Byers Lake (Alaska) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Byers Lake |
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View from the shore opposite the boat launch, with Denali and the Alaska Range reflected in the lake. Only human powered boats and electric motors are permitted at Byers Lake
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 Byers Lake
Location in Alaska
Byers Lake
Location in North America
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| Location | Denali State Park, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska |
| Coordinates | 62°44′23″N 150°06′40″W / 62.73972°N 150.11111°W |
| Primary inflows | Byers Creek |
| Primary outflows | Byers Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 1.23 miles (1.98 km) |
| Max. width | 0.6 miles (0.97 km) |
| Surface area | 325 acres (132 ha) |
| Max. depth | 160 feet (49 m) |
| Shore length1 | 4 miles (6.4 km) |
| Surface elevation | 816 feet (249 m) |
| Frozen | late October-late May/early June |
| Islands | none |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Byers Lake is a beautiful small lake located in Denali State Park in Alaska, United States. It's about 28 miles (45 km) north of a town called Talkeetna. The lake is named after a fisherman who loved to visit it. A famous pilot named Don Sheldon used to fly him there often in the 1950s.
You can easily reach Byers Lake from the George Parks Highway. It's a popular spot for visitors because it has a campground, cabins you can rent, and a small dock for boats. Near the lake, on a hilltop, you'll find the Alaska Veterans Memorial.
Exploring Byers Lake
Byers Lake is a peaceful place. To keep it that way, boats with gasoline-powered motors are not allowed. Also, floatplanes (airplanes that land on water) cannot land on the lake. This helps protect the lake's quiet environment and wildlife.
Fishing and Wildlife
The lake used to have many lake trout. However, after the highway was built in 1972, too many people fished there. This caused the number of lake trout to drop a lot. Now, it's rare to catch one.
But don't worry, there are still other fish! You might find burbot in the lake. Also, salmon swim into the lake during their migration. However, fishing for salmon is not allowed here.
Byers Lake is a great place to see wildlife. In the summer, you might spot beautiful trumpeter swans gliding on the water. You can also see common loons, known for their unique calls.
Staying Safe Around Bears
If you visit the campground, it's very important to keep your camp clean. Bears often visit the area looking for food. Always store your food safely and throw away trash properly to avoid attracting them. This keeps both you and the bears safe.
