Joe Lake (Washington) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Joe Lake |
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 Joe Lake
Location in Washington (state)
Joe Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Kittitas County, Washington |
| Coordinates | 47°28′04″N 121°20′15″W / 47.4677018°N 121.3374577°W |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 28.7 acres (0.116 km2) |
| Surface elevation | 4,629 ft (1,411 m) |
| Islands | 0 |
Joe Lake is a beautiful freshwater lake in Washington state. It sits on the eastern side of Alaska Mountain. The lake is right on the border between King County and Kittitas County, Washington.
This lake is a super popular spot for outdoor fun! Many people come here for hiking, swimming, and fishing. You can often catch rainbow trout and cutthroat trout in its waters. Just north of Joe Lake, across the Pacific Crest Trail, is the frequently hiked Huckleberry Mountain. There are also other cool alpine lakes nearby, like the Rampart Lakes to the south, near Mount Margaret. To the east, you'll find Hibox Mountain.
Getting to Joe Lake
You can reach Joe Lake and Alaska Mountain by following the Gold Creek Trail #1314. The trail starts at Gold Creek Pond. This pond is on the north shore of Keechelus Lake, just south of Snoqualmie Pass.
As you hike along the trail, you'll pass through open meadows. These meadows are filled with plants like slide alder and vine maple. You'll also go past Alaska Lake. The trail then leads you to a pretty waterfall. After the waterfall, you'll follow the creek shore right to Joe Lake. Most people visit Joe Lake for a day trip, but there are also campsites if you want to stay longer. The Gold Creek Trail connects to the famous Pacific Crest Trail on the north ridge of Alaska Mountain and Joe Lake. Edds Lake is on the other side of the Pacific Crest Trail from Joe Lake.
