Top 4 Lakes in the Saint Elias Mountains

The Saint Elias Mountains are home to several stunning lakes. In the Yukon, you'll find Kathleen Lake (Mät’àtäna Män), known for its clear waters and mountain backdrop, and Kluane Lake, the largest lake entirely within the Yukon. Dezadeash Lake is notable for its warmer waters, while St. Elias Lake offers a serene sub-alpine experience. In Alaska, Alsek Lake is characterized by dynamic glacial activity, and Iceberg Lake provides unique glacier exploration opportunities.

The best time to visit is generally during the spring and summer months. Wildflowers are abundant in spring and early summer, and the warmer temperatures make activities like hiking and camping more enjoyable. Dezadeash Lake, for example, can reach surface temperatures of 18° Celsius or higher in summer, attracting migratory birds in spring.

Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly options. Kathleen Lake (Mät’àtäna Män) has day-use areas, campgrounds, and the wheelchair-accessible Kokanee Trail. St. Elias Lake is also ideal for families or beginner backcountry campers, with a manageable trail and established campground facilities. The Small Lake on the Auriol Trail is also considered family-friendly.

The lakes in the Saint Elias Mountains are rich in wildlife. You might spot bear, moose, and mountain goats around St. Elias Lake. Dezadeash Lake is an important staging area for migratory birds like Tundra and Trumpeter swans, and various ducks. In the Alaskan lakes, such as Iceberg Lake and Alsek Lake, grizzly bears and occasionally wolverines are often sighted. Be aware that areas like the Situk Lake Trail can have higher odds of encountering bears when fish are running.

There are numerous hiking opportunities. For example, the Auriol Trail leads through boreal forest to sub-alpine zones with mountain views. The Saint Elias Lake Trail offers a challenging but rewarding journey through the Yukon backcountry. You can find more hiking options, including easy and family-friendly routes, in the Hiking in the Saint Elias Mountains guide.

While many lakes are glacier-fed and can be very cold, some are more suitable for swimming. Dezadeash Lake, being relatively shallow, can reach warmer surface temperatures in the summer, making it one of the warmer lakes in the southern Yukon. Always exercise caution and be aware of water temperatures and currents.

Yes, several lakes offer camping. Kathleen Lake (Mät’àtäna Män) has a well-maintained campsite with toilets and fresh drinking water. St. Elias Lake also features an established campground with tent pads, a fire pit, and an outhouse, suitable for overnight trips. Dezadeash Lake has a government campground with an accessible boat launch near its southern end.

Kluane Lake is the largest lake entirely within the Yukon. Historically fed by the Slims River, its ecosystem underwent significant changes in 2016 due to glacial meltwater diversion, impacting its water chemistry and fish populations. Despite these changes, it remains an important part of the Kluane First Nation's traditional territory and offers scenic views along the Alaska Highway. You can learn more about its history and changes on Wikipedia.

The lakes offer diverse natural features. Alsek Lake is heavily influenced by dynamic glacial activity, with the Grand Plateau and Alsek Glaciers descending to water level, often featuring icebergs. Iceberg Lake also boasts a glacier on its valley floor that can be explored. Kathleen Lake is known for its crystal-clear waters set against the Kluane Range mountains, and St. Elias Lake is a sub-alpine gem nestled between tall peaks with abundant wildflowers.

Many lakes provide stunning backdrops for photography. Kathleen Lake (Mät’àtäna Män), with its clear waters and mountain views, is particularly photogenic. The Small Lake on the Auriol Trail also offers great photo opportunities, especially with a nearby bench for resting and composing shots. The dynamic, iceberg-filled landscape of Alsek Lake provides unique and dramatic photographic subjects.

Dezadeash Lake is unique for its relatively shallow depth, which allows its surface temperature to warm up significantly in the summer, sometimes reaching 18° Celsius or higher. This makes it one of the warmer lakes in the southern Yukon. It's also a crucial staging area for various migratory birds in the spring, including Tundra and Trumpeter swans. More information can be found on Wikipedia.