Here are 10 crystal-clear lakes in the US you'll want to dive into
These lakes are crystal-clear, cold and nutrient-poor which are perfect conditions that limit algae growth and allow sunlight to penetrate deep below the surface.
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With summer winding down, and only a few weeks left in the season, many families are flocking to the lakes for one last taste of summer fun.
But not every lake is created equal. Some are so clear that boats appear to float in midair, while others offer views straight to the bottom, even from the shoreline.
The popular and scenic Emerald Bay is viewed just before sunrise at South Lake Tahoe, California.
(George Rose/Getty Images / Getty Images)
These lakes are crystal-clear, cold and nutrient-poor, which are perfect conditions that limit algae growth and allow sunlight to penetrate deep below the surface.
The sparkling waters can be hard to resist, tempting visitors to dive right in.
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Whether you’re looking to boat, paddle, swim or simply enjoy some family fun by the water, here are the top 10 clearest lakes in the U.S.
North America, USA, Oregon, Crater Lake National Park, Wizard Island, Crater Lake.
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Crater Lake, Oregon
Crater Lake in Oregon is famous for its strikingly blue, crystal-clear waters.
Formed nearly 8,000 years ago after the collapse of Mount Mazama, the lake is the deepest in the U.S., reaching nearly 2,000 feet.
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With no rivers flowing into the lake and the lack of sediments, its waters are fed primarily by rain and snow, helping create its beautiful clarity.
A colorful sunrise at South Lake Tahoe, California.
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Lake Tahoe, California
This lake is located between the California-Nevada border.
Lake Tahoe is known for its stunningly clear, blue waters surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountains.
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The lake’s clarity allows visitors to see deep below the surface, while its cold, clean waters make it a popular destination for swimming, boating and paddleboarding.
The water is a bit chilling with it only reaching 70 degrees during the summertime.
Aerial view of Flathead Lake features Wild Horse Island, Rollins, Montana.
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Flathead Lake, Montana
Flathead Lake in Montana is known for its remarkably clear, blue waters and stunning mountain views.
The lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi.
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Thanks to the snow melt from the Rocky Mountains, the lake remains cold and contains relatively low nutrient levels that discourage algae growth.
Spanning more than 200 square miles with 185 miles of shoreline, it offers plenty of space for swimming, boating, kayaking and fishing, making it a popular summer destination.
Washington, Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, Boat Dock At Stehekin.
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Lake Chelan, Washington
This lake is known for its deep-blue waters surrounded by the Cascade Mountains.
It stretches more than 50 miles through a scenic valley and offers swimming, boating, paddleboarding and fishing.
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Also, the waters remain cold, in part because the lake reaches depths of more than 1,400 feet.
Its clean, clear waters and dramatic view of the mountains make it one of Washington’s most picturesque lakes.
Visitors watch as a parasailor tries to take flight behind a boat on Lake George.
(Lori Van Buren/Albany Times Union via Getty Images)
Lake George, New York
Lake George is located in New York’s Adirondack Mountains.
The lake is fed by mountain streams creating crystal clear and sparkling waters.
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Stretching more than 30 miles, Lake George is surrounded by islands and stunning mountain scenery, making it a popular summer destination for visitors from across the region.
A dock and inviting chairs on Torch Lake, a popular vacation spot in northern Michigan.
(RiverNorthPhotography)
Torch Lake, Michigan
This lake is famous for its dazzling turquoise waters, which have been compared to the Caribbean.
Torch Lake is Michigan’s second-largest inland lake. It stretches for nearly 19 miles.
Swimming is especially popular here since the waters are shallow and crystal-clear.
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However, the lake typically stays in the low 70s during the summer months. So just be prepared for cooler temperatures than in the tropics.
View in the morning of Lake Crescent on the Olympic Peninsula in the Olympic National Park in Washington State, USA.
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Lake Crescent, Washington
Lake Crescent in Washington’s Olympic National Park is known for its stunningly clear, deep-blue waters surrounded by lush forests and mountains.
The lake’s clear water is partly due to its low nutrient levels, which limit algae growth and allows visitors to see deep beneath the surface. Visibility can be seen around 60 feet or more.
Lake Crescent and Pine Trees surrounding off Route 101, Olympic Highway.
(Joe Sohm/Visions of America/Universal Images Group via Getty Images / Getty Images)
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The cold waters are popular for swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding during the summer, while the surrounding shoreline offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.
An aerial drone photo of Newfound Lake New Hampshire during sunrise.
(Eli Wilson / Getty Images)
Newfound Lake, New Hampshire
This lake is known for its crystal-clear waters and peaceful setting that is surrounded by rolling hills and mountains.
The cold underground springs help feed Newfound Lake, while long-standing conservation efforts have helped protect its water quality and largely undeveloped shoreline.
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The lake’s clean, calm waters make it a popular spot for swimming, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
Early mornings can offer stunning views, when the still surface reflects the mountain landscape.
Mountain lake in the Cascade Range, Oregon
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Waldo Lake, Oregon
Waldo Lake in Oregon is known for its extraordinary water clarity, with visibility reaching nearly 120 feet.
Its surroundings contribute very little sediment or nutrients, helping keep the water remarkably transparent.
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On calm days, kayakers and paddleboarders can see submerged logs and boulders far below the surface.
Gas-powered boats are also restricted on the lake, creating a peaceful setting for paddlers or kayakers.
Drone view of Bear Lake shoreline with turquoise water snowy hills and clouds in Utah USA
(Moiseii Production)
Bear Lake, Utah and Idaho
Bear Lake, which is between the Utah-Idaho border, is known for its beautiful turquoise-blue waters, earning it the nickname "Caribbean of the Rockies."
Surrounded by mountains, the lake is a popular summer destination for swimming, boating, kayaking and paddleboarding.
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Its clear, shallow waters can take on vivid shades of blue depending on the sunlight and water conditions, creating a tropical-looking experience in the middle of the Rockies.