Torch Lake: Michigan's Piece of Caribbean

Torch Lake Stats

Short Introduction

Torch Lake is one of the gems of Michigan’s Chain of Lakes, and it offers the perfect summer weather, so it makes for a great getaway. Torch Lake is a bit secluded though it is surrounded by million-dollar homes, so it’s not too touristy. 

For many years, the lake was not very well known, but that changed with the emergence of social media. Now, this destination is a popular spot and many people add it to their bucket list. People enjoy Torch Lake during the summer and many come out in their boats to enjoy their time here. Fourth of July sandbar celebrations are particularly popular, so that’s something to look forward to. 

Whether you decide to join the party in the sandbar, chill on the shore, dive in the water, or cruise the lake, you will have a great time at Torch Lake. However, what many first-time visitors don’t know is that visiting the lake comes with a few challenges, such as accessing the water, finding the beach, and securing rentals. 

Today, you will learn everything you need to know about Torch Lake so you can prepare and have the best possible time in this gorgeous spot!

Geography and Hydrography

Torch Lake has a length of 19 miles (31 kilometers), which means it’s the longest inland lake in Michigan. It also has a surface area of 18,770 acres (76 square kilometers), which means it’s the largest inland lake in the state as well. When it comes to width, it’s 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) wide, and it has an average depth of 111 feet (34 meters), which makes it the deepest inland lake in Michigan and the largest by volume. 

You’ll find this gem 17 miles (27 kilometers) northwest of Traverse City and it’s separated by narrow strips of land. If it wasn’t for these narrow strips of land, it would be a part of Lake Michigan. Torch Lake is part of the Chain of Lakes, which runs for 75 miles (120 kilometers). 

The Chain of Lakes begins with Six Mile Lake, which is located in northern Antrim County. This lake is connected with Lake Bellaire, from which the Grass River flows into Clam Lake, which drains into Torch Lake through the Clam River. Torch River flows into Lake Skegemog and it opens into Elk Lake, and this is the river that drains Torch Lake. Elk Lake then flows into the Grand Traverse Bay on its east side and 60% of the surface water in this bay comes from the Chain of Lakes. 

One interesting thing about Torch Lake is that it remains cold during the summer, but that’s because it’s so deep. Shallow areas that are close to the shore will be warmer, of course, so that’s something to note. Even though the waters are cold all year round, Torch Lake doesn’t freeze during winter, which means you can visit at any time of the year. 

The named tributaries that relate to Torch Lake are the Clam River, Wilkinson, Eastport Creeks, and Spencer. There are other smaller tributaries but they remain unnamed. 

Geology and Formation

Torch Lake used to be part of Lake Michigan until it was separated by a sandbar formation that runs across the northwest mouth of the lake. One of the most interesting things about the lake is its Caribbean-like waters, so many people wonder why they look so clear and have such a lovely turquoise color. 

Well, Torch Lake has crystal clear turquoise water because of its geology. The lake is a bay that’s similar to a fjord that was carved by glaciers during the last ice age, also known as glaciation. This glaciation process caused the glaciers to retreat and in doing so, they carved lakes and glacial till. When exposed to great pressures, ice and behave as a viscous liquid. 

Over time, glaciers accumulate gravel, rocks, and even boulders. As it flows, the glacier moves and it has a sandpaper effect where lakes are carved out and underlying rocks are pulverized into fine glacial till. The sediments found at the bottom of Torch Lake are mostly limestone, which was pulverized by the glaciers when the once existed where the lake is now located. 

The combination of this fine calcium carbonate white sediment at the bottom of the lake and a low organic content means there’s nothing to darken or discolor the water, which is why it’s so clear. This is precisely why Caribbean waters are also clear and turquoise because the sediments are mostly limestone and there’s not much organic content in the water. 

When you visit Torch Lake, you will notice that there are large sand areas in certain locations, particularly the north and the south ends of the lake. There are wide, sandy, and shallow regions that parallel the shore almost everywhere in Torch Lake, and this ends in a steep drop-off.

Flora and Fauna

There are few aquatic plants in Torch Lake, but the most abundant one is muskgrass. Other than that, you can find wild celery, also known as tapegrass, pondweeds, and water milfoil in a few locations of the lake. In recent years, the presence of golden brown benthic algae has increased.

Because the water in the lake is so clear, it provides a nice view, which is something swimming birds take advantage of because they are visual predators. That’s why it’s so common to see them hunting in the water. Torch Lake is a great spot for them and they are very slick, so it’s fun to see them do their thing. Torch Lake is also home to a few aquatic invasive species, such as the Round Goby, Eurasian Watermilfoil, and zebra mussels.

Settlements around Torch Lake

Several townships surround Torch Lake, such as the Central lake township, Torch Lake Township, Helena Township, Forest Home Township, and Milton Township, which are all located in Antrim County. There’s also the Clearwater Township, which is located in Kalkaska County. Torch Lake is also surrounded by villages along the shore, including Clam River, Eastport, Torch Lake, and Alden.

Etymology

Torch Lake doesn’t have that name because of its shape. It actually derives from the Ojibwa name "Was-wa-gon-ong", which translates to "place of the torches", and it refers to the Native American practice of using torches at night to attract fish, which they would then harvest using nets and spears. European settlers referred to the lake as "Torch Light Lake" for a while, but it eventually turned into Torch Lake because it was shorter and more comfortable to say.

Accessibility

Torch Lake is super easy to access, which is great. As mentioned earlier, there are 48 different access points along its 41-mile shoreline, so it’s easy to find your way. Just keep in mind that most of the access points are located at the end of a street, so you won’t have access to the beach if you go that way. 

To enjoy your visit, make sure you check your gas gauge often and bring enough snacks and drinks because there aren’t many restaurants and stores on Torch Lake. There’s also no bridge over the lake, so you’ll have to use your car or a boat to get from one side to the other.

Torch Lake Weather

The weather at Torch Lake is perfect for boating because it stays quite warm in July, August, and even early September. On average, the weather reaches 80 degrees, but it can also get to 70 or 90 degrees on some days. Humidity is also high during the summer, so keep that in mind. The good news is the water remains cold and it provides relief from the heat and humidity.