Swimming Lakes in North America

1. Lake Chelan

Lake Chelan is a long, narrow lake winding more than 50 miles through north-central Washington State. The lake is fairly isolated, especially in its northern reaches, and sparsely populated. The City of Chelan is the largest and while it's fairly small, it does offer unique experiences to visitors. Popular activities include swimming, fishing, visiting local vineyards, camping, hiking, exploring the wilderness, and much more. While the summer months are best for swimming, the lake is a year-round attraction. Lake Chelan Map

2. Walden Pond

Walden Pond is a famous lake in Concord, Massachusetts. The lake was formed by glaciers more than 10,000 years ago and today is preserved on protected land in the Walden Pond State Reservation. The lake is well known in popular culture because writer Henry David Thoreau lived on its northern shore for two years where he wrote Walden, which subsequently made the pond famous.

During the summertime, the lake is a popular swimming destination with sections of beach around the lake, including one that is quite popular. Other activities on offer include boating, picnicking, fishing, and hiking. There is also a reproduction of Thoreau’s cabin available for touring. Walden Pond Map

3. Horseshoe Lake

Horseshoe Lake is a stunningly clear lake with beautiful, turquoise water. The lake is accessible via a trail that begins at the Horseshoe Lake parking lot near Jasper National Park. The hike is a relaxing 1.5 km loop that features interesting views, striking cliffs, and several small bridges.

The entire circuit can be done in about 25 minutes but you will want to leave more time to enjoy the lake. Horseshoe Lake is the best natural swimming spot in the area, however the water is quite chilly so it’s best enjoyed on a hot day. Swimming is allowed at your own risk and no lifeguards are on duty. Other activities include fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Horseshoe Lake Map

4. Crater Lake

Crater Lake is the namesake lake of Crater Lake National Park. This impressive, awe-inspiring lake sits in the crater of a volcano where it was formed when a violent volcanic eruption caused the peak to collapse nearly 8,000 years ago.

The lake is the deepest in the United States and has an unparalleled purity. Due to its location high in the Cascade Mountains, views of the lake are sometimes obstructed by clouds so it is advisable to check the park website or ranger station before heading to the lake. Summer activities include hiking and boat tours of the lake whereas in wintertime, many guests explore the park on ranger-led snowshoe trails and by cross-country skiing.

5. Deer Lake

Minnesota is known for its many lakes, and among them Deer Lake stands out as a true gem. The lake is nicknamed the “Lake of Changing Colors” due to its colorful water that can shift from blue to green depending on mineral concentration. It sits in the state’s popular northwoods area.

Deer Lake is known for having deep, clear water and a particularly secluded location offering a retreat from the everyday. It is popular among boaters and paddlers who can be found hopping from island to island as there are 25 islands scattered throughout the lake. Other activities include wildlife watching, swimming, exploring the forest surrounding the lake, camping, and more.

6. Echo Lake

Echo Lake is a glacial lake near Lake Tahoe in El Dorado County, California. The lake is just minutes away from Lake Tahoe and is one of the top places to go swimming in the area. Here, you’ll find a gorgeous, peaceful, mountain setting, beautiful scenery and crystal-clear lakes surrounded by granite mountains. Echo Lake is composed of an Upper and Lower section, each of which is a great destination for swimming, boating, picnicking, and fishing. There are a number of trails surrounding the lake for hiking in the summertime and cross-country skiing in winter. If you’d really like to set off on an adventure you can head off on an overnight trip in the nearby Desolation Wilderness.

7. Fallen Leaf Lake

Fallen Leaf Lake is a mountain lake in the Lake Tahoe area of California, near the border with Nevada. The oval-shaped lake is approximately three miles long and a mile wide. The lake is quite deep and drops off quickly as you move away from the shoreline. Much of the lakeshore is privately owned, but there are public access points available. There is little commercial development nearby with the exceptions being the small marina and store at the lake’s southern tip. Popular activities include boating, fishing, kayaking, rowing, and sailing although high winds can often make the latter difficult.

8. Flathead Lake

Flathead Lake is, by surface area, the largest naturally formed freshwater lake located west of the Mississippi River in the Lower 48 U.S. states. It is situated in northwest Montana near the town of Kalispell. It is some 30 miles long and 16 miles across and has over 191 square miles of surface area. The lake is located near Glacier National Park, and many combine it with a visit to the park. Scenic drives also bring many to the area as there are two scenic highways that pass along the lake’s shores. Popular activities on and around the lake include sailing, boat tours, horseback riding, hiking, and much more.

9. Cascade Ponds

Cascade Ponds is a popular lake system in Banff National Park that is known for picnicking, hiking, and swimming. The pond is a day use area with picnic facilities, bathrooms, and fire pits. Days spent at Cascade Ponds take the form of strolling around the lake and having a little lakeshore picnic with your friends or family. There are a variety of hiking trails in the national park near the ponds. Hiking to the base of Cascade Waterfall is a nice way to spend time, and you’ll get great opportunities for wildlife viewing. Hiking, picnicking, and taking a dip in the pond are fabulous ways to make a relaxing and memorable day.

10. Lake Carlos

Lake Carlos is the namesake lake of Lake Carlos State Park in Douglas County, Minnesota. The park has a number of recreational activities that center around Lake Carlos. The lake is deep and clear, making it a popular spot for swimming in the summertime. Other activities include fishing, boating, hiking, camping, and horseback riding. The park also has a number of interesting wildlife species and park visitors frequently encounter deer, beaver, heron, loons, and ducks during their visit. The park is also active in wintertime when cross-country skiing is a popular activity. During winter the water is likely to be turned off in the park so be sure to carry in enough drinking water for your visit.