Alaska lakes and rivers

Alaska's interior and arctic regions are defined by vast networks of freshwater systems and remote wilderness. This collection highlights the state's diverse hydrology, from the Kobuk River—known for its Great Kobuk Sand Dunes—to high-latitude glacial bodies like Lake Schrader in the Brooks Range. Many of these sites, including Old John Lake and Sheenjek Lake, are situated within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), serving as critical habitats for migratory wildlife and traditional subsistence areas for indigenous communities.

Alaska's Lakes and Rivers — Map

A

Dot Lake

Small pond located in the Alaska Interior near the historic highway community of the same name.

LCGS Russ / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Kobuk River

The Kobuk River'

C

Cache Lake

Remote lake located in the eastern Brooks Range within the boundaries of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

D

Old John Lake

A large freshwater lake in the southern Brooks Range, traditionally significant to the Gwich'in people for subsistence fishing.

E

Lake Tuvak

Arctic lake located in the North Slope region near the Beaufort Sea coast.

F

328

Small unnamed lake in the remote North Slope region of Alaska.

G

333

Remote body of water located in the northern wilderness of the North Slope.

H

Windy Lake

High-latitude pond situated in the northwestern corner of the state near the Chukchi Sea.

I

329

Unnamed lake located in the vast tundra landscape of Alaska's North Slope.

J

Nauraqpak Lake

Freshwater lake located in the Selawik National Wildlife Refuge region of Northwest Alaska.

K

Sheenjek Lake

Remote lake in the Sheenjek River valley, part of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

L

Lake Schrader

Glacial lake in the Brooks Range, paired with Lake Peters and flanked by the Franklin Mountains.

M

Khaali Lake

Small lake in the northeastern interior, situated near the Christian River.

N

Soloman Lake

Remote lake located in the upper reaches of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

O

Redfish Lake

High-latitude lake in the eastern Brooks Range, north of the Arctic Circle.

P

Vettekwi Lake

Remote body of water in the northeastern Alaska wilderness, near the Canadian border.

Q

Duitatuk lake

Small lake located in the rugged terrain of the southern Brooks Range.

R

Coming Portage Lake

Freshwater lake in the eastern Brooks Range region of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

S

Island Lake

Remote lake in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge characterized by its central island.

T

Grass Lake

Shallow pond located in the remote wilderness of the northeastern Alaska interior.

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