Mageik Lakes

Waterfalls and glacially carved lava flows abound near Mageik Lakes.

NPS Photo / M. Fitz

Quick Facts

Location:

Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes

Significance:

Glacial lakes

Designation:

Wilderness

When explorers first entered the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, they found the toe of two glaciers occupying the basin where two beautiful but distinct lakes sit today. Surrounded by cascading waterfalls, a muddy, silt-laden lake can be found where the Buttress Range meets the slopes of Mount Mageik and Mount Martin. Closer to Katmai Pass, a turquoise colored lake can be found.