It is named for President Warren G. Harding, who visited Alaska just before he died.

Prior to that it was known as Salchaket Lake [3] Access to the lake is via the Richardson Highway[4][5] The lake contains a wide variety of native and stocked[2] fish, including Arctic char, burbot, Arctic grayling, and northern pike, as well as several salmon and trout species.

[2][5] Anglers are advised to check current regulations with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game before fishing.

[4] The lake is home to the Harding Lake State Recreation Area a 325 acres (132 ha) park[4] which features a large campground, boat launch, and facilities for sports and outdoor games.

[5] This is one of the oldest units in the Alaska State Park system, having been founded in 1967,[4] before the formal state park network was even in place.