You are here
For this week’s installment of the #52WeekAdventureChallenge, we come to the humble lake, whose various incarnations give rise to a stunning array of scenic beauty: mountain tarns of the West set high in alpine valleys, long, sinuous reservoirs, and forest ponds that Thoreau likened to eyes, “looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature.” Just don’t stare at it for too long.
Lakes, whether natural or artificial, are one of a handful of geographical features that can be found across the country, and people from all regions use them as centers of recreation. We gather there throughout the year to relax and play, and the water provides a bounty of opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast—whether fishing from the shore, paddling out into the waters, swimming, hiking, or boating. They are critical to the function of life, serving as freshwater reservoirs for our cities, a refuge for wildlife, and critical layovers for the migratory birds that make it their temporary home.
So strong is the pull of these beautiful places that imminent disaster isn’t enough to keep those who love them away. “Spirit Lake and Mount St. Helens are my life,” said Harry R. Truman, who lived alongside the lake with his 16 cats in May of 1980. “You couldn’t pull me out with a mule team." During the state of emergency before the eruption of the volcano, Truman refused to leave, and he perished on the shores of the lake that he loved.
Love these places, visit them, swim in their waters this summer—whatever you do, celebrate them with us. Here are a few ways for you to jump in.
Washington
- Disappearing Lake
- Lake Cushman
- Rowland Lake
- Lake Union
- Enchantment Lakes
- Ozette Lake
- Lake Crescent
- Lake Easton
- Lake Wenatchee
Oregon
- Sparks Lake
- Frog Lake
- Trillium Lake
- Timothy Lake
- Hosmer Lake
- Elk Lake
- Crater Lake National Park
- Lost Lake
- Mirror Lake
- Island Lake
- Olallie Lake
- Paulina Lake
- Ice Lake
- Crater Lake
- Wallowa Lake
California
- Four Lakes Loop
- Lake Sabrina
- Lake Arrowhead
- Manzanita Lake
- Castle Lake
- Alpine Lake
- Heart Lake
- Monarch Lakes
- June Lake
- Lake Hollywood Park
- Emerald and Sapphire Lakes
- Canyon Creek Lakes
- Lake Tahoe
- Secret Cove and Chimney Beach
- Five Lakes
- Emerald Bay
Montana
Colorado
- Ice Lake + Island Lake
- Big Soda Lake
- Pearl Lake
- Mesa Lakes
- Wellington Lake
- Cottonwood Lake
- Clear Lake
- Highland Mary Lakes
- Silver Jack Lake
- Lion Lakes
- Boyd Lake
- Sylvan Lake
- Long Lake via Jean Lunning
- Maroon Lake and Crater Lake
- Dillon Reservoir
Utah
- Bloods Lake
- Gladys Lake
- Lake Blanche
- Maybird Lakes
- Silver Lake
- Naturalist Basin
- Pineview Reservoir
- Willow Lake
- Jordanelle Reservoir
Lake Superior
- Bean Lake + Bear Lake
- White Sky Rock
- Oberg Mountain
- Palisade Head
- The Sea Lion
- Mainland Sea Caves
- North Country Trail from Miners Beach
Featured Adventures
Sign In and share them.