Medvejie Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Medvejie Lake |
|
|---|---|
Looking up from the Medvejie Lake valley from near the end of the frozen-over lake
|
|
 Medvejie Lake
Location in Alaska
Medvejie Lake
Location in North America
|
|
| Location | Baranof Island, Sitka City and Borough, Alaska, United States |
| Coordinates | 57°1′23″N 135°7′9″W / 57.02306°N 135.11917°W |
| Type | Glacial lake |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 1 mi (1.6 km) |
| Max. width | .2 mi (0.32 km) |
| Surface elevation | 243 feet (74 m) |
Medvejie Lake is a long, thin lake on Baranof Island in Alaska. It gets its water from melting snow. The lake is just south of Sitka, Alaska in the Alaskan Panhandle. Water from Medvejie Lake flows into Silver Bay, about 8 miles (13 km) southeast of Sitka.
What's in a Name?
The name "Medvejie" comes from a Russian word. This word means "bear." People think the lake got this name a long time ago. It was likely named during the time when Russians lived in Alaska.
Medvejie Lake is also known by these names:
- Bear Lake
- Medvejia Lake
Where is Medvejie Lake?
Medvejie Lake sits in a valley. This valley is nestled between two large mountains. These mountains are called Bear Mountain and Cupola Peak. The lake is about 243 feet (73 meters) above sea level.
There are not many trees between the mountains and the lake. This is because the mountains rise very steeply. The shape of the valley creates a natural wind tunnel. This means that strong winds often blow down trees in the area.
In winter, less water flows into the lake. This is because most of the rain turns into snow. The lake usually freezes over during winter. It also slowly shrinks. This leaves pieces of ice on the lake bottom that used to be covered by water. Water from Medvejie Lake flows into Bear Cove. From there, it goes into Silver Bay and then the Pacific Ocean.
How Cold is the Valley?
The Medvejie Lake valley is often colder than Sitka. It is also colder than the nearby Medvejie Fish Hatchery. This is partly because the tall mountains block sunlight. Also, cold air from the surrounding snow and ice fields flows into the valley.
A salmon hatchery is located at the start of the lake's outlet stream. This stream is about a mile long.
Fun Things to Do
Medvejie Lake is a great starting point for outdoor adventures. You can explore places like Peak 5390 and Indigo Lake. Medvejie Lake is also the beginning or end of the famous Baranof Cross-Island Trail.
There are two ways to travel past the lake and up the valley. One way is a rough trail for hunters along the north shore. Another way is to use the shared canoes and paddles. These are found at the lake's outlet.
Staff from the hatchery and the City of Sitka work together. They keep a good trail maintained. This trail goes from Bear Cove to the outlet of Medvejie Lake.
