Trillium Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Trillium Lake |
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Mount Hood seen from the lake
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 Trillium Lake
Location in Oregon
Trillium Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Clackamas County, Oregon, United States |
| Coordinates | 45°16′02″N 121°44′32″W / 45.2673406°N 121.7422998°W |
| Type | man made |
| Primary inflows | none |
| Primary outflows | Mud Creek |
| Catchment area | 1 sq mi (2.6 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 3,000 ft (910 m) |
| Max. width | 1,400 ft (430 m) |
| Surface area | 65 acres (26 ha) |
| Average depth | 7 ft (2.1 m) |
| Max. depth | 21 ft (6.4 m) |
| Water volume | 380 acre⋅ft (470,000 m3) |
| Surface elevation | 3,601 ft (1,098 m) |
| Islands | 0 |
| Settlements | (none) |
Trillium Lake is a beautiful lake located about 7.5 miles (12 km) south of Mount Hood in Oregon, United States. It's not a natural lake; it was created by people in 1960. A dam was built on Mud Creek, which is a small stream that flows into the Salmon River.
The lake is a very popular spot for outdoor activities. Many people visit to go fishing, camping, or just to take amazing photos. It's especially famous for its clear reflection of Mount Hood on the water.
Contents
How Was Trillium Lake Created?
Trillium Lake was built by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. They created the lake in 1960. The main reason was to provide a place for fishing and other fun water activities.
What Was the Area Like Before the Lake?
Before the lake was made, this area was part of the historic Barlow Road. This road was a very important part of the Oregon Trail. Many pioneers used it to travel west.
There was even a special "log road" built over marshy (swampy) areas. This helped travelers and their wagons get through. From 1866 to 1870, there was a toll station at Summit Meadow nearby. Travelers had to pay a fee to pass.
Where Did the Name Trillium Come From?
The lake is named after the Trillium flower. These beautiful flowers are very common in the area around the lake. They are easy to spot, especially in the spring.
Fun Things to Do at Trillium Lake
Trillium Lake is a fantastic place for outdoor adventures. There are many activities you can enjoy here throughout the year.
Camping at Trillium Lake
Right next to the lake is the Trillium Lake Campground. It is managed by the Zigzag Ranger District, which is part of the Mount Hood National Forest. This large campground has a boat ramp that opens during certain seasons. It also has a floating dock that is easy for everyone to use, including those in wheelchairs.
Fishing and Boating
The lake is a favorite spot for fishing. You can often catch trout here. Small boats are allowed on the lake, making it perfect for a peaceful day on the water.
Hiking and Walking Trails
You can walk all the way around Trillium Lake on the Trillium Lake Trail. This trail is about 2 miles (3.2 km) long. It's a great way to see the lake from all sides and enjoy nature.
Winter Activities
When winter comes, Trillium Lake becomes a popular place for Nordic skiing. This is a type of cross-country skiing. There's a special trailhead across U.S. Route 26 from a place called Snow Bunny. Many people visit the lake for skiing, especially on afternoons and weekends.
Images for kids
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The lake from Mount Hood
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The lake at sunrise
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The lake in winter
See also
In Spanish: Lago Trillium para niños
