The United States boasts an astronomical number of lakes. Some are very small, offering shoreline area for a hundred or so cabins and homes, while others span multiple counties. It is easy to find a vacation destination on a lake if you know where to look; however, if you are looking for a unique experience, consider one of these lakes for your next getaway...

The United States boasts an astronomical number of lakes. Some are very small, offering shoreline area for a hundred or so cabins and homes, while others span multiple counties. It is easy to find a vacation destination on a lake if you know where to look; however, if you are looking for a unique experience, consider one of these lakes for your next getaway.

Crater Lake, Oregon
A caldera lake in Oregon, Crater Lake partially fills the 4,000 foot caldera which is estimated to have formed around 5,600 BC. What is most unique about this lake is that it boasts the clearest waters in the world. This may be due to the fact that it does not get waters from any rivers or tributaries that would serve to disturb soil and rocks from the bottom of the lake. This is also the deepest lake in the country and the ninth deepest lake in the world, measuring 1,949 feet deep at its deepest point.

Lake Mead, Nevada
First created to supply water to the area communities, Lake Mead stretches over 100 miles across the state. What makes Lake Mead unique and impressive is the massive Hoover Dam that holds the waters of the lake in place. This dam is a popular tourist site for visitors to Las Vegas. Another factor that makes the lake both unique and very popular for tourists is its many channels that lead off the sides of the lake on either side. These are ideal for anchoring a house boat, swimming, and jet skiing, away from the main boat traffic.

Lake Waiau, Hawaii
In Hawaii, you will find Lake Waiau, a small lake that measures only about 32 feet across. It is the highest lake above sea level in the world, and it sits atop an active volcano. The lake rests 13,020 feet above sea level in Mauna Kea, Hawaii, and is actually the highest lake ever to be snorkeled. The name, Waiau, means “swirling water,” although the waters of Lake Waiau are usually quite still.

Great Salt Lake, Utah
Known as "America's Dead Sea", the Great Salt Lake is the largest salt lake in the western hemisphere and the fourth largest in the world. The warm waters often cause increased lake effect, causing large amounts of snow to form, even in the summer months. This lake is unusually salty, causing people and objects to experience increased buoyancy, meaning it is very easy to float on top of the waters, especially in the saltiest area in the northwest region of the lake.