Iliamna Lake

Iliamna Lake, the second-largest freshwater lake in the nation and one of the best lakes to visit in Alaska, is situated west of Cook Inlet in the state's southwest. The lake was given its name by the Tanaina Indians, and according to legend, it is home to a fictitious giant blackfish that eats holes out of canoes.

Six villages can be found on its shores, and the 300,000 hectare lake is home to a number of islands. The villages' economies are heavily reliant on fishing and tourism, with the world's largest sockeye salmon run occurring in Iliamna Lake.