Lake Sylvia State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Sylvia State Park |
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Lake Sylvia as seen from the dam
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 Lake Sylvia State Park
Location in Washington (state)
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| Location | Grays Harbor, Washington, United States |
| Area | 233 acres (94 ha) |
| Elevation | 167 ft (51 m) |
| Established | 1936 |
| Operator | Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission |
| Website | Lake Sylvia State Park |
Lake Sylvia State Park is a fun outdoor spot in Washington. It's a 233-acre park right next to the town of Montesano in Grays Harbor County, Washington. This park is special because it's surrounded by a thick, green temperate rainforest.
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What Can You Do at Lake Sylvia?
This park is perfect for many outdoor activities. You can go swimming in the lake on a warm day. There are also trails for hiking where you can explore the forest. If you like camping, the park has places to set up your tent.
Boating and Fishing
Lake Sylvia is great for boating, but only if your boat doesn't have a motor. This means you can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, or paddleboarding peacefully. If you enjoy fishing, you can try to catch some fish in the lake.
The Park's Interesting History
Lake Sylvia State Park was built around an old pond. This pond was once part of a lumber mill. A lumber mill is a place where trees are cut into wood for building. For a few years, the pond even helped power Montesano's first electricity plant!
The Old Dam
A rustic, old dam still stands at one end of the lake. This dam used to power the lumber mill and the electricity plant. Today, it helps control the water that flows into Sylvia Creek.
Amazing Wildlife at the Lake
Lake Sylvia is home to many different animals. You can often see a mix of mallard ducks and Canada geese swimming on the water.
Birds of Prey
Look up and you might spot a family of ospreys. These large birds are excellent at catching fish from the lake. Sometimes, you might even see a bald eagle, which is a very impressive bird of prey.
Busy Beavers
Along Sylvia Creek, which flows from the lake, there's a small group of beavers. Beavers are known for building dams and lodges with sticks and mud. They are very busy animals!
Protecting the Environment
The area above Lake Sylvia, at its eastern end, is Montesano's city watershed. A watershed is an area of land where all the water drains into a specific body of water, like a lake or river.
A Home for Wildlife
This city watershed is managed much like a national forest. It's a very important area for wildlife. It acts like a natural pathway, allowing animals to move safely between the park and the northern parts of the town. This helps protect the animals and their homes.
