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The maar lakes at Bering Land Bridge National Preserve are the largest in the world.
The largest maar lakes in the world, Qitiqliik (Devil Mountain Maar Lakes), are located in the northwest region of Bering Land Bridge National Preserve. Qitiqliik translates to "two in the middle," referring to the way these maar lakes overlap with each other.
These massive water-filled craters are over three miles in diameter. Maar lakes in Bering Land Bridge range in diameter from 13,000 to 26,000 feet with depths approaching 1,000 feet.
Maar lakes are created from enormous explosions, resulting when hot magma comes into contact with permafrost. These explosions leave behind craters that later fill with rainwater and snowmelt.
The maar lakes in Bering Land Bridge can be accessed by float plane (lake landings), non-motorized vehicle, on foot, or by snowmachine in winter. Outdoor activities include scenic viewing, photography, and hiking along the shoreline of the lakes.
