Lake Valhalla facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lake Valhalla
Lake Valhalla with Lichtenberg Mountain in the background.
Lake Valhalla Location in Washington (state) Show map of Washington (state) Lake Valhalla Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	Chelan County, Washington
Coordinates	47°47′23″N 121°6′3″W / 47.78972°N 121.10083°W / 47.78972; -121.10083
Basin countries	United States
Surface area	24 acres (9.7 ha)
Surface elevation	4,836 ft (1,474 m)
Islands	0

Lake Valhalla is a beautiful lake found high up in the mountains of Washington. It's a special kind of lake called a glacial lake. This means it was formed a very long time ago by huge sheets of ice, called glaciers.

The lake is located inside the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. This is a large area of protected land with lots of trees and wildlife. Lake Valhalla is also right next to the famous Pacific Crest Trail. This trail is a very long path that goes all the way from Mexico to Canada!

People love to visit Lake Valhalla for many outdoor adventures. It's a popular spot for hiking, climbing, and other fun activities in nature.

What is a Glacial Lake?

A glacial lake is a lake that formed because of a glacier. Glaciers are like giant, slow-moving rivers of ice. As they move, they scrape away at the land. This scraping creates deep hollows or valleys in the ground.

When the climate gets warmer, the glaciers start to melt. The meltwater then fills these hollows. This is how a glacial lake like Lake Valhalla is born. These lakes often have very clear, cold water. They are usually found in mountain areas where glaciers once existed.

Exploring the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Lake Valhalla is part of the huge Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. This forest covers over 4 million acres in Washington state. It's a place where you can find many different kinds of trees, plants, and animals.

The forest is managed to protect nature. It also provides places for people to enjoy the outdoors. You can go camping, fishing, or just explore the trails. It's a great example of how we can enjoy nature while also keeping it safe.

Adventures on the Pacific Crest Trail

The Pacific Crest Trail, or PCT, is one of the most famous long-distance hiking trails in the world. It stretches for about 2,650 miles (4,265 kilometers). It goes through California, Oregon, and Washington.

Lake Valhalla is a popular stop for hikers on the PCT. It offers a beautiful place to rest and enjoy the scenery. Many people dream of hiking the entire trail. Others just hike smaller parts of it, like the section near Lake Valhalla.

Fun Activities at Lake Valhalla

Lake Valhalla and the areas around it are perfect for outdoor fun.

• Hiking: There are many trails that lead to and around the lake. These trails offer amazing views of the mountains and the clear water.
• Climbing: For those who love adventure, there are opportunities for rock climbing nearby. It's a challenging but rewarding activity.
• Photography: The lake's stunning beauty makes it a favorite spot for taking pictures. You can capture the reflections of the mountains in the water.
• Relaxing: Sometimes, the best activity is just to sit by the lake. You can enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.

Remember to always follow safety rules when you are in the wilderness. Pack out everything you pack in. This helps keep the lake and forest clean for everyone.