Lake Sutherland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Sutherland |
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 Lake Sutherland
Location in Washington (state)
Lake Sutherland
Location in the United States
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| Location | Olympic Peninsula, Clallam County, Washington, US |
| Coordinates | 48°04′45″N 123°42′35″W / 48.07917°N 123.70972°W |
| Primary outflows | Indian Creek (Elwha) |
| Basin countries | United States |
Lake Sutherland is a lovely lake found on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, US. It's about 17 miles (27 km) west of Port Angeles, Washington. This lake sits right next to the larger Lake Crescent. Water from Lake Sutherland flows into Indian Creek, which then joins the Elwha River.
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Discovering Lake Sutherland
Lake Sutherland gets its name from a Canadian fur trapper named John Sutherland. He explored the lake around the year 1865 with another person, John Everett. They were among the first known explorers to visit this beautiful area.
Fish and the Elwha Dam
For a long time, Lake Sutherland and Indian Creek were home to many different kinds of fish. These included anadromous fish, which are fish that live in both fresh water and salt water. They would travel from the ocean up the river to spawn in the lake.
However, in 1913, the Elwha Dam was built on the Elwha River. This dam blocked the fish from reaching the lake from the ocean. Because of this, several types of salmon disappeared from Indian Creek. Other fish, like some sockeye salmon, became "landlocked." This means they could no longer travel to the ocean.
Kokanee Salmon in the Lake
Even after the dam was built, a special type of sockeye salmon called kokanee continued to live in Lake Sutherland. These kokanee salmon would spawn (lay their eggs) in Lake Sutherland. Before the dam was removed, they would then migrate to Lake Aldwell, which was a reservoir created by the Elwha Dam.
Dam Removal and River Restoration
The Elwha Dam was removed as part of the Elwha Ecosystem Restoration project. This big project started in 2012. Removing the dam helped to open up the river again. It allowed fish to travel freely between the ocean and their spawning grounds in the upper river and lakes once more. This was a huge step for bringing back the natural balance of the river and its fish populations.
Life Around the Lake
Lake Sutherland is located just outside the boundaries of Olympic National Park. The land around the lake is privately owned. Many houses are built along the shore, and a lot of them are vacation homes. People often visit these homes during different seasons of the year.
The lake is a very popular spot for outdoor activities. Many people enjoy boating on the clear waters. Fishing is also a favorite pastime for both locals and visitors.
