Overland Lake (Nevada) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Overland Lake |
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Location | Ruby Mountains, Elko County, Nevada |
Coordinates | 40°27′36″N 115°27′24″W / 40.46000°N 115.45667°W |
Type | tarn |
Basin countries | United States |
Surface area | 15 acres (6.1 ha) |
Max. depth | 55 ft (17 m) |
Surface elevation | 9,450 ft (2,880 m) |
Overland Lake is a beautiful lake found high up in the Ruby Mountains of Nevada. It's a special type of lake called a tarn. Tarns are lakes that form in bowls carved out by glaciers. This means Overland Lake was created by ancient ice! It's located in Elko County, in the northeastern part of the state.
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Where is Overland Lake Located?
Overland Lake sits at the very top of Overland Canyon. It is about 9,450 feet (2,880 meters) above sea level. This high elevation makes it a cool and scenic spot. The lake is found in the northern part of the Ruby Mountains.
How Big is Overland Lake?
This mountain lake covers an area of about 15 acres (6.1 hectares). That's roughly the size of 11 football fields! It's also quite deep for its size, reaching up to 55 feet (17 meters) in some places.
What is Nearby Overland Lake?
A popular hiking path called the Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail runs right along the eastern side of the lake. This trail offers amazing views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Overland Lake is also the main source of Overland Creek. This creek flows out of the mountains and into Ruby Valley.
How Did Overland Lake Get Its Name?
The lake was first named Marian Lake by a geologist named Clarence King. He named it after his sister. This original name, however, was eventually forgotten.
Later, the lake became known as Overland Lake. This name came from the Overland Mail and Stage Route. This important old route for mail and stagecoaches passed close by the lake.