Dollar Lake (Wallowa County, Oregon) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dollar Lake |
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 Dollar Lake
Location in Oregon
Dollar Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Eagle Cap Wilderness, Wallowa County, Oregon |
| Coordinates | 45°11′24″N 117°11′16″W / 45.1899°N 117.1877°W |
| Type | Tarn |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 199 yd (182 m) |
| Max. width | 163 yd (149 m) |
| Average depth | 49 ft (15 m) |
| Max. depth | 272 ft (83 m) |
| Surface elevation | 8,440 ft (2,570 m) |
Dollar Lake is a small, beautiful lake found high up in the mountains. It is located in the Eagle Cap Wilderness in Oregon, a wild and scenic area in the United States. This special lake is known as a tarn, which means it was formed by a glacier.
It sits between two other lakes, Aneroid Lake and Bonny Lakes. Dollar Lake is about 1 mile (1.6 km) southwest of Aneroid Peak. People think it got its name because it is almost perfectly round, just like a silver dollar! It is also the third-highest lake in the entire Eagle Cap Wilderness, sitting at an elevation of 8,440 feet (2,573 meters).
Discover Dollar Lake: A High Mountain Gem
Dollar Lake is a unique type of lake called a tarn. Tarns are mountain lakes that form in bowls carved out by glaciers. These ancient ice rivers moved slowly, shaping the land. When the glaciers melted, water filled these natural hollows, creating stunning lakes like Dollar Lake.
This lake is quite small, measuring about 199 yards (182 meters) long and 163 yards (149 meters) wide. Despite its size, it is surprisingly deep, reaching up to 49 feet (15 meters) in some spots. Its clear, cold waters reflect the surrounding mountain peaks.
Exploring the Trail to Dollar Lake
If you want to visit Dollar Lake, you can hike there using Trail 1802. This trail starts from either the Tenderfoot Trailhead or Tenderfoot Wagon Road Trail. The path will take you past the beautiful Bonny Lakes.
After passing Bonny Lakes, you will continue for about 1.8 miles (2.9 km). This part of the trail leads to Dollar Pass, which is 8,420 feet (2,566 meters) above sea level. Dollar Lake itself is not directly on the main trail. It is located about 0.25 miles (0.4 km) southwest of Dollar Pass. Because it is off the main path, it is a good idea to bring a navigation device. A compass or a GPS device can help you find your way to this hidden gem.
