Lakes are nature’s mirrors, reflecting the landscapes and skies above while offering some of the most surreal views on Earth.  Among the thousands of lakes dotting our planet, a select few boast colors so vibrant and unusual that they appear almost otherworldly.  These lakes, with their striking hues, often owe their unique appearances to geological, biological, or chemical phenomena.  From shades of pink and turquoise to emerald green, these waters draw millions of visitors each year.  Here is a list of the top 10 lakes with unique colors, ranked by size, each with its own fascinating story.

#1: Lake Superior – 31,700 Square Miles

Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes, is famed for its clear, deep blue waters.  Spanning approximately 31,700 square miles, it stretches across the U.S.-Canada border and is shared by Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ontario.  The lake’s pristine appearance stems from its cold temperatures and low nutrient levels, which limit algae growth.  Despite its size, Lake Superior occasionally mesmerizes visitors with streaks of turquoise or green, a result of sunlight reflecting off suspended minerals after storms.  The Anishinaabe people, who have lived near the lake for centuries, revere it as “Gitchigumi,” meaning “Big Water.”  Local legends tell of spirits residing within its depths, and shipwrecks like the famed Edmund Fitzgerald add a haunting allure to its vast expanse.  Visitors can hike along its rugged shores, exploring waterfalls and cliffs that add to its majestic beauty.

#2: Lake Tahoe – 191 Square Miles

Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Lake Tahoe’s iconic cobalt blue hue has earned it global fame.  Covering 191 square miles, the lake straddles California and Nevada.  Its color comes from its depth, reaching over 1,600 feet in some areas, and the purity of its water.  Tahoe’s clarity is due to minimal sediment and algae, although recent environmental challenges have slightly diminished its pristine state.  A local Washoe legend tells of a powerful spirit living in the lake’s depths, protecting its waters.  Visitors flock here year-round, enjoying activities like boating, skiing, and hiking, with sights like Emerald Bay showcasing a striking blend of turquoise and emerald shades.

#3: Lake Louise – 0.31 Square Miles

Lake Louise, tucked within Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada, is renowned for its turquoise waters, a result of glacial flour—fine rock particles suspended in the water.  At only 0.31 square miles, it may be small, but its beauty is immense.  Surrounded by towering peaks and the Victoria Glacier, the lake has been a sacred site for Indigenous peoples for centuries.  In the late 19th century, the Canadian Pacific Railway brought tourists to its shores, cementing its place as a world-renowned destination.  Anecdotes abound of early explorers being mesmerized by its “milky, blue-green waters,” a view that remains unchanged today.  Visitors can canoe across its surface or hike trails for panoramic vistas.

#4: Crater Lake – 20 Square Miles

Crater Lake, located in southern Oregon, is famed for its deep blue color and remarkable clarity.  Spanning 20 square miles, it occupies a caldera formed 7,700 years ago after the collapse of Mount Mazama.  With no rivers flowing in or out, its waters are fed solely by rain and snowmelt, maintaining extraordinary purity.  Indigenous Klamath legends describe the lake as a sacred site, linked to a fierce battle between gods that shaped the landscape.  Today, visitors marvel at the lake’s hues, which shift with light and weather conditions, and explore Wizard Island, a volcanic cone within the lake.

#5: Lake Natron – 360 Square Miles

Lake Natron in northern Tanzania is one of the most unusual lakes in the world, with waters that shimmer in shades of red and orange.  Covering 360 square miles, its vivid colors are caused by salt-loving microorganisms and algae thriving in its alkaline waters.  With a pH as high as 10.5, the lake is inhospitable to most life forms, but flamingos flock here to breed, adding a spectacle of pink against the lake’s fiery hues.  Local Maasai communities consider the lake sacred, and myths tell of spirits that guard its shores.  Despite its harsh conditions,  Lake Natron remains an ecological wonder and a surreal sight for adventurous travelers.

#6: Laguna Colorada – 23 Square Miles

Nestled within Bolivia’s Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, Laguna Colorada’s crimson waters create a stunning contrast against the surrounding desert.  At 23 square miles, its vibrant color results from red algae and high concentrations of minerals.  The lake’s shallow waters are dotted with white borax islands, adding to its surreal beauty.  Flamingos, particularly the rare James’s flamingo, thrive here, feeding on the abundant algae.  Local folklore speaks of the lake as a “gift from the gods,” with its red hue symbolizing life and vitality.  Travelers often include Laguna Colorada in their exploration of Bolivia’s otherworldly landscapes.

#7: Moraine Lake – 0.5 Square Miles

Moraine Lake, located in Canada’s Banff National Park, is famed for its brilliant turquoise waters, a result of glacial silt refracting sunlight.  Spanning just 0.5 square miles, it’s smaller than Lake Louise but no less captivating.  Surrounded by the Valley of Ten Peaks, it’s a photographer’s paradise, often gracing postcards and travel brochures.  Indigenous peoples regard the lake and its surroundings as sacred, with stories of spirits inhabiting the area.  Today, visitors hike trails like the Rockpile for stunning views or paddle across the lake’s tranquil surface.

#8: Lake Hillier – 0.17 Square Miles

Lake Hillier on Middle Island, off Australia’s southern coast, is a bubblegum-pink marvel.  At just 0.17 square miles, its color is attributed to the presence of Dunaliella salina algae and halophilic bacteria.  Discovered in 1802 by British navigator Matthew Flinders, the lake has puzzled scientists for centuries.  While it’s safe to swim in, its remote location makes it difficult to access.  Local lore describes the lake as “a divine painting” that defies nature’s norms.  Aerial tours offer the best views of this vivid anomaly, as the pink water contrasts starkly with the surrounding greenery and blue ocean.

#9: Spotted Lake – 0.18 Square Miles

Located in British Columbia, Canada, Spotted Lake covers 0.18 square miles and is dotted with colorful mineral-rich pools.  These spots change in size and color throughout the year, depending on evaporation levels.  Indigenous Okanagan people consider it a sacred site, believed to have healing powers. Early settlers reportedly used its mineral deposits to treat ailments, adding to its mystique.  Today, visitors admire the lake from designated viewing areas to preserve its fragile ecosystem.

#10: Kawah Ijen Crater Lake – 0.28 Square Miles

Kawah Ijen Crater Lake in Indonesia is a surreal turquoise gem set within an active volcanic crater.  Covering 0.28 square miles, its striking color comes from high sulfur concentrations.  The lake’s acidic waters are among the most acidic on Earth, with a pH near zero.  Miners brave its harsh conditions to extract sulfur, creating an awe-inspiring yet challenging human connection to the lake.  At night, the surrounding area glows with “blue fire,” a phenomenon caused by burning sulfur gases.  Visitors often hike to the crater’s edge to witness its otherworldly beauty.

These lakes with their mesmerizing colors remind us of nature’s boundless creativity.  Each is a unique blend of geological, chemical, and biological phenomena, offering experiences that range from serene to surreal.  Whether steeped in Indigenous legend or drawing scientific curiosity, these lakes are confirmation to the wonders of our planet, inviting us to marvel, protect, and cherish their beauty for generations to come.