Lake Coeur d’Alene, Idaho,USA
Lake Coeur d’Alene is a popular tourist site for many people during the summer, offering great beaches and scenic views. A seasonal hobby of some local residents is viewing the bald eagles as they feed on the kokanee in the lake, mainly from the Wolf Lodge Bay. The North Idaho Centennial Trail, popular among cyclists, walkers, and joggers, follows along the lake’s north and northeastern shore. The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes also runs along the southern shores.
Crater Lake, Oregon, USA
Filling the caldera left behind by the collapse of the Mount Mazama volcano, Crater Lake is a natural wonder with more than 30 scenic overlooks on its rim. One of the most interesting features of Crater Lake is The Pinnacles, a grouping of towering stone spires formed when volcanic ash solidified in midair during an eruption.
Skilak Lake, Alaska, USA
Located on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska, Skilak Lake is famous for its crystal clear waters due in part to the lakes lack of aquatic vegetation. The lake is formed by glacial run off so the water can be chilly but the scenery is amazing with views of mountains all around you. Skilak Lake is popular with Alaskans due to it’s convenient location about 2 hours from Anchorage and the lake features 2 campgrounds where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the landscape.
Scargo Lake, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA
Although best known for its beaches, the Cape actually has dozens of freshwater lakes and ponds. Located in the town of Dennis, Scargo Lake is situated at the foot of Scargo Hill and is ringed with dense trees that are particularly picturesque in the fall. Scargo Tower at the top of the hill is a 30-foot-tall, medieval-looking cobblestone tower, offering views of both the lake and Cape Cod Bay beyond.
Lake Santeetlah, North Carolina, USA
Situated in the Great Smokey Mountains and surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest, Lake Santeetlah is a beautiful place to escape. It’s also conveniently located within a 2 hour drive from both Knoxville TN, and Asheville NC making it an easy place for a scenic day trip. The lake also offers some fantastic fishing including both smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye and lake trout. To enjoy this beautiful destination to its fullest, consider camping at one of the many sites located all around the lake.
Lake Powell, Arizona and Utah, USA
Although man-made, Lake Powell offers one of the most stunning landscapes in the world. Created by the Glen Canyon Dam, this lake is a part of the Colorado River. Nestled among rugged, striated sandstone rock formations and mesas, this lake is the very definition of an oasis in the desert, acting as a cool respite for both people and animals. One particularly gorgeous view is from Alstrom Point, displaying a panoramic look at the lake and canyons.
