Trapper Lake (Chelan County, Washington) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Trapper Lake |
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 Trapper Lake
Location in Washington (state)
Trapper Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | North Cascades National Park, Chelan County, Washington, United States |
| Coordinates | 48°26′24″N 121°00′13″W / 48.44000°N 121.00361°W |
| Type | Glacial Lake |
| Primary inflows | S Glacier |
| Primary outflows | Cottonwood Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | .85 mi (1.37 km) |
| Max. width | .35 mi (0.56 km) |
| Surface elevation | 4,170 ft (1,270 m) |
Trapper Lake is a beautiful lake found in the North Cascades National Park in Washington, a state in the United States. This lake is located just northeast of Trapper Mountain. It's a bit of a hidden gem because it's not on a regular hiking trail.
To reach Trapper Lake, you need to take a challenging climb from the Upper Stehekin River Trail. The lake gets its water from melting ice and snow. This includes water from the S Glacier on Hurry-up Peak, as well as runoff from Magic Mountain and Pelton Peak.
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Exploring Trapper Lake: A Hidden Gem
Trapper Lake is a great example of a glacial lake. This means it was formed by the movement of huge sheets of ice, called glaciers, long ago. As glaciers moved, they carved out the land, leaving behind basins that filled with water when the ice melted.
Where is Trapper Lake Located?
Trapper Lake is tucked away in the North Cascades National Park. This park is famous for its rugged mountains, deep valleys, and many glaciers. The lake is in Chelan County, Washington, a part of Washington state known for its natural beauty.
How Does Trapper Lake Get Its Water?
The lake is fed by several natural sources.
- One main source is meltwater from the S Glacier. Glaciers are like giant rivers of ice that slowly move. When parts of them melt, they provide fresh water to lakes and rivers.
- Water also flows into Trapper Lake from nearby mountains like Magic Mountain and Pelton Peak. This runoff comes from rain and melting snow on the mountain slopes.
Visiting Trapper Lake: What to Know
Because Trapper Lake is not on a marked trail, it's considered a more remote and challenging place to visit. This makes it a special spot for experienced hikers and adventurers who enjoy exploring wild areas.
Getting to the Lake
To reach Trapper Lake, you would typically start on the Upper Stehekin River Trail. From there, it requires a steep climb off the main trail. This kind of journey means you need to be well-prepared and have good navigation skills.
Why is it Called Trapper Lake?
The lake gets its name from its location near Trapper Mountain. Many natural features in this area are named after early explorers, trappers, or the activities they did in the wilderness.
