Silver Lake (North Cascades National Park) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Silver Lake |
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Silver Lake below Silver Glacier in background
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 Silver Lake
Location in Washington (state)
Silver Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | North Cascades National Park, Whatcom County, Washington, United States |
| Coordinates | 48°59′15″N 121°13′56″W / 48.98750°N 121.23222°W |
| Type | Lake |
| Primary outflows | Silver Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | .80 mi (1.29 km) |
| Max. width | .50 mi (0.80 km) |
| Surface elevation | 6,768 ft (2,063 m) |
Silver Lake is a beautiful lake found in the North Cascades National Park in the state of Washington, United States. It's a special place known for its amazing mountain views and clear water. This lake is quite high up, sitting at an elevation of about 6,768 feet (2,063 meters) above sea level.
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Where is Silver Lake Located?
Silver Lake is nestled deep within the North Cascades National Park, which is a wild and rugged area in Whatcom County, Washington. It's not far from the border between the United States and Canada, being only about half a mile (0.8 kilometers) south of it. This makes it one of the most northern lakes in the park!
What is Near Silver Lake?
The lake is surrounded by tall mountains and glaciers. It's less than one mile (1.6 kilometers) north of a big mountain called Mount Spickard. The lake even gets some of its water from the melting ice of the Silver Glacier, which is located on the northern side of Mount Spickard.
To the north and west of Silver Lake, there's a sharp, rocky ridge called Custer Ridge. This ridge eventually leads up to another mountain known as Mount Rahm. Imagine a natural wall of rock stretching across the landscape!
How Was Silver Lake Formed?
Like many lakes in mountainous regions, Silver Lake was likely formed by glaciers. During the last Ice Age, huge sheets of ice moved across the land, carving out valleys and basins. As these glaciers melted, they left behind depressions that filled with water, creating lakes like Silver Lake. The fact that it's still fed by the Silver Glacier shows how connected it is to these ancient ice formations.
Exploring the North Cascades National Park
Silver Lake is just one small part of the much larger North Cascades National Park. This park is famous for its many glaciers (over 300!), jagged peaks, and deep forests. It's often called the "American Alps" because its scenery looks a lot like the famous Alps in Europe.
The park is a great place for:
- Hiking and backpacking
- Wildlife watching, including animals like black bears, deer, and many types of birds
- Enjoying the quiet beauty of nature
Because Silver Lake is in a national park, it's protected. This helps keep its natural beauty and the surrounding environment safe for everyone to enjoy for many years to come.
