Black Lake (Washington) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Black Lake |
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 Black Lake
Location in Washington (state)
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| Location | Near Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater |
| Coordinates | 46°59′31″N 122°58′41″W / 46.992°N 122.978°W |
| Type | Lake |
| Surface area | 573.7 acres (232.2 ha) |
| Surface elevation | 130 ft (40 m) |
Black Lake is a lake located in Washington state, about 4 miles (6.4 km) southwest of the city of Olympia. It is a natural lake that plays an important role in the local water system.
What is Black Lake?
Black Lake is a freshwater lake. It covers an area of about 573.7 acres (232.2 hectares). The lake is located near the cities of Lacey, Olympia, and Tumwater. Its surface is about 130 feet (40 meters) above sea level.
Where Does the Water Go?
Black Lake has two main ways for its water to flow out. One outflow is the Black River. This river eventually flows into the Chehalis River. From there, the water travels to Gray's Harbor and then reaches the vast Pacific Ocean.
The second outflow from Black Lake is Percival Creek. This creek flows into Capitol Lake, which is a lake located closer to Olympia. From Capitol Lake, the water then drains into Puget Sound. This means water from Black Lake eventually reaches both the Pacific Ocean and Puget Sound!
How Did Black Lake Get Its Name?
The lake was given the name "Black Lake" because of the dark color of its water. This dark appearance is often due to natural materials like tannins from plants and soil that dissolve in the water, making it look darker, almost like tea.
