Lake Washington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Washington |
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The Lacy V. Murrow floating bridge on the lake is the second longest such bridge in the world
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Map of Lakes Washington and Sammamish
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| Location | King County, Washington, USA |
| Coordinates | 47°37′0″N 122°15′53″W / 47.61667°N 122.26472°W |
| Primary inflows | Sammamish, Cedar Rivers; Ravenna, Thornton, Kelsey, Juanita, and Coal Creeks |
| Primary outflows | Lake Washington Ship Canal (1916) |
| Catchment area | 315,000 acres (1,270 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 22 mi (35 km) |
| Surface area | 33.8 square miles (88 km2), 33.8 square miles (21,600 acres) |
| Average depth | 108 ft (33 m) |
| Max. depth | 214 ft (65 m) |
| Water volume | 2,400,000 acre⋅ft (3.0 km3) |
| Surface elevation | 16 ft (4.9 m) above mean sea level, 20.6 ft (6.3 m) above Puget Sound mean lower low tide |
| Islands | Mercer Island, Foster Island, Marsh Island, Ohler's Island, Pritchard Island |
Lake Washington is a large fresh water lake in the US state of Washington. It sits right next to the big city of Seattle. Many other cities also surround the lake. These include Lake City, Bothell, and Kenmore to the north. To the east are Kirkland and Bellevue. Renton is to the south.
A special place called Mercer Island is located in the southern part of the lake. Lake Washington is quite deep, reaching about 210 feet (64 m) at its deepest point. It is also about 21 feet (6.4 m) above sea level. Sometimes, people are allowed to fish for salmon in the lake.
Contents
Exploring Lake Washington's Features
Lake Washington is known for its size and its unique bridges. It is a popular spot for many outdoor activities.
How Big is Lake Washington?
This lake is the second largest natural lake in Washington state. It stretches about 22 mi (35 km) long. Its total area is about 33.8 square miles (88 km2). The lake holds a huge amount of water, around 2,400,000 acre-feet (3.0 km3).
What Rivers Flow Into and Out of the Lake?
Several rivers and creeks feed into Lake Washington. The main ones are the Sammamish and Cedar Rivers. Other smaller creeks like Ravenna, Thornton, Kelsey, Juanita, and Coal also add water. The water flows out through the Lake Washington Ship Canal. This canal was built in 1916.
Islands in Lake Washington
Besides Mercer Island, there are a few other islands in the lake. These include Foster Island, Marsh Island, Ohler's Island, and Pritchard Island.
Lake Washington's Famous Floating Bridges
Lake Washington is famous for its floating bridges. These bridges float on top of the water.
The Lacey V. Murrow Memorial Bridge
The Lacey V. Murrow floating bridge is one of the longest floating bridges in the world. It helps people travel across the lake.
Images for kids
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Lake Washington watershed
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Cutting the cofferdam at Montlake in 1913, which lowered Lake Washington's water level
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Kirkland, Washington
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Lake Washington, looking southeast toward Mercer Island with Mount Rainier in the background.
See also
In Spanish: Lago Washington para niños
