Tustumena Lake is a high-elevation, glacially fed reservoir in southcentral Alaska, known for emerald waters, year-round snow, and serving as a gateway to nearby glacier hikes.
Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Alaska |
| Subregion | Southcentral Alaska |
| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| County | Kenai Peninsula |
| District | Tustumena |
| City | Tustumena |
| Timezone | AmericaAnchorage |
| Latitude | 60.5167 |
| Longitude | -151.2 |
| Maps |
Tustumena Lake sits at approximately 700-2000 meters elevation in the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska, a broad, glacially shaped basin carved by historic ice flow. The lake’s deep teal waters come from mountain glaciers draining into its catchment—most notably Tustumena Glacier to the north. Circling the lake are rugged alpine landscapes, and its shoreline is sparsely developed, primarily used for recreation and access to backcountry routes. During winter, the lake remains partially ice-covered, while summer temperatures generally cool to the high teens or low twenties Celsius. The region around Tustumena Lake offers multi-day backpacking, mountain hunting, and access to classic glacier hikes; passende gear includes sturdy boots, layers for rapidly changing weather, and appropriate safety training. The lake’s remote valley environment provides a low-traffic alternative for visitors willing to hike or float into alpine and glacial terrain.
All content was written by our AI and may contain a few mistakes. We may earn commissions on some links. Last updated: Sun Dec 14, 2025, 2:55 AM
