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What Are the Deepest Lakes in the U.S?

The United States is a place of great geographic diversity, and its bodies of water are among some of the country's most spectacular and beautiful spots. Indeed America's lakes are a special way to enjoy and marvel at the outdoors, where recreation and relaxation are always on hand. But even just gazing in awe at these wide-ranging natural wonders can give one a very emotional experience.

At an incredible 1,943 feet, Oregon’s Crater Lake is the number one deepest lake in the U.S.

The second deepest lake in the United States is 1,645-foot-deep Lake Tahoe on the border between California and Nevada.

There’s something haunting and mysterious about gazing into the blue expanse of a huge, ancient lake, and wondering what lies under the surface in the abyss below. The ocean is one thing, but it’s unbelievable to think about just how deep the 10 deepest lakes in the United States can be. Some have been created by glaciers or volcanoes, and some are remnants from the ice age millions of years ago.

♦ Check More: Top 10 Most Breathtaking Lakes In The US

U.S Lakes that are not so deep

The Bottomless Lakes in New Mexico have a bottom and the deepest point is just 90 feet deep!

Lake Pontchartrain near New Orleans is huge but just 65 feet deep!

Salton Sea in California is drying up and its 40 feet depth is getting lower!

Great Salt Lake in Utah is great but just 33 feet deep!

Lake Okeechobee is the largest lake in Florida, but just 12 feet deep!

Lake Waiau at 7 feet deep is the deepest (and only) lake in Hawaii!

Top 10+ Deepest and Most Beautiful Lakes In The United States

1. Crater Lake, Oregon — 1,949 Feet

Top 10+ Deepest & Beautiful Lakes In The U.S
Crater Lake - Deepest Lakes In The United States

The centerpiece of the Crater Lake National Park, Crater Lake is the second-deepest lake in North America and the deepest lake in the US. This lake, which is well-known for its crystal-clear blue waters, fills a portion of a volcanic caldera that is 2,148 feet deep and has an incredible depth of 1,949 feet! Crater Lake, one of the purest lakes on Earth, is unconnected to any other body of water, and only snowfall and rainfall replenish its water supply.

Crater Lake is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist destinations in Oregon because it lacks any salt, minerals, or other foreign substances. Camping, hiking, biking, and even swimming are all popular outdoor activities in the area.

2. Lake Tahoe, Nevada/California — 1,645 Feet

Top 10+ Deepest & Beautiful Lakes In The U.S
Lake Tahoe - Deepest Lakes In The United States

The second-deepest lake in the nation is Lake Tahoe, which has a maximum depth of 1,645 feet.It is thought to have formed about two million years ago and is situated in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The region around Lake Tahoe is now a popular travel destination. Both in the summer and the winter, visitors can engage in a variety of outdoor pursuits, such as sailing and skiing.

The opportunity to gamble at a lakeside casino has long been a contentious pastime near the lakeshore in Nevada.According to laboratory tests, Lake Tahoe, which is famous for its breathtakingly clear blue water, is one of the cleanest bodies of water in the world, with an astounding 99% purity.

3. Lake Chelan, Washington — 1,486 Feet

Top 10+ Deepest & Beautiful Lakes In The U.S
Lake Chelan

The depth of Lake Chelan places it as the 25th deepest lake in the world, third deepest in the United States, and sixth deepest in North America. Two basins make up the lake, one of which is noticeably shallower than the other.

At its second basin, it has a deepest point that is 1,486 feet (453 meters) below the surface. Lake Chelan is a small body of water in Chelan County, Washington, that is about 50.5 miles long. In all categories, Lake Chelan is also the biggest lake in the state. The glacier-fed lake is surrounded by a range of mountains, which adds to its natural beauty.

How Many Lakes Are There In The US Today? How Many Lakes Are There In The US Today?

4. Lake Superior, Michigan/Wisconsin/Minnesota — 1,333 Feet

Top 10+ Deepest & Beautiful Lakes In The U.S
Lake Superior

Lake Superior is the largest and deepest of the five North American Great Lakes. Since it contains 10% of the world's freshwater, it also has the highest volume of water. The lake is the fourth deepest lake in the United States and the eighth deepest in North America, not counting its enormous surface area, which measures 1,333 feet or 406 meters. With a water volume of 2,900 cubic miles, Lake Superior has an astounding surface area of 31,700 square miles. At its current flow rate, it is estimated that it would take almost two centuries to empty the lake. The lake is known for its incredible depth, but it also boasts pristine waters with an average underwater visibility of 27 feet or 8.2 meters. Three U.S. states—Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota—as well as the Canadian province of Ontario are all bordered by Lake Superior.

The fact that thousands of ships pass through Lake Superior annually has earned it the reputation of being a vital shipping route. Additionally, it is renowned for its dangerous waters and strong storms. Hundreds of shipwrecks are submerged along the southern shore of this fourth-deepest great lake, which is known as the Graveyard of Ships. These wrecks are kept in perfect condition by the unusually cold deep Lake Superior water.

Facts about the Greatest Great Lake: Lake Superior Facts about the Greatest Great Lake: Lake Superior

5. Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho — 1,150 Feet

Top 10+ Deepest & Beautiful Lakes In The U.S
Lake Pend Oreille

The 69-kilometer-long Lake Pend Oreille, which is located in the northern part of the Idaho Panhandle, has a maximum depth of 1,150 feet. This lake, which derives its name from the French for "hanging ear" and is fed by the Pack and Clark Fork Rivers, is surrounded by three mountain ranges, including the Selkirks, and lovely forested areas. In addition to a wide variety of fish species, such as rainbow trout, walleye, largemouth bass, and kokanee salmon, the area is also home to a diverse assortment of wildlife that can be seen by surface visitors. The abundance of wildlife at Lake Pend Oreille, including grizzly bears, wolves, mountain goats, and elk, makes it a truly unique location.

America is home to many magnificent bodies of water, and its magnificent lakes rank among the world's most breathtaking natural wonders. These five deepest lakes in the United States, which range in size from Lake Tahoe's shores to Lake Superior's vastness, are a living example of how amazing nature is and how its allure transcends all linguistic and cultural boundaries.

6. Iliamna Lake, Alaska — 988 Feet

The largest lake in Alaska and the third largest lake entirely on American soil is Iliamna Lake. Its deepest point is up to 988 feet (301 meters) deep and holds 27.2 cubic miles (115 cubic kilometers) worth of water. With a surface area of 2,622 km2, it is also the 24th largest lake in North America.

7. Tustumena Lake, Alaska — 950 Feet

Seventh place goes to Lake Tustumena, which is 73,437 acres large and 950 feet deep. It is located in Alaska. Lake Tustumena, which is situated on the Kenai Peninsula, is 25 miles long and 6 miles wide. Since there are no roads leading to the lake, only the Kasilof River can be used to access it. The lake frequently experiences strong winds because of its proximity to the Tustumena Glacier, making safety for those in small boats a challenge. The Tustumena 200 Sled Dog Race and game hunting are the two main uses of this body of water.

8. Lake Michigan, Illinois/Indiana/Wisconsin/Michigan — 923 Feet

One of the largest lakes entirely contained within the borders of the United States is Lake Michigan. Other than the states of Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan, Lake Michigan does not touch any other areas of North America, unlike the other Great Lakes. It is one of the deepest lakes in the United States and North America, reaching a maximum depth of 923 feet (281 meters). The lake's numerous tributaries contribute to its one quadrillion gallons of water in total.

9. Lake Clark, Alaska — 870 Feet

Alaska's Lake Clark, which is 870 feet deep, bears the name of John W. Clark of Nushagak, Alaska, one of the state's first European Americans. He traveled to the area along with Albert B. Schanz and Vasili Shishkin, and they undoubtedly were in awe of this magnificent water body. Lake Clark, which is 40 miles long and five miles wide and is situated in southwest Alaska, is a portion of a national park and preserve.

10. Lake Ontario, New York/Ontario — 802 Feet

Despite having the smallest surface area of the five Great Lakes, Lake Ontario is one of the deepest lakes in the United States. One of the deepest points in North America is found in Lake Ontario, which has a maximum depth of 802 feet (244 meters). Through New York and Ontario, two nations—the United States and Canada—share this Great Lake.

Top 10 Largest Lakes in the World With Unbelievable Beauty Top 10 Largest Lakes in the World With Unbelievable Beauty

11. Lake Huron, Michigan/Ontario — 751 Feet

Lake Huron, one of the deepest lakes in the United States with a maximum depth of 751 feet (230 meters), is the second-largest North American Great Lake. It is situated in Ontario, Canada, as well as Michigan. The 120-foot-deep, 5-mile-wide Strait of Mackinac serves as an indirect link between Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. In terms of surface area, Lake Huron ranks fourth among the world's largest lakes.

12. Lake Oroville, California — 722 feet

Lake Oroville, which is situated in California, is actually a reservoir with a maximum depth of 722 feet. It is the second-largest reservoir in the state, and the Oroville Dam, the tallest dam in the country, regulates the water level. The water's temperature can reach 78 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. A popular lake for boating and fishing is called Lake Oroville. The lake has a variety of fish species, including salmon, trout, sturgeon, catfish, crappie, and others.

13. Dworshak Reservoir, Idaho — 630 feet

Dworshak Reservoir in Idaho, which ranks 13th on this list, is 630 feet deep. Along with hiking, hunting, and camping in the area, visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and other water sports on the reservoir. About three miles north of the Dworshak Dam and its visitor center is where you'll find the reservoir.

14. Lake Crescent, Washington — 624 Feet

Lake Crescent, the second-deepest lake in Washington, can reach a depth of 624 feet. Lake Crescent, which was created by glaciers, has crystal-clear waters that are a vivid blue color. This is because there isn't enough nitrogen in the water, which prevents algae growth. Lake Crescent and the surrounding area in Olympic National Park serve as a gathering place for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Rest of the Deepest Lakes in the US

Seneca Lake NY, 618 feet

Fremont Lake WY, 610 feet

Becharof Lake AK, 600 feet

Lake Powell AZ UT, 580 feet

New Melones Lake CA, 565 feet

Kenai Lake AK, 541 feet

Lake Mead AZ NV, 530 feet

Skilak Lake AK, 528 feet

Shasta Lake CA, 517 feet

Hungry Horse Reservoir MT, 490 feet

Upper Waterton Lake MT, 490 feet

Lake McDonald MT, 472 feet

Blue Lake AK, 468 feet

Trinity Lake CA, 465 feet

Embarrass Mine Pit Lake MN, 465 feet

Portsmouth Mine Pit Lake MN, 450 feet

Carters Lake GA, 450 feet

Tally Lake MT, 445 feet

Detroit Lake OR, 440 feet

Fontana Lake NC, 440 feet

Jackson Lake WY, 438 feet

Flaming Gorge Reservoir UT WY, 436 feet

Cayuga Lake NY, 435 feet

Lake Ore Be Gone MN, 433 feet

Lake Kachess WA, 430 feet

Waldo Lake OR, 420 feet

Fallen Leaf Lake CA, 415 feet

Lake Roosevelt WA, 400 feet

Ross Lake WA, 400 feet

Morrow Point Reservoir CO, 400 feet

Lake Champlain VT NY, 400 feet

Navajo Lake Reservoir CO NM, 395 feet

Yellowstone Lake WY, 394 feet

St. James Mine Pit Lake MN, 380 feet

Rock Lake WA, 375 feet

Flathead Lake MT, 371 feet

Lake Koocanusa MT, 370 feet

Priest Lake ID, 369 feet

Pyramid Lake NV, 356 feet

Lake Memphremagog VT, 351 feet

Wazee Lake WI, 350 feet

Roosevelt Lake AZ, 349

Blue Mesa Reservoir CO, 342 feet

Rabbit Lake MN, 337 feet

Cle Elum Lake WA, 333 feet

Ozette Lake WA, 331 feet

Whatcom Lake WA, 330 feet

Castaic Lake CA, 330 feet

Lake Willoughby VT, 328 feet

Summersville Lake WV, 327 feet

Lake Jocassee NC SC, 326 feet

Sebago Lake ME, 316 feet

Anderson Ranch Reservoir ID, 315 feet

Skaneateles Lake NY, 315 feet

Sullivan Lake WA, 312 feet

Canisteo Mine Pit Lake MN, 312 feet

Hiwassee Lake NC, 309 feet

Watauga Lake TN, 305 feet

Payette Lake ID, 304 feet

Brownlee Reservoir ID OR, 300 feet

Saint Mary Lake MT, 300 feet

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