Takhlakh Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Takhlakh Lake |
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Mount Adams seen from the lake
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 Takhlakh Lake
Location in Washington (state)
Takhlakh Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Skamania County, Washington, United States |
| Coordinates | 46°16′39″N 121°35′46″W / 46.277445°N 121.595993°W |
| Lake type | natural |
| Primary inflows | unnamed inflow creeks |
| Primary outflows | Canyon Creek (Tributary) |
| Catchment area | 0.70295 sq mi (1.8206 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 1,788 ft (545 m) |
| Max. width | 1,129 ft (344 m) |
| Surface area | 33 acres (13 ha) |
| Surface elevation | 4,390 ft (1,340 m) |
| Islands | 0 |
Takhlakh Lake is a beautiful lake located in the state of Washington, in the United States. It sits about 7.3 miles (11.7 km) northwest of the impressive Mount Adams. Small creeks from Takh Takh Meadows feed into the lake, which then flows into Canyon Creek. This creek is a branch of the Cispus River.
Takhlakh Lake is part of the Midway High Lakes Area, a group of five lakes close to each other. The Gifford Pinchot National Forest helps manage and protect this special area. Many people visit the lake for its stunning views, especially of Mount Adams reflected in the water.
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Discovering Takhlakh Lake's Name
The name Takhlakh comes from a Native American word, "takh." This word means "meadows." The nearby Takh Takh Meadows also got its name from this word. This is because many colorful flowers grow in and around the Takh Takh Lava Flow area.
Fun Things to Do at Takhlakh Lake
Takhlakh Lake is a very popular spot for outdoor activities. Visitors enjoy fishing, camping, and photography. The lake often shows a clear reflection of Mount Adams, making it a favorite for pictures.
Camping and Picnics
The Takhlakh Lake Campground is on the west side of the lake. It has 53 campsites and is managed by the Cowlitz Ranger District. This campground is busy during summer and early fall. There is also a day-use area with picnic tables and a boat ramp for small boats.
Hiking Trails Around the Lake
- Takhlakh Loop Trail #134: This trail goes all the way around the lake. It is even wheelchair-accessible in some parts. The loop offers amazing views of Mount Adams from different angles.
- Takh Takh Meadows Interpretive Trail #136: This trail is for walking only. It climbs up to the edge of the Takh Takh Lava Flow and into Takh Takh Meadows. From here, you can see incredible views of Mount Adams. You can also see its steep, icy northwest face and the Adams Glacier. This glacier is the second largest in the lower 48 states.
How to Get to Takhlakh Lake
Takhlakh Lake is a popular summer destination. You can reach it from different directions:
- From Trout Lake: If you are coming from Trout Lake on the south side of Mount Adams, take Primary Road 23. Then turn onto Road 5601, and finally Road 2329.
- From Randle or Packwood: From Randle or Packwood in the north, you can also take Primary Road 23 to Road 5601, then Road 2329. Another way from Packwood is Primary Road 21 to Road 2329.
The High Lakes Loop Scenic Drive
You can take a scenic drive called the High Lakes Loop. It starts from Packwood, goes to Takhlakh Lake and the other Midway High Lakes. Then it follows the beautiful Cispus River to Randle, and finally returns to Packwood along US Route 12. This loop is part of the White Pass Scenic Byway.
Takhlakh Lake in the Media
Takhlakh Lake has been featured in a famous magazine:
- In 1989, National Geographic magazine showed a photo of people enjoying Takhlakh Lake.
- In 2013, National Geographic again featured Takhlakh Lake. They published a photo titled "Mount Adams reflected in Takhlakh Lake." This picture was part of their "Ultimate Adventure Bucket List 2013." It was chosen as one of twenty "Must-Do Trips" around the world. The article suggested hiking around Mount Adams, a 35-mile journey using several trails.
