Seven Color Lake

Seven Color Lake

Seven Color Lake is a lake situated on the eastern side of the main ridge of Taiwan's Central Mountain Range, at an altitude of 2,980 meters. It spans an area of about 2 hectares and reaches a maximum depth of 8 meters, ranking as the second deepest alpine lake in Taiwan. According to legend, it earned its name after Lin Wen-an, revered as the “Father of Taiwan’s Hundred Mountains,” chanced upon the breathtaking multicolored reflections on the lake’s surface under the sunrise. It is also said that groups of sika deer often come to drink at the lake during dusk, which has led to it being affectionately called “Deer Lake” or “Deer Pond.”

Seven Color Lake actually consists of two lakes—one larger and one smaller—the smaller one being called Seven Color Lake Sister Pool. The two lakes are about 500 meters apart. Both lakes feature beautiful shapes and crystal-clear waters, with lakebeds mostly composed of sandy gravel mixed with rock fragments. Being largely unpolluted, they are regarded as treasured gems among hikers. Visitors can reach Seven Color Lake by turning right at the fork near Haitian Temple and continuing uphill past the vegetable fields to the trailhead. From there, a gradual ascent leads through rich and varied forest scenery—first through stands of red cypress and Taiwan hemlock, then into forests of Yushan bamboo. The air is fresh and the views are delightful. However, it’s important to note that despite the lake’s exceptional clarity, the water is not safe to drink raw.

Seven Color Lake

Must-visit reason: One of Taiwan’s most beautiful and deepest lakes