Totem Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Totem Lake |
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| Lake Wittenmyer, Lake Watstine, Mudd Lake (historical) | |
Totem lake as seen from a hill to its north
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| Location | Kirkland, Washington, United States |
| Coordinates | 47°42′39″N 122°10′34″W / 47.71083°N 122.17611°W |
| Type | Kettle lake |
| Primary outflows | Juanita Creek |
| Surface area | 2 acres (0.81 ha) |
| Surface elevation | 131 feet (40 m) |
| References | coordinates and elevation from U.S. Geological Survey |
Totem Lake is a small, pretty lake in Kirkland, Washington. It covers about 2-acre (0.81 ha) of water. This lake is the start of one part of Juanita Creek. The creek flows through the area, eventually reaching Lake Washington.
A neighborhood in Kirkland and a former shopping center are both named after Totem Lake. The lake is completely surrounded by a large park. This park is a great place to visit and enjoy nature.
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Discovering Totem Lake
Totem Lake is a special kind of lake called a kettle lake. Imagine a giant block of ice left behind by a melting glacier. When the ice melts, it leaves a bowl-shaped hole in the ground. This hole then fills with water, creating a kettle lake. Totem Lake was formed this way many, many years ago.
The lake sits at an elevation of about 131 feet (40 m) above sea level. It's a peaceful spot, even though it's in a busy city.
A Park for Everyone
A big park, about 17.2-acre (7.0 ha) in size, completely surrounds Totem Lake. This means you can walk all the way around the lake and enjoy the views. The park is a green space where people can relax and connect with nature.
The park is next to the Cross Kirkland Corridor. This is a long trail that used to be a railway line. Now, it's a popular path for walking, running, and biking. You can easily get to Totem Lake Park from this trail.
The Lake's Many Names
Over time, Totem Lake has had several different names. Some of these names include Lake Wittenmyer, Lake Watstine, and Mudd Lake. It's common for places to have different names throughout history.
It's believed that the lake also had an original name given by Native American tribes who lived in the area long ago. Sadly, this original name has been lost over time. The name "Totem Lake" itself likely comes from the idea of totem poles, which are important in Native American culture.
The Totem Lake Neighborhood
The area around the lake is also called Totem Lake. It's a busy part of Kirkland with homes, businesses, and shops. For many years, there was a large shopping mall called Totem Lake Mall. While the mall has changed, the name of the area still honors the lake.
The lake and its park are important green spaces for the people living in the Totem Lake neighborhood. They offer a quiet escape from city life.
Images for kids
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Totem lake as seen from a hill to its north
