Tioga Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tioga Lake |
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An angler at the lake, Mount Dana in the background
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 Tioga Lake
Location in California
Tioga Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Inyo National Forest Mono County, California |
| Coordinates | 37°55′27″N 119°15′07″W / 37.9241°N 119.2519°W |
| Type | glacial lake |
| Primary outflows | Lee Vining Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 0.65 mi (1.05 km) |
| Max. width | 0.25 mi (0.40 km) |
| Surface elevation | 9,638 ft (2,938 m) |
Tioga Lake is a beautiful, small lake found in the Inyo National Forest in Mono County, California. It is a glacial lake, meaning it was formed by glaciers moving across the land long ago.
This lake is located about 2 miles (3 km) north of the Tioga Pass entrance to Yosemite National Park. You can find it right next to California State Route 120 in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California.
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The Story Behind the Name
Most mountain passes in the Sierra Nevada are named after people. However, the name Tioga is different. It comes from an Iroquois word. This word means "where it forks" or "swift current."
The lake gets its name from Tioga County, New York. People believe that indigenous peoples lived in this area as far back as 10,000 years ago. Later, John Muir, a famous naturalist, was one of the first Americans to explore this region. After that, industries like mining and logging became interested in the area.
Fun Things to Do at the Lake
Tioga Lake is a great spot for outdoor adventures. You can enjoy trout fishing in its clear waters. There is also a nice picnic area where you can relax and eat. The lake has a managed campground with 13 sites, perfect for spending the night under the stars.
Wildlife You Might See
Some of the animals around Tioga Lake are quite friendly. Birds and marmots might even come close to people. If you are lucky, you might spot a bobcat or a bighorn sheep. Bighorn sheep are usually very shy, so they are harder to see.
Because it's a bit harder to reach, Tioga Lake is popular with people who want to avoid big crowds. It's a favorite place for campers, photographers, and anyone who loves nature. Birds of prey are often seen here, making it a great spot for bird watchers.
Weather at Tioga Lake
The weather at Tioga Lake can be very surprising. It is located high up in the mountains, at the top of a major pass. This means the weather can change quickly. The length of the seasons also varies a lot from one year to the next.
Images for kids
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Tioga Lake in spring looking towards Tioga Pass
