Summit Lake (Alaska) facts for kids

Alaska is a huge state in the United States, famous for its wild and beautiful nature. It has countless lakes, and it might surprise you to learn that many of them share the same name: Summit Lake. This name is often given to lakes found at high points, like mountain passes or the top of a hill, which are called "summits."

What Makes a Summit Lake Special?

A "Summit Lake" isn't just one lake. It's a name given to many different lakes all over Alaska. These lakes are usually found in amazing natural places. They can be in large national forests, wildlife refuges, or state parks. Because they are often at higher elevations, they offer incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Where Are These Lakes Located?

You can find lakes named Summit Lake in many different parts of Alaska. Each one has its own unique features and surroundings. Here are a few examples:

• Chugach National Forest: This is one of the largest national forests in the U.S. It has two lakes called Summit Lake: Lower Summit Lake (Chugach National Forest, Alaska) and Summit Lake (also known as Upper Summit Lake). These lakes are popular spots for outdoor adventures.
• Becharof National Wildlife Refuge: Located on the Alaska Peninsula, this refuge is home to the Summit Lake (Becharof National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska). It's a protected area where many animals, like brown bears and caribou, live.
• Denali State Park: Near the famous Denali mountain, you'll find Summit Lake (Denali State Park, Alaska). This lake is close to Chulitna Pass and offers stunning views of the Alaska Range.
• Lake Clark National Park: In this beautiful national park, there's a Summit Lake (Lake Clark National Park, Alaska) near Lake Clark Pass. The park is known for its volcanoes, glaciers, and wild rivers.
• Prince of Wales Island: This large island in Southeast Alaska has its own Summit Lake (Prince of Wales Island, Alaska). The island is covered in dense forests and has a rugged coastline.
• Kenai Peninsula Borough: This area is very popular for outdoor activities. It has several lakes with "Summit" in their name, including Summit Lakes (Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska) and Summit Lake, which is the source of the Tlikakila River.
• Tongass National Forest: The Summit Lakes (Tongass National Forest, Alaska) are found on the Phipps Peninsula, close to the Gulf of Alaska. This forest is the largest national forest in the United States.

Why Are Lakes Important in Alaska?

Lakes are a very important part of Alaska's environment. Many of them were formed by glaciers that carved out the land thousands of years ago. These lakes provide homes for many types of fish, like salmon, which are a vital food source for bears, eagles, and other wildlife. They also offer beautiful places for people to enjoy nature, whether it's fishing, kayaking, or just enjoying the quiet scenery.

Understanding Lake Locations with Coordinates

When you see numbers like "60.6610, -149.4786" next to a lake's name, these are called geographic coordinates. They are like an address for a specific spot on Earth. The first number is the latitude, which tells you how far north or south a place is from the equator. The second number is the longitude, which tells you how far east or west it is from a special line called the Prime Meridian. These coordinates help scientists, adventurers, and even map apps find the exact location of each Summit Lake in Alaska.