This 40,000-acre Lake Is So Clean It’s Dubbed the ‘Caribbean of Arkansas’

Whereas the intense blue, crystal clear Caribbean Sea could garner all kinds of consideration, there are greater than a handful of freshwater lakes that rival the tropical area’s most pristine waters by way of colour and readability.

Switzerland’s Lake Geneva and Lake Lucerne, as an example, exhibit their glittering hues within the sunshine. There’s additionally Lake Annecy in France, Lake Winnipeg in Canada, and the Blue Lake in New Zealand. Within the U.S., a few our bodies of water could instantly come to thoughts, like Lake Tahoe, Crater Lake, and Lake George, amongst others. There’s additionally one lake that will have much less highly effective identify recognition, however its waters are simply as beautiful: Lake Ouachita.

Situated in west-central Arkansas, nearly 10 miles from Hot Springs National Park, the 40,000-acre lake, recognized for its extremely clear, clear water, is surrounded by the Ouachita Nationwide Forest. The identify “Ouachita,” pronounced “Wash-ah-taw,” is the French spelling of the Native word “Washita,” which comes from the Choctaw phrase “Owa Chito,” or “massive hunt.”

Lake Ouachita’s magnificence is multifaceted. It’s comparatively undeveloped—properties aren’t allowed to be constructed straight on the shoreline—giving it a wild, rugged nature, however the lake itself is artifical. The U.S. Military Corps of Engineers constructed the reservoir between the years of 1946 and 1954; it’s considered one of three lakes constructed by damming the Ouachita River. Lake Hamilton and Lake Catherine are its neighbors.

Though the water attracts comparisons to the Caribbean, one of the crucial important variations is the truth that the lake has a forest beneath the floor. So although its averages round 50 toes deep and measures in at 200 toes at its deepest level, shallow waters and even tree tops are nonetheless prevalent; 60-foot-tall timber had been left standing when the lake was crammed in.

In addition to underwater timber, the lake has all kinds of wildlife, together with freshwater sponges, freshwater jellyfish, and even freshwater shrimp. A number of species of fish additionally name Lake Ouachita dwelling, and anglers have the possibility to catch striped bass, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, and bream.

Together with fishing, guests go swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and tenting. In actual fact, there are over 200 islands inside the lake the place yow will discover a distant, personal campsite. And should you desire one thing a bit extra civilized? There are eight cabins inside Lake Ouachita State Park that you may hire for an in a single day keep.