Top 20 Lakes around Anchorage
Best lakes around Anchorage, Alaska, offer diverse recreational opportunities amidst the Alaskan landscape. This region features a variety of lakes, from serene natural settings fed by glaciers to bustling aviation hubs. Anchorage's geography provides access to both urban lakes and those nestled within mountain ranges. These bodies of water serve as focal points for outdoor activities and provide unique natural features.
Best lakes around Anchorage
- The most popular lakes is Westchester Lagoon, a lake that is a beautiful oasis…
Last updated: April 10, 2026
Shoreline of Portage Lake
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Lake Spenard
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Westchester Lagoon
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Divide Lake
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View of Cook Inlet
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Popular around Anchorage
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Technically you are on the east shore of Lake Spenard, but you may often here this lake lumped in as a part of Lake Hood (just to the west). These lakes were once separate, but now appear to be a contiguous — if oddly shaped — body of water, thanks to a seaplane taxi/takeoff canal that was dredged between them. Please don't touch the seaplanes you'll see positioned around the lake. They are all either privately or commercially owned.
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Lake Spenard in Anchorage, Alaska, is a beautiful and peaceful lake with a rich history. It was originally a natural lake that became expanded and connected to Lake Hood through the construction of an airport dike in the 1930s. Today, it is part of the world's busiest seaplane base, Lake Hood Seaplane Base, where hundreds of floatplanes take off and land each day. Besides its aviation significance, Lake Spenard remains a popular spot for recreational activities such as kayaking, boating, and enjoying the stunning mountain views.
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Westchester Lagoon is a beautiful oasis near downtown Anchorage, just a short walk away. It's a favorite spot for locals, offering trails, wildlife, and fun activities for families throughout the year. It's also a great spot to watch the sunrise.
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Cook Inlet is a part of the Gulf of Alaska. It stretches northeast for 220 miles and is fed by several rivers. Anchorage offers great views of the Inlet, and you can explore the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail or hike Flattop Mountain for even better vistas.
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Divide Lake is flat, tranquil, and edged with grass, almost as if it sprang out of the tundra on its own. As the trail passes it and begins a downhill grade, you'll catch glimpses of the lake's outflow — Divide Creek — as it races you down to Portage Lake below.
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For most people, the broad, sandy shoreline of Portage Lake marks the turnaround point of this hike — or the perfect picnic spot. The glacier is not terrible active but it does sometimes calve (break off) chunks of ice into the water. If you're in the right place at the right time you might see and hear this happen, and sometimes the resulting icebergs even make it close to shore. If you see a small cruise ship on the water that is the M/V Ptarmigan, which cruises from the visitor center on the far side of the lake to within good views of the face of Portage Glacier; more information here: https://www.graylinealaska.com/portage-glacier-cruises/ Finally, some hikers do choose to continue hiking left (south) from here, in hopes of getting closer to the face of the glacier itself. Be warned, there is a not-insignificant stream crossing in the way, and it's very dangerous to walk on, underneath, or in front of the glacier itself, as chunks of ice can and do break off of it at random intervals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular lakes for visitors in Anchorage?
Visitors frequently enjoy Westchester Lagoon, a beautiful oasis near downtown known for trails, wildlife, and family activities. Lake Spenard is popular for watching seaplanes, and the Shoreline of Portage Lake offers stunning views of Portage Glacier and is a common picnic spot.
Which lakes are best for family-friendly activities in Anchorage?
Many lakes around Anchorage are great for families. Goose Lake is centrally located with a municipal beach, playground, and picnic areas, perfect for swimming and paddleboating. Westchester Lagoon also offers trails and wildlife viewing suitable for all ages. Jewel Lake provides a playground and picnic area, making it ideal for a family day out.
Where can I go hiking or walking around Anchorage's lakes?
You'll find numerous options for hiking and walking. Eklutna Lake offers extensive trails with breathtaking mountain views. Goose Lake has an accessible three-mile paved walking trail. For easy hikes, consider the trails around Little Campbell Lake in Kincaid Park or the paved paths at Taku Lake. For more options, explore the Easy hikes around Anchorage guide.
Are there any lakes where I can watch seaplanes take off and land?
Yes, Lake Hood and Lake Spenard are renowned as the world's largest and busiest seaplane base. You can witness hundreds of seaplane takeoffs and landings daily, offering a unique glimpse into Alaska's aviation heritage. Campbell Lake also serves as a seaplane base, so you might see floatplane traffic there.
Which lakes are good for fishing in Anchorage?
Several lakes are regularly stocked for fishing. Little Campbell Lake is stocked with rainbow trout and Arctic char. Taku Lake offers fishing for rainbow trout and Arctic grayling. DeLong Lake is a great spot for anglers, stocked with rainbow trout, Arctic grayling, and coho salmon. Jewel Lake is also popular for fishing, stocked with coho salmon, rainbow trout, and Arctic char.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around Anchorage's lakes?
The lakes are rich in wildlife. Goose Lake is known for birdwatching, including loons, Canada Geese, and American wigeons. Around Little Campbell Lake, you might spot moose, eagles, and various fish. Westchester Lagoon is also a great spot for wildlife viewing, especially birds.
Can I go swimming in any of the lakes near Anchorage?
Yes, Goose Lake is a popular swimming spot during warm summer months, with lifeguards on duty. Little Campbell Lake also features a 50-foot swimming dock and a sandy bottom, making it suitable for swimming.
What activities are available at Eklutna Lake?
Eklutna Lake is a versatile destination offering kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and camping. The area also supports horseback riding, ATV riding, climbing, cross-country skiing, and dog mushing, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Chugach Mountains and turquoise glacier-fed waters.
Are there any lakes that are dog-friendly in Anchorage?
Yes, Taku Lake features a dedicated dog-friendly park, making it a great option for visitors with pets. Many trails around other lakes, like those in Kincaid Park near Little Campbell Lake, are also generally dog-friendly, but always check local regulations for specific areas.
What are some winter activities available at Anchorage lakes?
In winter, many lakes transform into venues for cold-weather activities. You can enjoy cross-country skiing at Goose Lake and Little Campbell Lake. Walking on the frozen surface of Campbell Lake is also a unique winter experience, provided conditions are safe.
Are there any lakes with historical significance in Anchorage?
Lake Hood and Lake Spenard are rich with Anchorage history, particularly concerning the region's aviation heritage as the world's busiest seaplane base. Walking tours are available in the area to explore this unique aspect.
What kind of biking opportunities are there near Anchorage's lakes?
You can find biking opportunities near several lakes. Little Campbell Lake in Kincaid Park offers trails suitable for biking. Taku Lake has paved bike paths. For more extensive options, check out the Gravel biking around Anchorage guide, which includes routes like the 'University Lake Park – Tour of Anchorage Trail loop'.
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