Diablo Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Diablo Lake |
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 Diablo Lake
Location in Washington (state)
Diablo Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Ross Lake National Recreation Area, Whatcom County, Washington, United States |
| Coordinates | 48°42′51″N 121°7′52″W / 48.71417°N 121.13111°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface elevation | 1,201 feet (366 m) |
Diablo Lake is a beautiful reservoir (which is like a large, artificial lake) located in the amazing North Cascade mountains. You can find it in northern Washington state, United States. This special lake was created by a structure called Diablo Dam.
Diablo Lake sits between two other lakes, Ross Lake and Gorge Lake. It is part of the Skagit River system and is about 1,201 feet (366 m) above sea level. The lake is managed by Seattle City Light, which is a company that provides electricity. It's part of a big project called the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project, which uses water power to make electricity.
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What Makes Diablo Lake Special?
Diablo Lake is famous for its unique and bright turquoise color. It looks almost like a jewel! This amazing color comes from the glaciers (huge sheets of ice) in the mountains nearby.
Why is it so Blue?
As glaciers slowly move, they grind rocks into a very fine powder. This powder is so tiny, it's like flour, so it's called "glacial flour." When creeks and rivers flow from the glaciers into Diablo Lake, they carry this glacial flour with them. The tiny rock particles stay floating in the water. When sunlight hits these particles, it scatters the light in a way that makes the lake appear a stunning turquoise color.
Fun Things to Do at Diablo Lake
Diablo Lake is a popular spot for outdoor adventures. Many people enjoy spending time on the water.
Water Activities
The calm waters of Diablo Lake are perfect for activities like kayaking and canoeing. It's a great place to paddle around and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery.
Hiking Trails
If you love hiking, you'll be happy to know about the Diablo Lake Trail. This trail was recognized as a National Recreation Trail in 1981. It stretches for about 3.80 miles (6.12 km) along the northern side of the lake. It's a fantastic way to explore the area on foot.
Wildlife in the Lake
Diablo Lake is home to several types of fish. You might find rainbow trout, coastal cutthroat trout, and Brook trout. There are also bull trout here, which are a federally threatened species, meaning they need special protection.
