Lake Wenatchee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Wenatchee |
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 Lake Wenatchee
Location in Washington (state)
Lake Wenatchee
Location in the United States
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| Location | Cascade Range, Chelan County, Washington, US (near Leavenworth, Washington) |
| Coordinates | 47°49′19″N 120°46′19″W / 47.822°N 120.772°W |
| Primary inflows | White River, Little Wenatchee River |
| Primary outflows | Wenatchee River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 5 mi (8.0 km) |
| Surface area | 2,480 acres (1,004 ha) |
| Max. depth | 244 ft (74 m) |
| Surface elevation | 1,873 ft (571 m) |
| Islands | Emerald Island |
Lake Wenatchee is a beautiful lake in the state of Washington, USA. It's located on the eastern side of the Cascades Mountain Range. This lake gets its water from melting glaciers and snow.
Lake Wenatchee is quite large, covering about 2,480 acres. It's also very deep, reaching up to 244 feet! The lake is the starting point for the Wenatchee River. Two main rivers, the White River and the Little Wenatchee River, flow into Lake Wenatchee. At one end of the lake, you'll find Lake Wenatchee State Park. There's also a small, grassy airport nearby called Lake Wenatchee State Airport.
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About Lake Wenatchee
Lake Wenatchee is a popular spot for outdoor fun. It's known for its clear, cool water and the amazing mountain views all around it. The lake is surrounded by the Wenatchee National Forest, which is full of tall trees and wildlife.
Where is it?
Lake Wenatchee is nestled in Chelan County, Washington. It's part of the stunning Cascade Range, a large mountain chain in the western United States. The nearest town is Leavenworth, Washington, which is famous for its Bavarian-themed village.
How was it formed?
This lake was formed by glaciers many, many years ago. As huge sheets of ice moved across the land, they carved out the basin where the lake now sits. When the glaciers melted, they filled this basin with water. That's why it's called a "glacier-fed" lake. It also gets water from snow melting off the mountains each spring.
What can you do there?
Lake Wenatchee is a fantastic place for many activities, especially at Lake Wenatchee State Park.
- Swimming: The water is cool and refreshing, perfect for a swim on a warm day.
- Boating: You can go kayaking, paddleboarding, or even motorboating on the lake.
- Fishing: Many people enjoy fishing for different types of fish in the lake.
- Camping: The state park has campsites where you can stay overnight and enjoy nature.
- Hiking: There are trails around the lake and in the nearby forest for hiking and exploring.
- Picnics: The park has great spots for picnics with family and friends.
Animals and Plants
The area around Lake Wenatchee is home to many different animals and plants.
- Fish: The lake is home to various fish species, making it a good spot for anglers.
- Birds: You might see eagles, ospreys, and many other birds flying over the lake or nesting in the trees.
- Mammals: In the surrounding forest, you could spot deer, bears, and smaller animals like squirrels and rabbits.
- Trees: The Wenatchee National Forest is filled with different types of evergreen trees, like pines and firs.
Nearby Places
Besides the state park, there are a couple of other interesting spots close to Lake Wenatchee.
- Lake Wenatchee State Airport: This is a small, basic airport right next to the state park. It has a grass and dirt runway.
- Leavenworth: Just a short drive away is the unique town of Leavenworth. It's designed to look like a Bavarian village in Germany, with special buildings, shops, and restaurants. It's a fun place to visit after a day at the lake.
