Freshwater Lagoon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Freshwater Lagoon |
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Freshwater Lagoon viewed from the north.
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 Freshwater Lagoon
Location in California
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| Location | Humboldt County, California |
| Coordinates | 41°16′00″N 124°06′00″W / 41.26667°N 124.10000°W |
| Type | lagoon |
| Primary outflows | Pacific Ocean |
| Catchment area | 2 sq mi (10 km2). |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 1.3 mi (2 km) |
| Max. width | 0.3 mi (0 km) |
| Surface elevation | sea level |
Freshwater Lagoon is a beautiful body of water located in Humboldt County, California. It's the smallest and most northern of three lagoons found in Humboldt Lagoons State Park.
Contents
Where is Freshwater Lagoon?
Freshwater Lagoon is found in northern California. It sits between the towns of Trinidad to the south and Orick to the north. Orick is near where Redwood Creek meets the ocean.
How Lagoons Form
These lagoons are like shallow bays. They are found between rocky areas along the coast. Strong ocean waves have built up sandy bars. These sand bars separate each lagoon from the Pacific Ocean.
A Rest Stop for Birds
The lagoons are important resting places for many types of waterfowl (water birds). These birds are migrating, meaning they fly long distances. They use a special path called the Pacific Flyway. This path stretches from Lake Earl in the north (about 40 miles away) to Humboldt Bay in the south (about 30 miles away). Both of these places also have important wetlands where birds can rest and find food.
How Freshwater Lagoon Stays Fresh
Freshwater Lagoon is similar to other coastal areas in northern California, like Humboldt Bay. The land around the lagoon is mostly flat, but it is surrounded by steep hills.
The sand bar that separates the lagoon from the ocean is very strong. Even during big storms, the ocean usually does not break through it. This helps keep the lagoon filled with fresh water. Rainwater usually soaks through the sand bar instead of flowing over it into the ocean.
Fun Things to Do
U.S. Route 101 is a major highway that runs right along the coast. It goes over the sand bar between Freshwater Lagoon and the Pacific Ocean.
Because of its easy access, the lagoon is a popular spot for people to stop and enjoy the view. It's a great scenic rest area for drivers in Humboldt Lagoons State Park. There is also a Redwood National and State Parks visitor center near the north end of the lagoon.
