Edds Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Edds Lake |
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Location | King County, Washington |
Coordinates | 47°28′19″N 121°20′53″W / 47.4718578°N 121.3481185°W |
Basin countries | United States |
Surface area | 24.1 acres (0.098 km2) |
Surface elevation | 4,301 ft (1,311 m) |
Islands | 0 |
Edds Lake is a beautiful freshwater lake located high up in the mountains of Washington State. It sits right on the edge of King County and Kittitas County, Washington, near the base of Huckleberry Mountain. This lake is a super popular spot for outdoor adventures like hiking, swimming, and fishing for special golden trout.
The famous Pacific Crest Trail runs just east of Edds Lake. A big ridge separates Edds Lake from other nearby lakes like Joe Lake and Alaska Lake, which are further south towards a place called Kendall Katwalk. You can find other alpine lakes close by, including Chikamin Lake a short distance north, right at the base of Chikamin Peak. To the west, you'll see Mount Thomson on Bumblebee Pass.
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Exploring Edds Lake and Its Surroundings
Edds Lake is a fantastic place for people who love the outdoors. It offers many ways to enjoy the natural beauty of the mountains.
Camping and Lake Features
At one end of Edds Lake, where the water flows out, you'll find special areas set up for camping. These spots are perfect for spending a night under the stars. Most of the lake's edges are surrounded by steep cliffs and large rocks. You'll also see lots of heather and other plants growing there.
Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail
The Pacific Crest Trail is a very well-known hiking path. It runs along a ridge to the east and south of Edds Lake. This part of the trail is on the slope of Huckleberry Mountain. Many hikers travel this path.
Reaching the Summit
From the Pacific Crest Trail, there's a challenging climb that leads to the top of Huckleberry Mountain. This climb is called a class 4 scramble. A scramble means you might need to use your hands to help you climb over rocks and steep sections, but it's not quite as difficult as rock climbing. It's a fun adventure for experienced hikers.
Nearby Natural Areas
To the west of Edds Lake, you'll find areas with moraines. Moraines are piles of rocks and dirt left behind by glaciers long ago. These moraines lead down to a stream called Burnt Boot Creek. The whole area around Edds Lake is full of interesting natural features to explore.