Lake Arakul, Protected natural lake in Vishnevogorsk, Russia

Lake Arakul is a protected body of water in Chelyabinsk Oblast surrounded by forested slopes and rocky hills. The water remains relatively clear throughout the year and supports diverse plant and animal life.

Lake Arakul was declared a natural monument in 1969. Its shores and surroundings hold Neolithic Uralic camps with stone knives, arrowheads and nucleuses, pottery of forest and steppe cultures, and copper tools of the Itkul culture. The oldest Gamayun culture camp dates to the 13th century BCE.

The name Arakul comes from Bashkir, meaning "intermediate lake" or "lake between mountains". Toponymist Nikolai Shuvalov derives it from the words "ara" and "kul", and notes it may also come from the Bashkir male name Arakol. Since the 1960s the lake's water has supplied the village of Vishnevogorsk.

The lake is most accessible during summer months when roads and pathways are in good condition for visiting. Visitors should come prepared for changing weather and bring suitable clothing for outdoor exploration.

The Arakul Shikhans are a rock massif about 1 km southwest of the lake, not peaks rising from the water. Nine campsites of ancient people with stone objects of cult purpose were found near them. Climbers use the steeper eastern part for training and competitions.