Beaver Lake (King County, Washington) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Beaver Lake |
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On a rainy day
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 Beaver Lake
Location in Washington (state)
Beaver Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Sammamish, King County, Washington, United States |
| Coordinates | 47°35′28″N 121°59′47″W / 47.59111°N 121.99639°W Beaver Lake; 47°35′21″N 121°59′59″W / 47.58917°N 121.99972°W Beaver Lakes |
| Catchment area | 1,043 acres (422.1 ha) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 79 acres (32 ha) |
| Average depth | 21 ft (6.4 m) |
| Max. depth | 50 ft (15 m) |
| Surface elevation | 413 feet (126 m) |
Beaver Lake is a beautiful 79-acre (0.3 km2) lake located entirely within the city of Sammamish, Washington. It's a popular spot for outdoor fun! The area that drains into the lake, called its watershed, covers 1,043 acres (4.2 km2).
The lake is about 21 feet (6.4 m) deep on average, but its deepest point reaches 50 feet (15 m). Beaver Lake is actually part of a chain of three lakes. These include Long Lake, Beaver Lake, and another smaller, unnamed lake. This chain is about 4 miles (6.4 km) east of Lake Sammamish. Water from Beaver Lake flows out through Laughing Jacobs Creek, which then leads into Lake Sammamish.
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Fun Activities at Beaver Lake
You can easily visit Beaver Lake through Beaver Lake Park. This park is located at the southwest corner of the lake. It's a great place for families and friends to enjoy the outdoors.
Boating and Fishing
Boaters are welcome on Beaver Lake, but they are not allowed to use gasoline motors. This helps keep the lake clean and quiet. Fishing is a very popular activity here. Many people enjoy trying to catch fish from the shore or from a boat. The main boat launch is not inside the park itself. Instead, it's a special water access site managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).
Swimming and Triathlons
The lake is also used for swimming. Every year, the Beaver Lake Triathlon takes place here. Swimmers start their race in the park, making it an exciting event to watch or even participate in!
Wildlife and Nature
Beaver Lake is home to many animals, including beavers. These amazing creatures build dams on Laughing Jacobs Creek, which flows out of the lake. Sometimes, these dams can raise the lake's water level.
The Role of Beavers
Beavers are very important for the environment. Their dams create ponds that help refill underground water sources. This keeps streams flowing even during dry seasons. These ponds also provide safe homes for young salmon and trout. Beaver dams can even help clean the water by removing dirt from streams.
It's a common myth that beaver dams always block fish from moving. Actually, most dams do not stop trout and salmon migration. They might only cause a small restriction during times when stream flows are very low. Beavers also help increase the number of insects, fish, mammals, and birds around the lake. If water levels get too high because of a beaver dam, special devices called "Beaver Deceivers" can be used to control the water easily.
Fishing Tips for Beaver Lake
Beaver Lake is a favorite spot for local anglers. You can catch many different types of fish here.
Where to Find Fish
- Trout: Many trout are caught from the shore. However, you'll have better luck catching any type of fish if you use a boat. Trout are mostly found in the main lake and its larger sister lake.
- Bass: Bass are often caught near the many lily pads and fallen trees in Beaver Lake. They are especially common in the smaller, shallower sister lake.
- Perch: Perch can be found all over the lake. If you drop a worm under a dock, you're likely to catch many of them!
