Redoubt Lake, Meromictic lake in Baranof Island, Alaska.
Redoubt Lake is a glacial lake on Baranof Island, situated in a valley carved by ancient ice within Tongass National Forest. The body of water features two distinct layers: a freshwater zone above and a much denser saltwater layer below.
Russian navigators gave this lake its name in the early 1800s and built a nearby settlement to process fish. The settlement operated for several decades as an important economic center for the region.
The lake held meaning for early settlers who relied on its waters for sustenance and commerce. The connection between the community and this place shaped how people lived and organized their activities around fishing.
The lake is large and extends through a remote forest setting, making access challenging for most visitors. Plan to spend adequate time traveling to reach the water and exploring the surrounding environment safely.
The deeper layers of water contain hydrogen sulfide, a chemical compound rarely found in freshwater systems. This hidden quality makes the lake scientifically notable to researchers studying unusual water chemistry.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
