Traful Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Traful Lake |
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 Traful Lake
Location in Neuquén Province
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| Location | Los Lagos Department, Neuquén Province |
| Coordinates | 40°38′05″S 71°25′36″W / 40.63472°S 71.42667°W |
| Type | Freshwater lake |
| Primary inflows | Pichi Traful river and the Machico, Cataratas and Coaco arroyos |
| Primary outflows | Traful River(25 km) (Traful → Limay → Negro → Atlantic) |
| Basin countries | Argentina |
| Surface area | 76 km2 (29 sq mi) |
| Max. depth | 300 m (980 ft) |
| Surface elevation | 975 m (3,199 ft) |
| Settlements | Villa Traful |
Traful Lake is a beautiful lake located in the Neuquén Province of Argentina. It covers an area of 76 square kilometers, which is about 29 square miles. This lake is the starting point of the Traful River, which eventually flows into the Nahuel Huapi Lake.
Traful Lake is part of the amazing Nahuel Huapi National Park. It is famous for a stunning view from a high cliff, about 102 meters (335 feet) tall. From here, you can see the whole lake and the valley around it.
On the shore of the lake, you'll find the small mountain town of Villa Traful. This town is the main place where people live near the lake. It has places to camp, a gas station, and hotels for visitors.
The water in Traful Lake is very clear and has lots of oxygen. The lake's edges are not smooth; they have tall cliffs and nice beaches. It's a great spot for fishing, both from a boat and from the shore. The northern part of the lake is especially good for catching different types of fish.
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Exploring Traful Lake's Waters
Traful Lake is known for its clear, oxygen-rich waters. This makes it a perfect home for many fish. The lake's shoreline is a mix of steep cliffs and sandy beaches.
Fishing Adventures in Traful Lake
Fishing is a popular activity here. You can cast your line from the shore or go out on a boat. The northern part of the lake is especially good for fishing. Here, you might catch:
- Landlocked salmon
- Rainbow trout
- Brook trout
- Brown trout
Discovering the Northern Arm: Pichi Traful
Traful Lake has a long, narrow section that stretches to the northwest. This part is known as Lake Pichi Traful. You can reach it by following the lake road or by using highways RP 65 and RP 234.
When you arrive, you'll find a park guard station. The guards can give you information about places to stay overnight or where to set up camp. The Pichi Traful river flows into this arm of the lake, bringing in fresh, oxygenated water. This makes it an excellent spot for fly-fishing. There are also beaches at the river's mouth, perfect for camping.
The Mystery of the Submerged Forest
One of the most unique features of Traful Lake is its underwater forest. About 60 dead cypress trees stand upright in the water, about 15 meters (49 feet) deep. These trees used to be on a nearby hill.
Around the 1960s, a large landslide pushed them into the lake. They have stood there ever since. Because the water is so clear, you can often see their roots from the surface when the lake is calm. It's like a ghostly forest hidden beneath the waves!
