Lightning Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lightning Lake |
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Lightning Lake (from Southeast) with Rainbow Bridge crossing the narrows
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 Lightning Lake
Location in British Columbia
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| Location | British Columbia, Canada |
| Coordinates | 49°3′43.45″N 120°49′45.12″W / 49.0620694°N 120.8292000°W |
| Primary outflows | Similkameen River |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Average depth | 3 m (9.8 ft) |
| Max. depth | 8 m (26 ft) |
| Surface elevation | 1,247 m (4,091 ft) |
Lightning Lake is a beautiful lake found in E. C. Manning Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada. It's a freshwater lake located in the Similkameen-Okanagan forest area.
What makes Lightning Lake special is how it drains! Water flows out in two directions: south into Flash Lake and north into the Similkameen River. This lake isn't completely natural. There's an earthen dam at its north end, near the day-use area, which helps create the lake as we see it today. The lake is quite shallow, especially towards the end of summer. Sometimes, the narrow part under the Rainbow Bridge can even become very shallow or dry up!
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Fun Things to Do at Lightning Lake
Lightning Lake is a super popular spot for visitors to Manning Park, especially in the summer. There are lots of fun activities to enjoy here!
Boating and Water Fun
You can rent canoes and rowboats right from the day-use area to explore the lake. There's a paved area where you can launch your own boat. However, fast boats like powerboats and jet-skis are not allowed on Lightning Lake. This helps keep the lake peaceful and safe for everyone.
Hiking Trails Around the Lake
A cool 9-kilometer trail goes all the way around Lightning Lake. It's a flat trail, so it's easy for hiking. If you don't want to walk the whole way, you can cross the Rainbow Bridge at the narrow part of the lake to make your hike shorter. The main parking area at the lake is also a starting point for other trails, like the ones to Windy Joe and Mount Frosty.
Camping Adventures
If you love camping, Lightning Lake has options for you! There are two drive-in camping areas managed by Manning Park Resort. The Lone Duck Group Camp is open all year round. The Lightning Lake Campground is perfect for trailers and has flush toilets. While there are no hike-in campgrounds right on Lightning Lake (because it's close to roads), you can find back-country campgrounds along the other lakes in the Lightning Lakes chain. Fishing is also allowed in the park, so you might even catch some fish!
The Lightning Lakes Chain
Lightning Lake is just the first of four lakes that make up the "Lightning Lakes chain." All these lakes are located within E. C. Manning Provincial Park. You can reach all of them by well-kept hiking trails. Plus, there are campgrounds at the other lakes too, perfect for longer adventures!
- Lightning Lake
- Flash Lake
- Strike Lake
- Thunder Lake
