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Crater Lake in Oregon isn't even half as deep as Lake Baikal, the world's deepest lake. Photo by JeffGoulden / Getty ImagesThe U.S. is home to some truly impressive lakes, including some of the largest freshwater bodies worldwide. However, determining their depth isn't as simple as checking a map. If depth is what you're after, keep reading to find out which lake holds the title of the deepest in the U.S., along with several close contenders.
Crater Lake: The Deepest Lake in the U.S.
Located in southern Oregon, Crater Lake is the main attraction of Crater Lake National Park. Just an hour’s drive from Klamath Falls, this lake reaches a maximum depth of 1,949 feet (594 meters), making it the deepest lake in the United States.
Crater Lake is more than just deep; it has a range of remarkable features that make it a must-visit destination, or at least an intriguing one to learn about.
- Crater Lake resides within a caldera, a result of a volcanic eruption. This caldera was created after a massive eruption of Mount Mazama around 7,700 years ago, which was later filled with rain and snowmelt over time.
- Crater Lake doesn't have any rivers or springs feeding or draining it. Instead, it relies solely on rain and snow to maintain its water level. The cycle of evaporation and replenishment takes roughly 250 years.
- The local Klamath tribe views the lake as sacred, as it plays a significant role in their mythology, including the great eruption that led to its creation.
- Crater Lake National Park offers a variety of recreational activities, though the National Park Service operates the sole boat service. The dock is situated at the end of the challenging Cleetwood Cove Trail, which winds through the wilderness.
5 Other Deep Lakes in the U.S.
While Crater Lake holds the crown as the deepest lake in the United States, there are several other impressive contenders.
No. 2: Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe, located on the border between California and Nevada, is the second-deepest lake in the United States. With a depth of 1,645 feet (501 meters), it offers similar breathtaking views and unspoiled landscapes to Crater Lake, though it is far more accessible for tourists.
No. 3: Lake Chelan
At a depth of 1,486 feet (453 meters), Lake Chelan in Washington State takes its name from a Salish word meaning 'deep water.'
Not only is Lake Chelan one of the deepest lakes in the U.S., but it is also much closer to urban areas than Crater Lake. This proximity makes it a popular spot for a variety of recreational activities, including fishing for rainbow trout and other species.
No. 4: Lake Superior
Lake Superior, which borders Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the Canadian province of Ontario, is not only among the deepest lakes in the U.S., but also one of the largest in terms of surface area.
In fact, Lake Superior holds the title of the largest lake in the world by surface area, containing 10 percent of the planet's surface freshwater. With a depth of 1,333 feet (406 meters), it's impressively deep as well.
No. 5: Lake Pend Oreille
Located in the rugged mountains of Idaho, Lake Pend Oreille reaches a depth of 1,152 feet (351 meters). Shaped by glaciers during the last ice age, this lake is a major tourist destination and a habitat for a diverse range of birds, mammals, and fish.
No. 6: Lake Clark
To explore the next body of water on our list, we need to head beyond the lower 48 states to the wilds of Alaska, where you'll find Lake Clark. With a depth of 1,056 feet (322 meters), Lake Clark is also the focal point of its own national park, encompassing more than 4 million acres of stunning natural beauty.
How Does Crater Lake Compare to the Deepest Lakes Worldwide?
Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the U.S., but how does it stack up globally? While it's often listed as the seventh-deepest lake in the world, there is some confusion regarding its exact rank—it's actually the ninth deepest (or perhaps the tenth, as discussed below). This uncertainty stems from varying classifications and recent measurements.
- Lake Vostok: Located in Antarctica, Lake Vostok presents unique challenges for accurate measurements and tourism. This subglacial lake lies beneath a massive glacier, under 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) of ice. If included in global rankings, it would take the sixth spot, with a depth of 2,950 feet (899 meters).
- O'Higgins/San Martín Lake: Straddling the border between Chile and Argentina, O'Higgins/San Martín Lake has a maximum depth of 2,743 feet (836 meters). Recent studies have confirmed that its depth is even greater than initially thought.
- Caspian Sea: There is some debate over the classification of the Caspian Sea. Often considered a sea, it is technically an endorheic basin, meaning it has no outlet. If counted as a lake, it would be the largest in the world and the third-deepest, at 3,363 feet (1,025 meters).
What Is the Deepest Lake in the World?
The honor is bestowed upon Lake Baikal, located in Siberia, Russia. At a staggering depth of 5,387 feet (1,642 meters), it stands as the deepest lake in the world—almost three times deeper than Crater Lake. Additionally, it holds the title of the largest freshwater lake by volume, containing approximately 22 to 23 percent of Earth's fresh water.
