While most diving in Alaska is conducted in salt water, there are a few lake sites that are fun to dive, too. Whether you decide to beat the heat that can sometimes come over inland Alaska during the summer months, or if you decide to battle sub-zero temperatures for a dive under what might just be the world's clearest ice, you'll love these wilderness lake dives. Let’s take a closer look!
Harding Lake
Harding Lake State Recreation Area is located 45 miles south of Fairbanks. Established in 1967, it is one of Alaska's oldest state parks. Home to a wide array of freshwater fish, including lake trout, burbot, pike, and Arctic Char, the lake can be entered from shore or by boat. While it is quite shallow near shore, Harding Lake features maximum depth at about 130 feet. There is an interesting wall to explore about 400 yards out and just a little to the left of the boat launch; this area attracts some very large fish, most of which hang suspended at depths between 50 and 70 feet.
Topside, the lake offers plenty of camping, with sites for tents and RV's. There are volleyball nets and horseshoe pits, plus you can go fishing if you like. There are fees for day use and for camping, plus there are restrooms and other amenities. Be prepared for chilly water no matter what time of year you visit, and be on the lookout for the moose and other animals that sometimes make their way into the recreation area.
Birch Lake
Accessed via the military recreation area road at mile marker 305.2 of the Richardson Highway, Birch Lake is popular with all water sports enthusiasts, so during the summer, be very careful of boats and jet skis. It's never a bad idea to dive with a flag here, even though there are no regulations regarding dive flag use. Featuring maximum depth at just over 38 feet and famous as the site where the Discovery Channel's series Ice Road Truckers was filmed, Birch Lake is an interesting place to dive during the summer, with plenty of fish, frogs, and other lake creatures in residence; during the winter though, you'll be amazed by the clarity of the lake's ice. If you've ever watched Ice Road Truckers, and seen shots of trucks rolling overhead through four feet of ice, then you know a little bit about what to expect! Interestingly enough, the ice used for the world ice carving championships in Fairbanks is sourced from Birch Lake.
No matter when you visit, you'll find yourself swimming with silver and king salmon, rainbow trout, grayling and Arctic Char. Camping is available as are toilets and well water, however it is advisable to bring your own firewood since there is little available in the wetland forest surrounding the lake. During the winter, ice fishing huts are available for rent; these are equipped with woodstoves and accommodate four; while you cannot dive from beneath them, they make nice warming huts. Normally, ice diving is possible from December through March.
As you might expect, temperatures in these lakes are chilly year round. Stay comfortable with the help of a drysuit, and don't forget your camera. Last, but not least, carry a sharp knife to help free yourself from the fishing line that sometimes creates entanglement hazards, and bring your camera to capture photos of some of the huge trout you're likely to meet.