Depths of Wonder: Discover America's 16 Deepest Lakes

10th March, 2024

CHIRANJIT MITRA

Depth: 1,943 feet Did You Know? It is the deepest lake in the entire United States. Incredible clarity due to its water source being rain and snowmelt. Home to the 'Old Man of the Lake' a tree trunk bobbing vertically for over a century.

Crater Lake, Oregon

Lake Tahoe, California Nevada

Depth: 1,645 feet Did You Know? ● It is famous for its vibrant blue color and stunning scenery. ● Ancient glaciers carved the basin. ● It is popular for boating, swimming, and skiing in the surrounding mountains.

Lake Chelan, Washington

Depth: 1,486 feet Did You Know? ● The former glacier valley turned into a lake, hence its long, narrow shape. ● Known for wineries in the area and surrounding recreation opportunities.

Lake Superior, Michigan/Minnesota/Wisconsin/Ontario

Depth: 1,333 feet Did You Know? ● Largest of the Great Lakes by surface area, it holds 10% of the world's fresh surface water. ● Famous for shipwrecks, including the legendary Edmund Fitzgerald.

Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho

Depth: 1,158 feet Did You Know? ● Idaho's deepest lake is a popular spot for fishing and boating. ● During WWII, the US Navy used the lake's deep waters for submarine testing.

Lake Michigan

Depth: 923 feet Did You Know? ● The third-largest Great Lake by surface area and the only one entirely within the US. ● Its shores touch four states, and major cities like Chicago and Milwaukee sit on its edge.

Lake Ontario

Depth: 802 feet Did You Know? ● The smallest of the Great Lakes by surface area, yet still remarkably deep. ● Bordered by New York and Ontario, Canada, as an important shipping route.

Lake Champlain, NY/VT/Quebec

Depth: 400 feet Did You Know? ● Stretches between New York, Vermont, and even a bit into Canada. ● Played a vital role in the American Revolution and the War of 1812. ● Rumors persist about "Champ," its legendary lake creature.

Lake Clark, Alaska

Depth: 770 feet Did You Know? ● Located within the wild Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. ● The remote setting offers a glimpse of unspoiled Alaskan nature.

Flathead Lake, Montana

Depth: 370 feet Did You Know? ● Largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River. ● Known for its excellent water quality and abundant cherry orchards.

Lake Iliamna, Alaska

Depth: 984 feet (estimation) Did You Know? ● The largest lake in Alaska by volume is a giant in a state known for big lakes. ● Home to the fabled Iliamna Lake Monster described as a huge fish-like creature.

Seneca Lake, New York

Depth: 618 feet Did You Know? The longest and deepest of New York's Finger Lakes. Its depth helps moderate the climate, making it a prime wine-growing region.

Lake Okeechobee, Florida

Depth: Average 9 feet Did You Know? ● An unusual entry! Despite its nickname, "Florida's Inland Sea," it's remarkably shallow. ● A vital part of the Everglades ecosystem and an abundant source of freshwater.

Lake Powell, Utah/Arizona

Depth: 583 feet Did You Know? ● A man-made reservoir formed by the Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River. ● Stunning desert scenery, popular for house boating and water sports.

Lake Mead, Nevada/Arizona

Depth: 532 feet Did You Know? ● Formed by the iconic Hoover Dam, a desert reservoir with fluctuating water levels. ● A key water source for the arid Southwest.