Silver Lake (Amador County, California) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Silver Lake |
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 Silver Lake
Location in California
Silver Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Northern California |
| Coordinates | 38°39′31″N 120°07′07″W / 38.6587447°N 120.1186238°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Silver Fork American River South Fork American River Watershed |
| Primary outflows | Silver Fork American River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Managing agency | El Dorado Irrigation District |
| Surface area | 525 acres (212 ha) |
| Surface elevation | 7,200 feet (2,200 m) |
| Islands | Treasure Island |
Silver Lake is a beautiful reservoir located high in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. A reservoir is like a big, artificial lake where water is stored, often for drinking or making electricity.
This lake is found in Amador County. It's about 20 miles (32 km) south of South Lake Tahoe. The lake sits at a high elevation of 7,200 feet (2,195 meters). When full, it covers about 525 acres (212 hectares). The lake is surrounded by the amazing Eldorado National Forest. It's managed by the El Dorado Irrigation District, which helps provide water and power to the area. Winters here are very cold, with lots of snow and ice.
Long ago, between 1848 and 1863, people could reach Silver Lake using the Old Emigrant Road. Today, it's much easier to get there! You can drive on California Highway 88, also known as the "Carson Pass Highway."
Right in the middle of Silver Lake, there's a small piece of land called Treasure Island. You can only get to this island by boat or by swimming.
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Fun Things to Do at Silver Lake
Silver Lake is a great spot for outdoor adventures! It has a popular place to stay called the Silver Lake West Campground.
Camping at Silver Lake West
The Silver Lake West Campground has 42 campsites. It's a "first-come, first-served" campground, meaning you can't reserve a spot ahead of time. It's usually open from May to October, depending on the weather.
Each campsite has space for one or two vehicles. You'll find a fire ring with a grill for cooking tasty meals. There are also special lockers to keep your food safe from bears. Every site has a picnic table, and some can even fit small RVs or motor homes. Just remember, there's no cell phone service here, so it's a perfect place to unplug!
Boating and Activities
You can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and canoeing on Silver Lake. You might need to pay a small fee to use the lake for these activities. If you don't have your own gear, you can rent kayaks and canoes at the Kit Carson Lodge. This lodge is located at the north end of the lake.
The Kit Carson Lodge also offers many other fun activities. You can go on gold rush tours to learn about California's history. Or, you can enjoy horseback riding on the beautiful trails around the lake.
Hiking Trails Near Silver Lake
There are many exciting hiking trails close to Silver Lake. These trails let you explore the stunning nature of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Some popular trails include:
- Shealor Lake trailhead
- Granite Lake trail
- Lake Margaret trailhead
- Thunder Mountain trailhead
- Meiss Lake trailhead
- Frog Lake trailhead
Wildlife and Fishing at Silver Lake
Silver Lake is home to many interesting animals and fish. Since 1930, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has regularly added fish to the lake.
Fish in Silver Lake
The main type of fish you'll find in Silver Lake is the Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Fishing is allowed all year round. There's a limit of 5 trout you can catch and keep each day. You can have up to 10 trout in your possession at one time.
Animals Around the Lake
When you're hiking or camping, keep an eye out for local animals! You might see bears, squirrels, and various insects. Mountain lions and other small rodents also live in the area. Remember to always be respectful of wildlife and keep a safe distance.
