Luna Lake (Washington) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Luna Lake |
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Luna Lake partially imaged at bottom left in this 1960 image
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 Luna Lake
Location in Washington (state)
Luna Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | North Cascades National Park, Whatcom County, Washington, United States |
| Coordinates | 48°49′26″N 121°17′45″W / 48.82389°N 121.29583°W |
| Type | Glacial Lake |
| Primary outflows | Luna Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 500 yd (460 m) |
| Max. width | 250 yd (230 m) |
| Surface elevation | 4,902 ft (1,494 m) |
Luna Lake is a beautiful lake found in the North Cascades National Park in Washington, USA. It's located about 1 mile southwest of Luna Peak, which is the tallest mountain in the rugged Picket Range. This lake is special because it was formed by a glacier!
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What is Luna Lake?
Luna Lake is a type of lake called a proglacial lake. This means it was created by a glacier. Imagine a giant river of ice slowly moving and carving out the land. As the glacier melted and moved back, it left behind a pile of rocky debris. This pile of rocks is called a moraine. The moraine acted like a natural dam, trapping the meltwater from the glacier and forming Luna Lake.
Where is Luna Lake Located?
You can find Luna Lake deep inside the amazing North Cascades National Park. This park is known for its tall, jagged mountains and many glaciers. The lake sits in Whatcom County, Washington, which is in the northern part of Washington state. It's a remote and wild area, perfect for exploring nature.
How Big is Luna Lake?
Luna Lake is not huge, but it's a good size for a mountain lake. It's about 500 yards (or 457 meters) long and 250 yards (or 228 meters) wide. The lake is located at an elevation of about 4,902 feet (or 1,494 meters) above sea level. This high elevation means it's often surrounded by snow and ice for much of the year.
Why is Luna Lake Important?
Luna Lake is an important part of the North Cascades National Park ecosystem. It provides a water source for local wildlife. The lake also helps scientists understand how glaciers affect the landscape. Studying lakes like Luna Lake helps us learn about climate change and how our planet is changing.
