The most remote lake in Alaska is one of the most beautiful and peaceful lakes in the state. Iliamna Lake is located far beyond any road system, making travel difficult to this incredible spot. Home to world-class fishing, and even a mythical sea monster tale, this lake has captured imaginations for as long as people have lived nearby.
Iliamna Lake is a gorgeous, remote lake in southwestern Alaska.
A hundred miles in from the Cook Inlet, this mammoth lake is the largest lake in Alaska, and the third largest lake in the entire United States. It’s also the second largest freshwater lake in America.
It sits at 1,000 square miles; 77 miles long and 22 miles wide.
This gigantic body of water is also extremely deep. While the average depth is 144 feet, its deepest sections reach all the way to 900 feet.
It’s connected to Bristol Bay by the Kvichak River.
In fact, harbor seals and other marine animals have been known to travel all the way up to the lake. Occasionally you’ll see harbor seals hanging out around the lake. This is also most likely where the Iliamna Lake Monster mythology came from, as you’ll even occasionally see beluga whales in the lake.
The lake houses the largest red salmon run in the world.
Red and King Salmon are constantly found in the lake’s waters, and it’s a popular area to fish. You can also find trout and grayling; this lake is a fisherman’s paradise.
And of course, don’t forget the other wildlife.
Bears, moose, caribou, and more can be found along the shores of this massive lake. It’s home to many marvelous Alaska creatures.
The lake is completely remote, and the only way to access it is by plane.
It’s about a 45 minute flight from Anchorage to the small town of Iliamna. There are only five towns that exist near the lake, and only four of them have tiny airports. The village of Igiugig has no runway, and must make the trip across the lake to fly out.
Although getting to Iliamna Lake will be an adventure, if you have the chance to visit this incredible lake, don’t miss out.
There are so many things about it that make it totally unique, and well worth the trip. Add this one to your bucket list!
Have you ever visited Iliamna Lake? What did you think? Was it absolutely stunning? Let us know in the comments below!
Looking to learn more about the mysteries of this gigantic lake? Check out the article below:
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/alaska/unsolved-mystery-ak/
For more Alaska intrigue, check out this video explaining why glaciers are blue:
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