Baker Lake (Washington) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Baker Lake |
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Baker Lake viewed from the eastern slope of the valley, looking southwest
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 Baker Lake
Location in Washington (state)
Baker Lake
Location in the United States
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| Coordinates | 48°43′44″N 121°37′45″W / 48.72889°N 121.62917°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Baker River, Swift Creek, Shannon Creek, Noisy Creek, Park Creek, Anderson Creek, Boulder Creek, Sandy Creek |
| Primary outflows | Baker River |
| Catchment area | 215 square miles (560 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 9 miles (14 km) |
| Max. width | 0.8 miles (1.3 km) max |
| Surface area | 4,800 acres (19 km2) |
| Water volume | 285,000 acre-feet (352,000,000 m3) |
| Surface elevation | 705 feet (215 m) |
| Islands | 3, unnamed |
Baker Lake is a beautiful lake located in northern Washington state in the United States. It sits within the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and the Baker River valley. The lake is southwest of North Cascades National Park and gets its water mainly from the Baker River, plus many smaller streams. You can find Baker Lake about 10 miles (16 km) north of the town of Concrete, Washington.
Baker Lake covers a large area of about 4,800 acres (19 km2) and can hold up to 285,000 acre-feet (352,000,000 m3) of water. The water level in the lake changes quite a bit, going up and down by about 39 feet (12 m) each year. Originally, Baker Lake was a smaller natural lake. However, in 1959, it was made much larger and deeper when the Upper Baker Dam was built. This dam raised the lake's water level by 312 feet (95 m). The Upper Baker Dam is a concrete dam that helps create electricity, producing 91 megawatts of power.
Discover Baker Lake
Baker Lake is a popular spot for outdoor fun! Many people from nearby Whatcom and Skagit counties come here to enjoy nature.
Fun Things to Do
The lake is a great place for:
- Fishing: Anglers often visit to catch various fish species.
- Camping: There are several places to set up camp and enjoy the outdoors.
- Boating: You can bring your boat and explore the lake's waters.
Swift Creek Campground
One of the main places to stay is Swift Creek Campground. It offers:
- 55 private campsites for tents or RVs.
- 2 group sites, perfect for larger gatherings.
- A boat ramp, making it easy to launch your boat.
- A marina for docking boats.
You can find Swift Creek Campground about halfway up Baker Lake, right across from Park Creek. This area is part of the Mount Baker National Recreation Area, which means it's protected for people to enjoy outdoor activities.
