Gravel Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gravel Lake |
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 Gravel Lake
Location in Washington (state)
Gravel Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | King County, Washington |
| Coordinates | 47°27′54″N 121°22′09″W / 47.4649833°N 121.3691402°W |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 8 acres (0.032 km2) |
| Surface elevation | 5,125 ft (1,562 m) |
| Islands | 0 |
Gravel Lake is a beautiful, small lake in Washington state. It's a freshwater lake found right next to the famous Pacific Crest Trail. You can find it on the western side of Mount Thomson, sitting right on the border between King County and Kittitas County, Washington.
This lake is a super popular spot for outdoor adventures! People love coming here for hiking, swimming, and fishing. If you like to fish, you might catch golden trout or rainbow trout here. There are also other cool mountain lakes nearby, like Alaska Lake (a short distance east), and Joe Lake and Edds Lake if you head north on the Pacific Crest Trail. To the east, you'll see Hibox Mountain.
Getting to Gravel Lake
Gravel Lake is a bit of a hidden gem, and you usually reach it by hiking along the Pacific Crest Trail. The main way to get there is through a section of the trail called the Kendell Katwalk.
Most people who visit Gravel Lake come for a day trip. They enjoy the trails and the beautiful scenery. But if you want to stay longer, there are also special spots set up for camping right by the lake. Another trail, called the Gold Creek Trail, also connects to the Pacific Crest Trail on the east side of Gravel Lake.
Weather at Gravel Lake
Gravel Lake has a cool and often wet climate. This type of weather is common in coastal areas of western North America. The temperatures and how much rain or snow falls are quite similar to nearby lakes, like Alaska Lake.
The wettest time of year at Gravel Lake is usually January, when it can get a lot of rain – sometimes around 396 millimeters! The driest month is July, with much less rain, often only about 38 millimeters. So, if you're planning a summer visit, you'll likely find sunnier, drier weather.
