Big Heart Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Big Heart Lake |
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 Big Heart Lake
Location in Washington (state)
Big Heart Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Alpine Lakes Wilderness, King County, Washington, United States |
| Coordinates | 47°34′37″N 121°19′05″W / 47.577°N 121.318°W |
| Type | Alpine Lake |
| Primary inflows | Glacial Runoff |
| Primary outflows | West Fork Foss River Tributary |
| Surface area | 175.9 acres (71.2 ha) |
| Surface elevation | 4,418 ft (1,347 m) |
Big Heart Lake is a beautiful lake located high in the mountains of Washington. It's found within the amazing Alpine Lakes Wilderness area. This lake is special because it's the highest one you can reach by trail in the West Fork Foss River system.
Getting to Big Heart Lake is a big adventure! It's a round-trip hike of about 14.6 miles (23.5 km). You start your journey from a trailhead off Foss River Road. The lake sits at the eastern base of Camp Robber Peak in King County.
The lake is very high up, at an elevation of 4,418 feet (1,347 meters) above sea level. The hike to reach it involves climbing over 3,000 feet (914 meters) in elevation.
Contents
What Lives in Big Heart Lake?
Big Heart Lake is a great example of a high-elevation lake. These lakes are very active with life during the summer months. However, over the whole year, they don't produce as much food for fish. This means the number of fish can be different in various alpine lakes in Washington.
Fish in the Lake
Sometimes, trout in alpine lakes can have a head that looks too big for their body. This happens when the fish can't find enough food to grow their body as much as their head. It's a sign that the lake doesn't have a lot of food available.
Big Heart Lake has been stocked with fish several times to help its population. In 2001, 2005, and 2009, about 15,000 fish were added each time. These fish were a mix of rainbow trout and cutthroat trout.
Insect Life
During the summer, you can often see a "mayfly hatch" happening almost every day. Mayflies are insects that spend most of their lives underwater. When they are ready, they fly out of the water, often in large groups. This hatch provides a lot of food for the fish!
Why People Love Big Heart Lake
Big Heart Lake, along with other lakes in the Foss River area, is a very popular spot. Many people enjoy hiking or backpacking here in the Cascade Mountains. The area is famous for its many beautiful lakes and the different trails you can explore.
Permits and Passes
To park your car at the trailhead, you will need a NorthWest Forest Pass. Also, you must get a self-issued permit for the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area. These permits help manage visitors and protect the natural environment.
