine lakes in the Pacific Northwest would be amazed by the beautiful landscapes as well as the clear water expanses of Lake Coeur d’Alene.
Lake Chelan is a stunning, 50.5-mile-long, glacier-fed lake in Washington state, celebrated for its crystal-clear and downright deep water. Its fjord-like bowl was gouged by a glacier and drops to a depth of nearly 1,500 feet, which helps keep it so clean. The water is remarkably pure, coming from mountain-fed streams supplying a protected watershed. That has made it one of the cleanest lakes in the United States, drawing visitors to taste wine at lakeside vineyards, boat on its wide open waters and take boats to the remote, untouched community of Stehekin at its northernmost tip.
A designated National Natural Landmark, Colorado's Hanging Lake is a geologic wonder — and a must-see for anyone cool enough to appreciate the ethereal turquoise and raw-clear waters. The lake is fed by springs that percolate through travertine dam walls, which deposit minerals that dye the water turquoise. Its system is so delicate that swimming is prohibited to protect the extreme clarity of the liquid. Hiking to Hanging Lake is difficult to say the least both due to the competitive permit program and the steep hike, but for those that make their way, Hanging Lake is an exemplary example of one of the most unique and cared for bodies of water in the entire country, a true jewel among the cleanest fresh water lakes in the US.
Hidden away in the Blue Ridge Mountains of South Carolina, the reservoir Lake Jocassee is known for its pristine water and somewhat isolated beauty. Fed by crystal clear mountain rivers and having numerous waterfalls dropping directly into the lake, the beauty of the surrounding Jocassee Gorges is unmolested by development. In this pure watershed the water remains very, very clean and it is a world class destination for great visibility while scuba diving when conditions are right. For clean and clear lake water away from the crowds, Lake Jocassee has no equal, set in a peaceful mountain environment.
Even though it’s a man-made lake, Lake Powell has some of the clearest water surrounded by towering red-rock canyons. The lake is fed by water from the Colorado River, naturally filtered through sandstone as it flows into the main channel of Lake Powell, contributing to the high clarity of the lake. Its color becomes a striking contrast to the red hues of the surrounding desert, which is one of the reasons this extremely photogenic and clean huge reservoir is beloved by many. You can rent a house boat and have the run of its many canyons to explore in a way that is unique to this waterway.
Such virgin quality of these lakes is a treasured resource. We are all visitors with a responsibility to pass them on. And don’t forget to Leave No Trace: Pack out everything you pack in. To prevent spreading invasive species, always clean, drain and dry your boat, kayak and other watercraft. With responsible enjoyment, these natural wonders can be kept beautiful and free of litter for the next generation.
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Enter into a haunted theme park, where happiness turns to horror and fun turns to fright. These haunted attractions are especially fun during Halloween season, as you can enjoy fear with fun! Gruesome looking gates, scary sounds, and dark lights set a reasonably frightening mood.
Hartford, located in Connecticut, was founded in 1635 and is one of the oldest cities in the U.S. Hartford is the Insurance Capital of the World, and you can explore the historic Mark Twain House, WadsworthAtheneum, and scenic Bushnell Park. Walk the riverfront, explore the lovely gardens at Elizabeth Park and eat at diners and local restaurants. Spring and summer are best for exploring..
