Lower Florence Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lower Florence Lake |
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 Lower Florence Lake
Location in Washington (state)
Lower Florence Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Chelan County, Washington, United States |
| Coordinates | 47°39′13″N 120°56′22″W / 47.6537191°N 120.9393131°W |
| Primary outflows | Unnamed |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 1.6 acres (0.0065 km2) |
| Surface elevation | 5,794 ft (1,766 m) |
Lower Florence Lake is a beautiful freshwater lake found in Chelan County, Washington. It sits near Ladies Peak and Cape Horn, and north of Grindstone Mountain. This lake is a popular spot for outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and fishing for cutthroat trout.
Lower Florence Lake is located a bit lower down the mountain from Upper Florence Lake. It's about 15 miles west of the city of Leavenworth. To visit this area, you'll need a special permit called an Alpine Lake Wilderness permit. You can get these permits yourself.
A man named Albert Hale Sylvester gave Florence Lake its name. He was a mapmaker for the United States Geological Survey. He worked in the North Cascades area between 1949 and 1957.
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Exploring Lower Florence Lake
Lower Florence Lake is a great place to visit for outdoor fun. It's known for its clear water and peaceful surroundings. Many people enjoy spending time here.
What to Do at the Lake
You can enjoy several activities at Lower Florence Lake.
- Hiking: Trails lead to and around the lake, offering amazing views.
- Swimming: On warm days, the lake is a refreshing place to take a dip.
- Fishing: Anglers often catch cutthroat trout here. Remember to check local fishing rules.
Getting to Lower Florence Lake
Reaching Lower Florence Lake involves a hike through the wilderness. The main way to get there is by starting at the Chatter Creek Trailhead. This trailhead is at the end of USFS Road 7609, near Icicle Creek.
The Chatter Creek Trail
The Chatter Creek Trail #1580 is about 5.5 miles long. It follows Chatter Creek for much of its path. This trail will take you past other lakes like Lake Sylvester and Lake Alice. Eventually, it connects with the Icicle Ridge Trail #1580.
Finding the Lakes
Once you are on the Icicle Ridge Trail, Upper Florence Lake is just below the main trail. It's located along the top of Icicle Ridge. The trail will then turn left towards Upper Florence Lake. Lower Florence Lake is a bit further down the side of the ridge.
Permits and Camping
You need a self-issued Alpine Lake Wilderness permit to hike in this area. You can get these permits at the Chatter Creek Trailhead. There are also campsites along the first few miles of the Chatter Creek Trail. These spots are great for setting up camp.
Other Trail Access
You can also reach the Icicle Ridge Trail from other paths. One option is the Fourth of July Trail #1579. Another way is from the Icicle Ridge Trailhead, which is located off Icicle Road in Leavenworth.
