Torch Lake is the lake people show you photos of and you don't quite believe. On a sunny day the shallows turn a bright turquoise that looks more like the Caribbean than Northern Michigan. It's about 15 minutes from our homes near Bellaire, and it's the centerpiece of the Chain of Lakes.
Torch Lake at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | About 19 miles, Michigan's longest inland lake |
| Width | Up to about 2 miles |
| Area | About 29 square miles, second only to Houghton Lake among Michigan's inland lakes |
| Depth | About 300 feet at its deepest, averaging around 111 feet |
| Volume | The largest of any inland lake in Michigan |
| Counties | Antrim and Kalkaska |
| Communities on the shore | Alden, Eastport, Clam River and Torch River |
Because it's so deep, Torch Lake holds more water than any other inland lake in the state, and it stays cold and clear well into summer.
Why is Torch Lake so blue?
The color comes from very clear water over a pale, sandy bottom. Much of the shallow lakebed is covered in marl, a light-colored, calcium carbonate-rich sediment that reflects sunlight back up through the water. Where it's shallow you see turquoise. Where the bottom drops away, the water turns a deep blue.
The best color is on a calm, sunny day, especially over the shallows near the south end.
Where the name comes from
The name comes from the Ojibwe waaswaaganing, usually translated as "place of torches" or "place of flames." It refers to the torches fishers carried at night to draw fish to the surface. Early settlers called it Torch Light Lake, which was later shortened.
How Torch Lake fits into the Chain of Lakes
Torch Lake is one link in a series of lakes and rivers that runs through Antrim County:
- Water flows from Six Mile Lake down the Intermediate River to Lake Bellaire, right through Bellaire.
- The Grass River carries it from Lake Bellaire into Clam Lake.
- The short Clam River empties Clam Lake into Torch Lake.
- The Torch River drains Torch Lake into Lake Skegemog, which opens into Elk Lake.
- Elk Lake empties into Grand Traverse Bay at Elk Rapids.
That makes Bellaire a natural base: you're on the Chain of Lakes in town, and Torch Lake is a short drive away. To paddle it, see our guide to the Chain of Lakes Water Trail.
The Torch Lake sandbar
The sandbar at the south end of the lake is Torch Lake's most famous spot. Boats anchor in shallow, waist-deep water and people wade, swim and float for the afternoon. It's busiest on summer weekends and especially around the Fourth of July. Read our full guide to visiting the Torch Lake sandbar.
Public beaches and boat launches
Most of the Torch Lake shoreline is private, so plan around the public access points:
- Alden: the village of Alden, on the east side of the lake toward the south end, has a public beach downtown and a boat launch at the west end of Helena Road.
- Torch Lake Township Day Park: on the west side of the lake at the end of Public Dock Road, off US-31. It has a swimming area, a playground, picnic areas and a public boat launch, which charges a fee. Parking is limited, so arrive early on summer weekends.
For more places to swim, including Bellaire's own beach and Lake Michigan, see our guide to beaches near Bellaire.
Boating on Torch Lake
Torch Lake is big enough for a full day of cruising, tubing or water skiing. A few things to know:
- Watch the no-wake zones. Slow down in rivers, marinas and near the river mouths, and stay slow near shore and around the sandbar.
- No overnight mooring. Boats can't be left moored on the lake overnight, and public accesses close at night.
- Clean, drain, dry. Clean your boat before launching to keep invasive species out of the Chain of Lakes.
Don't have a boat? Rental companies around the lake rent pontoons, speedboats and jet skis by the day or half day. Book early for July and August.
Fishing on Torch Lake
Torch Lake's deep, cold water supports a wide mix of fish. Anglers go after lake trout, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, rock bass, pike, muskellunge, whitefish, ciscoes, and brown and rainbow trout. A Michigan fishing license is required.
When to visit Torch Lake
- July and August: the warmest water and the classic sandbar days. Also the busiest time.
- June and September: fewer boats and easier parking. The water is cooler, but the color is just as good.
- Fall: no swimming weather, but the drive around the lake during color season is beautiful.
Where to stay near Torch Lake
Lakefront homes on Torch Lake are rare and book far ahead. Staying a short drive away in Bellaire often gets you more space for the money, plus hot tubs, game rooms and pool access. See our guide to vacation rentals near Torch Lake.
Alm Haus
A renovated Northwoods chalet 5 minutes from Schuss Mountain, with a hot tub under the pines, triple-queen bunk room, game room and stargazing dome.
Check dates and book direct →
White Birch Cabin
A newly built log cabin on 100 feet of private Lake Michigan shoreline, with a barrel sauna, kayaks and a paddleboard, and a big lakefront deck.
Check dates and book direct →
Seven Pines Chalet
A cabin on 1.6 wooded acres with a private trail to a Lake Michigan beach, a hot tub under a gazebo, a game room and two fire pits.
Check dates and book direct →Frequently asked questions
How long is Torch Lake?
About 19 miles, which makes it the longest inland lake in Michigan.
How deep is Torch Lake?
About 300 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of around 111 feet. It's the deepest inland lake in Michigan.
Why is Torch Lake so blue?
Very clear water over a pale bottom of sand and marl, a calcium carbonate-rich sediment that reflects sunlight back up through the water.
Is there a public beach on Torch Lake?
Yes. Alden has a public beach downtown, and Torch Lake Township Day Park, off US-31, has a public swimming area and boat launch.
How far is Torch Lake from Bellaire?
About 15 minutes by car from our homes near Schuss Mountain. Bellaire sits on the Chain of Lakes, which flows into Torch Lake.
Sources
Details checked in October 2026 against Conserve Torch, Torch Lake Township and published references on the lake. Hours, fees and rules change, so confirm before you go.