Exploring the Most Remote Mountain Lakes in the United States

If you’re looking for an escape from the daily grind, few places rival the serene beauty of remote mountain lakes. Tucked away in rugged wilderness, these hidden gems require hikes, paddles, or off-road treks to reach, offering up both solitude and memorable vistas. Today, we’ll explore six of the most remote mountain lakes in the United States, complete with a radar chart comparing their remoteness and a map to help plan your adventure.

What makes a lake “remote”? It’s about accessibility, distance from crowds, and that feeling of being worlds away. We’ll focus on lakes in mountainous regions, drawing from national park guides and travel articles. Below, you’ll find descriptions, access details, tips, and a visual comparison of their remoteness.

How Do Fish Get Into Isolated Lakes High In The Mountains?

Radar Chart: Comparing Remoteness

To compare the remoteness of these lakes, I’ve created a radar chart. Each lake is scored (0-10) across four factors: Distance from Major Roads, Trail Difficulty, Crowd Scarcity, and Access Type (e.g., hiking, paddling). Higher scores indicate greater remoteness. Data is estimated based on descriptions from sources such as national park websites and travel guides.

This chart shows Azure Lake as the most remote, with high scores across all factors due to its lack of trails and off-grid access. Lake Genevieve and Flower Lake strike a balance between moderate difficulty and high solitude, while Skilak Lake is less remote due to its easier road access.

Top Remote Mountain Lakes to Explore

1. Lake Genevieve, Desolation Wilderness, California

In the Sierra Nevada near South Lake Tahoe, Lake Genevieve is a backcountry gem. A 10-mile out-and-back hike with river crossings and muddy trails leads to clear, fish-filled waters and quiet campsites.

Highlights: Trout fishing, starry nights, nearby peaks for day hikes.
How to Get There: Start at Meeks Bay Trailhead—permits required for overnight stays.
Remoteness Notes: Moderate distance from roads, challenging trail, and few visitors.

2. Azure Lake, North Cascades National Park, Washington

Deep in the North Cascades, Azure Lake’s vibrant blue waters are reached by paddling up a river or bushwhacking through dense forest—no trails exist. Its isolation makes it a true wilderness escape.

Highlights: Kayaking, chilly swims, wildlife like bears and eagles.
How to Get There: Launch from a river access point; prepare for off-trail navigation.
Remoteness Notes: Far from roads, complicated access, nearly crowd-free.

Image of Flower Lake, CA by Marty B via Flickr CC

3. Flower Lake, John Muir Wilderness, California

In the Eastern Sierra’s John Muir Wilderness, Flower Lake sits among sandy beaches and granite peaks. Reached via the Onion Valley Trail, it’s a stargazer’s haven with lakeside campsites.

Highlights: Wildlife, canoeing, fishing amid summer wildflowers. Permits needed.
How to Get There: Hike 4-5 miles from Onion Valley Campground with elevation gain.
Remoteness Notes: Moderate distance and trail difficulty, low crowds.

4. Kintla Lake, Glacier National Park, Montana

Near the Canadian border in Glacier National Park’s remote north, Kintla Lake lies 40 miles from the nearest entrance via rough dirt roads. Its glacial waters and quiet trails are untouched.

Highlights: Paddleboarding, viewpoint hikes, remote camping. Watch for grizzlies!
How to Get There: Drive Inside North Fork Road; boat access enhances adventure.
Remoteness Notes: Very far from roads, moderate access difficulty, sparse visitors.

5. Lake Lila, Adirondack Park, New York

In New York’s Adirondack wilderness, Lake Lila is a paddler’s paradise, accessible only by a 6-mile dirt road and a short portage. It’s part of a Dark Sky area, ideal for stargazing.

Highlights: Canoeing to campsites, fishing, hiking Mount Frederica. No motors allowed.
How to Get There: Drive to the trailhead, then carry gear for portage.
Remoteness Notes: Moderate distance, easy trails, and boat-only access boost solitude.

Shutterbug671 – Photos’s photo, licensed as CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

6. Skilak Lake, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska

On Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, Skilak Lake is surrounded by mountains and reached via a 14-mile gravel road. It’s a haven for anglers and wildlife enthusiasts in rugged terrain.

Highlights: Ice fishing, boating, spotting moose or bears. Great for multi-day trips.
How to Get There: From Sterling Highway, take Skilak Lake Road; expect rough conditions.
Remoteness Notes: Fairly remote by road, easy trails, moderate crowds.

Tips for Visiting Remote Lakes

Permits and Regulations: Many require wilderness permits; check with agencies like USFS or NPS.
Preparation: Pack bear canisters, water filters, and navigation tools. Mountain weather shifts fast.
Safety: Share plans with someone; consider using satellite communicators in areas with no service.
Sustainability: Use established trails and campsites to minimize impact.

These remote mountain lakes are America’s wild heart. Whether hiking in California or paddling in Alaska, they promise unforgettable adventures. The radar chart above highlights Azure Lake as the ultimate remote retreat, but each offers unique rewards. Have you visited any? Share your stories below!

For more, explore The Travel’s remote lakes list or national park websites.

Happy trails!

Featured image Credit: Photo by Andrew E. Russell, licensed under CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.