Our Love for Mountain Lakes

At Mountain House, our admiration for alpine lakes runs deep—it’s right there in our name. As the high elevations begin to collect snow, it's never too early to start picturing next summer’s adventures. Crystal waters, snow-draped peaks, and the call of the backcountry: what’s not to love?

We’ve highlighted a selection of North America’s most breathtaking high-altitude lakes. From immense volcanic basins to tucked-away glacial pools, these waterscapes are just a glimpse into the vast beauty that awaits.

Iceberg Lake – Montana

Glacier National Park is teeming with dramatic alpine scenery, but Iceberg Lake stands out even in such illustrious company. Set in a towering cirque beneath Iceberg Peak and Mount Wilbur, this lake is famous for the floating ice chunks that linger through summer. You can reach it via a scenic trail beginning at the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn—but be mindful, this is grizzly country.

Sawtooth Lake – Idaho

High in the rugged Sawtooth Range, this lake sits beneath the imposing silhouette of Mount Regan. The route to Sawtooth Lake offers rewarding views at every turn, especially of Alpine Lake along the way. At nearly 8,500 feet, the landscape here is nothing short of cinematic.

Yellowstone Lake – Wyoming

Vast and wild, Yellowstone Lake is the largest lake above 7,000 feet in North America. Formed within the massive Yellowstone caldera, its deep waters are surrounded by steaming geysers and soaring ridges. From trout to pelicans to roaming bears, the area teems with life and raw beauty.

Dream Lake – Colorado

Just a short hike in Rocky Mountain National Park brings you to Dream Lake, framed dramatically by Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. The approach itself is magical, passing the tranquil Nymph Lake and offering routes to Emerald Lake and Lake Haiyaha for those seeking more.

Crater Lake – Oregon

One of the world’s most striking lakes, Crater Lake is a vivid blue marvel nestled inside a collapsed volcano. It’s almost unnaturally round, encircled by pumice cliffs and lava formations. Wizard Island and the Phantom Ship rise from its depths, making this lake a geologic and visual wonder.

Thousand Island Lake – California

In the shadow of Banner Peak, this sprawling alpine lake is peppered with countless rocky islets—hence its name. Located in the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Thousand Island Lake is one of the Sierra Nevada’s most majestic offerings, perfect for intrepid hikers and solitude seekers alike.

Lake of the Clouds – Michigan

Set within the Porcupine Mountains of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, this lake is embraced by old-growth forest and ancient volcanic ridges. It’s a year-round favorite, but fall foliage here is a special kind of spectacular.

Wassataquoik Lake – Maine

Deep within Baxter State Park, not far from Mount Katahdin, this peaceful lake exemplifies Maine’s wilderness. Moose sightings are common, and the serenity of the water is matched only by the sense of remoteness that defines this region.

Lakes of the Clouds – New Hampshire

Situated high in the White Mountains between Mount Monroe and Mount Washington, these alpine ponds offer sweeping views and unforgettable sunrises. They may be small, but their dramatic setting in the Presidential Range makes them a favorite among Northeast hikers.

Lake Waiau – Hawaii

At 13,000 feet on Mauna Kea’s upper slopes, Lake Waiau is one of the highest lakes in the United States and the only alpine lake in Hawaii. This sacred water body, once nearly dried up, has recently rebounded thanks to returning rains, making it a rare and cherished natural feature.