Summit Lake (Chugach National Forest) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Summit Lake |
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Looking across Summit Lake from the edge of Seward Highway near Summit Lodge
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 Summit Lake
Location in Alaska
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| Location | Chugach National Forest, Alaska United States |
| Coordinates | 60°37′53″N 149°30′31″W / 60.6313°N 149.5085°W |
| Type | Natural lake |
| Primary inflows | Canyon Creek & Tenderfoot Creek |
| Primary outflows | Canyon Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 258 acres (104 ha) |
| Average depth | 48.1 feet (14.7 m) |
| Max. depth | 70 feet (21 m) |
| Water volume | 51,928,350 cubic yards (39,702,070 m3) |
| Shore length1 | 3.3 miles (5.3 km) |
| Surface elevation | 1,266 feet (386 m) |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Summit Lake is a beautiful natural lake located in the Chugach National Forest in Alaska, United States. It is sometimes called Upper Summit Lake. This lake is easy to find because it sits right along the Seward Highway (also known as AK-1).
Summit Lake is about 10 miles (16 km) north of Moose Pass. It is also about 23 miles (37 km) southwest of the Portage area, which is near Anchorage.
How Water Flows In and Out
Summit Lake gets its water from two main sources. Canyon Creek flows into the lake from the southwest. Another stream, Tenderfoot Creek, adds water from the east.
The lake then empties its water back into Canyon Creek on its northeast side. This creek continues to flow through another lake called Lower Summit Lake. Eventually, the water from Canyon Creek reaches Six Mile Creek. From there, it flows into the Turnagain Arm, which is part of the Cook Inlet.
It's important to know that there is another stream nearby called Summit Creek. However, this other creek is not connected to Summit Lake. Its water flows in a different direction, heading towards Kenai Lake and Skilak Lake before reaching the Cook Inlet.
Things to Do Near the Lake
Summit Lake is a popular spot for visitors. On the north shore of the lake, you can find the Summit Lake Lodge. It is located just off the Seward Highway.
If you enjoy camping, the Tenderfoot Creek Campground is also nearby. It is located on the east shore of the lake, just south of the lodge. These spots offer great places to stay and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Fish in Summit Lake
Summit Lake is home to several types of fish. It has a natural population of Dolly Varden and Lake trout. These fish live and reproduce in the lake on their own.
To help keep the fish population healthy, the lake is also stocked every year. This means that young Rainbow trout, called fingerlings, are added to the lake. This helps ensure there are always plenty of fish for people who enjoy fishing.
