Top 20 Lakes in Anchorage Municipality
Best lakes in Anchorage Municipality offer diverse recreational opportunities amidst a varied natural landscape. The region features glacial-fed waters, urban lakes, and mountain-nestled bodies of water. These lakes provide settings for outdoor activities and are often surrounded by trails and natural features. Anchorage Municipality's geography includes the Chugach Mountains and proximity to Cook Inlet, influencing the types of lakes found here.
Best lakes in Anchorage Municipality
- The most popular lakes is Westchester Lagoon, a lake that is a popular…
Last updated: April 26, 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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Portage Lake
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Powerline Pass Bowl Lake
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Eklutna Lake
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Eklutna Lakeside Trail
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Eagle and Symphony Lakes
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Hiking in Anchorage Municipality
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Cycling in Anchorage Municipality
Running Trails in Anchorage Municipality
Road Cycling Routes in Anchorage Municipality
Gravel biking in Anchorage Municipality
Tips from the Community
Once upon a time, you could see Portage Glacier from this viewpoint. Now it has receded behind a corner of the mountains, so from here you can only see the lake left behind by the glacier, and every so often a few icebergs might still float by. Still, the lake itself is wildly beautiful and the small visitor center nearby is interesting to visit... if it's open. More information here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/chugach/recarea/?recid=71946
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This bowl contains the first of two trailside lakes, and it's a really pleasant destination for camping or a picnic. The trail continues on to the pass but at this point is getting really narrow and rocky compared to the way it started out; there may be some little creeks running across the trail, too. So if you're not on a mountain bike, the ride probably won't be much fun from this point onward (and honestly, you might even want to turn around sooner).
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This is the gravel shore of Eklutna Lake, which is absolutely lousy for riding on most bikes but wonderful for a pre- or post-ride picnic and marveling at the lake, which really is a gem of the greater Anchorage area. Interestingly, it's also the drinking water reservoir for Anchorage.
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This is really an old roadbed — not paved, but almost as good as, as long as the weather has been reasonably dry. During spring snowmelt or particularly rainy periods the trail can get very muddy. Motorized traffic (such as all-terrain vehicles) is allowed on the trail from Sunday through Wednesday. You certainly can still run during that time, but be ready to share the trail with ATVs. There are short, non-motorized side detours you can take to minimize your exposure to that motorized traffic, but the detour trails are sometimes loose or washed out, so they can be a particular challenge for runners.
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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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Portage Lake is a popular destination near Anchorage, attracting visitors with its scenic allure. Once a site for icebergs, the lake's appearance has evolved due to glacier shifts. Though less frequent, glacier ice chunks still float by.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best lakes for hiking in Anchorage Municipality?
For stunning hiking, Eklutna Lake offers numerous trails with breathtaking mountain views and glimpses of the Eklutna Glacier. Rabbit Lake is another excellent hiking destination, accessible via an 8.5-mile round trip trail that leads to the lake nestled beneath the Yuyanq Chex peaks. You can also explore the area around Shoreline of Portage Lake, which serves as a turnaround point for hikes with views of Portage Glacier. For more hiking options, check out the Hiking in Anchorage Municipality guide.
Which lakes are best for swimming in Anchorage Municipality?
Goose Lake, located near the university district, is a popular swimming spot with one of the best beaches in town during warmer months. Little Campbell Lake, in Kincaid Park, is another quiet and idyllic choice for swimming, featuring a long swimming dock and a sandy bottom.
Are there family-friendly lakes in Anchorage Municipality?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Westchester Lagoon is a favorite spot for locals, offering trails, wildlife, and activities for families. Jewel Lake provides a playground, picnic areas with outdoor grills, and restrooms, making it ideal for a family day out. Lake Spenard is also considered family-friendly, where you can watch seaplanes take off and land.
What lakes are good for fishing in Anchorage Municipality?
Jewel Lake is a favorite for fishing, stocked annually with landlocked salmon, rainbow trout, and Arctic char, offering public docks. DeLong Lake has been restocked with rainbow trout, Arctic grayling, and coho salmon, with an accessible dock for launching boats. Taku Lake also provides opportunities for fishing, along with other outdoor activities.
Where can I go kayaking or boating on lakes in Anchorage Municipality?
Eklutna Lake is a popular destination for kayaking. Goose Lake offers paddleboat rentals. For those with their own canoes or inflatable boats, DeLong Lake has an accessible dock for launching. Carmen Lake, a bit further out, also allows for boating and kayaking.
What natural features can I see around the lakes?
Many lakes offer stunning natural features. Eklutna Lake is known for its stunning turquoise glacial-fed waters and views of the Eklutna Glacier. Portage Lake is notable for its stunning views and accessible glacier, with occasional ice calving. Goose Lake is excellent for birdwatching, with species like loons and Canada Geese. Symphony Lake is admired for its aquamarine color and is often viewed alongside the milky green Eagle Lake.
Are there dog-friendly lakes or trails in Anchorage Municipality?
Taku Lake features a dog-friendly park and paved walking and bike trails that connect to the wider Campbell Creek trail system, making it a great option for walks with your dog.
What is the best time to visit the lakes in Anchorage Municipality?
The warmer months are ideal for swimming at lakes like Goose Lake and Little Campbell Lake. For hiking and general outdoor activities, late spring to early fall offers pleasant weather. In winter, Jewel Lake transforms into a haven for ice fishing, and many trails around the lakes are suitable for winter activities like cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
Which lakes offer good views of the surrounding mountains or glaciers?
Eklutna Lake provides stunning views of the Chugach Mountains and the Eklutna Glacier. Rabbit Lake is nestled beneath the impressive Yuyanq Chex peaks, offering picturesque valley views. Portage Lake is renowned for its views of Portage Glacier.
Are there accessible lakes for people with wheelchairs in Anchorage Municipality?
DeLong Lake offers an accessible dock for launching canoes and inflatable boats, making it easier for anglers and visitors to enjoy the water. Taku Lake also features paved walking and bike trails, which can be more accessible.
What cycling opportunities are available near the lakes?
Many lakes are integrated into or near cycling networks. Taku Lake has paved walking and bike trails that connect to the wider Campbell Creek trail system. Eklutna Lake also offers opportunities for biking. For more extensive cycling, explore routes in the Cycling in Anchorage Municipality guide.
Can I see seaplanes at any of the lakes?
Yes, Lake Spenard is a unique spot where visitors can observe seaplanes taking off and landing, as it is considered part of the larger Lake Hood system.
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