How Many Lakes Are In Alaska? Here Are The 8 Largest!

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When you think of Alaska, towering snow-capped mountains might be the first thing that comes to mind. Since it’s home to the tallest peaks in the United States, it’s easy to see why.

But what about the lakes? With over three million glistening lakes scattered across the state, these gorgeous bodies of water are vital to Alaska’s stunning landscape and wildlife.

Approximately 3,197 of Alaska’s lakes are named and countless others remain unnamed.

In this post, I’ll introduce you to the largest lakes in Alaska and highlight some unique, remote lakes that are worth the trek.

Aerial view of Lake Iliamna with lush green islands scattered across the water, surrounded by dense forests. Snow-capped mountains are visible in the background under a cloudy sky, with part of a small aircraft's wing in the top portion of the image. — Aerial view of Iliamna Lake from a seaplane.

Why So Many Lakes?

Alaska isn’t just the largest state in the U.S., it’s also home to more lakes than any other state in the country, far more than Minnesota’s 10,000!

Alaska’s glacial history is a big part of why it has so many lakes. During the last Ice Age, glaciers carved out massive valleys and basins.

When the glaciers retreated, they left behind a myriad of lakes, ranging from tiny ponds to expansive bodies of water throughout the regions of Alaska.

Wonder Lake in Denali National Park with a backdrop of majestic, snow-covered Denali mountain. The foreground features vibrant autumn foliage in shades of red, orange, and yellow, contrasting with the vast, green forest and the serene lake, all under a partly cloudy sky. — Wonder Lake, Denali National Park.

What is the Largest Lake in Alaska?

The largest lake in Alaska is not the largest lake with boundaries entirely within this country. Lake Michigan wins that prize!

1. Iliamna Lake

Iliamna Lake is the largest lake in Alaska and the third-largest lake with boundaries entirely within the United States.

Area: 1,012 square miles

Location and Access: Iliamna Lake is in Southwest Alaska on the Alaska Peninsula. It lies about 100 miles west of Anchorage and is situated between the Aleutian Range to the south and the Nushagak River drainage to the north. The lake is only accessible by air.

Highlights: Iliamna produces the largest returns of Sockeye salmon of any lake on earth! Plus, it’s home to some of the largest rainbow trout in the world; they are in the 15-30 inch range and can weigh over 15 pounds. The lake’s clear waters and scenic surroundings make it a paradise.

Map highlighting Iliamna Lake in Alaska, with a red circle and arrow pointing to its location. Nearby locations include Bethel, Togiak, Dillingham, and Anchorage, with the Gulf of Alaska to the southeast. The map shows a mix of green terrain and white mountainous areas. — Iliamna Lake is located in Southwest Alaska on the Alaska Peninsula.

Large Lakes in Alaska

These are the next seven largest lakes in Alaska, following Iliamna, and are listed in descending order based on size.

2. Becharof Lake

Becharof Lake is the second-largest lake and is 453 square miles. It is on the Alaska Peninsula within the Becharof National Wildlife Refuge, southwest of Katmai National Park and Preserve.

This lake is a haven for wildlife and has wide panoramic vistas. It’s a popular spot for brown bears and and numerous bird species.

3. Teshekpuk Lake

Teshekpuk Lake is 320 square miles and is in the Far North, approximately 140 miles (225 kilometers) southeast of Utqiaġvik, Alaska.

The lake is a crucial habitat for migratory birds and supports a large caribou population. Its remote location and the surrounding wetlands make it an important ecological area.

4. Naknek Lake

Naknek Lake is 242 square miles and is located in Katmai National Park and Preserve. It’s famous for its incredible bear viewing!

Naknek Lake is an absolute gem within Katmai National Park. The lake’s pristine waters and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes backdrop create a surreal landscape.

A brown bear walks along the sandy shore of Lake Clark, with lush green hills and rocky, forested mountains in the background. The scene is serene and surrounded by dense vegetation, depicting a natural Alaskan wilderness. — A Brown Bear in Lake Clark National Park, Alaska.

5. Lake Clark

Lake Clark is 244 square miles and is in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, between the Cook Inlet to the east and the Bristol Bay watershed to the west. It is 100 miles southwest of Anchorage and is accessible primarily by small aircraft or boats.

Lake Clark has strikingly deep turquoise waters and a beautiful craggy mountain landscape. It’s a popular destination for kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

6. Tustumena Lake

Tustumena Lake is on the Kenai Peninsula and is a proud 115 square miles.

It’s actually one of the largest lakes on the Kenai Peninsula! The lake is famous for its salmon runs and a stunning remote wilderness experience with limited access, perfect for those seeking solitude.

7. Kenai Lake

Kenai Lake is a long, narrow body of water and measures 97 square miles on the Kenai Peninsula.

It has brilliant blue-green waters that are the result of glacial silt. The surrounding mountains and forests make it a gorgeous spot for outdoor activities.

8. Skilak Lake

Skilak Lake is also on the Kenai Peninsula and measures 39 square miles. It’s part of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, has stunning scenery, and is an excellent spot for boating, fishing, and camping.

Portage Lake with its turquoise waters gently lapping against a rocky shore, framed by lush greenery and towering, snow-capped mountains under a partly cloudy sky. The scenic view showcases the rugged beauty of the Alaskan wilderness. — My favorite Alaskan lake that I have been to is Portage Lake. You can see Portage Glacier in the distance.

Hidden Gems: Remote and Unique Lakes in Alaska

While Alaska’s largest lakes are undeniably impressive, the state is also home to many lesser-known lakes that offer unique experiences. Here are a few remote lakes that are worth the adventure:

Wonder Lake

Location: Denali National Park and Preserve
Highlights: Wonder Lake offers one of the very best views of Denali. The reflection of North America’s tallest peak in the lake’s calm waters is epic. It’s a magical place for camping and remote hiking.

🚨 Currently, Wonder Lake in Denali National Park is not accessible by road due to the Pretty Rocks Landslide, which has caused a closure of the Denali Park Road at Mile 43. This closure is expected to remain in place through summer 2026.

Twin Lakes

Location: Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
Highlights: This lake is famous for being the home of Richard Proenneke, who lived alone in the wilderness for nearly 30 years. Twin Lakes offers a glimpse into true Alaskan solitude. The lakes are surrounded by mountains and provide excellent opportunities for kayaking and hiking.

Eklutna Lake

Location: Chugach State Park
Highlights: Eklutna Lake is a beautiful glacial lake near Anchorage. It’s a popular spot for kayaking, biking, and hiking, with the nearby Eklutna Glacier adding to the epic scenery.

Portage Lake

Location: Chugach National Forest
Highlights: This lake is fed by the Portage Glacier and offers incredible views of the glacier and surrounding mountains. It’s accessible by a scenic drive and provides a great spot for boating and hiking. Check it out on your way to take the ferry from Whittier to Valdez!

Summit Lake

Location: Hatcher Pass
Highlights: Located in the Talkeetna Mountains, Summit Lake offers amazing alpine scenery. It’s a great spot for hiking and picnicking, with the nearby Hatcher Pass providing additional outdoor adventures.

Calm Sand lake reflects a clear blue sky and surrounding green forest, with distant snow-capped mountains under a partly cloudy sky in Anchorage, Alaska. — Beautiful Sand Lake in Anchorage. The ownership around this lake is primarily private but it does have a public access point.

Final Thoughts

Alaska’s lakes are gateways to adventure, tranquility, and the untamed beauty of the Last Frontier. What makes Alaska’s lakes even more fascinating is that many of them are remote and relatively untouched.

Each lake offers its own unique experience, from fishing and kayaking to wildlife viewing and simply soaking in the stunning views.

So, I recommend squeezing some lakes into your packed itinerary as you plan your trip and get ready to discover these incredible areas of Alaska!

How Many Lakes Are In Alaska? Here Are The 8 Largest!

Why So Many Lakes?

What is the Largest Lake in Alaska?

1. Iliamna Lake