Ukonom Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ukonom Lake |
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Location | Marble Mountain Wilderness Klamath National Forest Siskiyou County, California |
Coordinates | 41°34′49″N 123°21′24″W / 41.5803°N 123.3567°W |
Type | Reservoir |
Primary outflows | Ukonom Creek |
Surface area | 67 acres (27 ha) |
Max. depth | 68 ft (21 m) |
Surface elevation | 6,050 ft (1,840 m) |
Ukonom Lake is a beautiful reservoir (which is a man-made lake) found in the western part of Siskiyou County, California. It sits high up in the mountains, specifically in the amazing Marble Mountain Wilderness. The lake is about 6,050 ft (1,840 m) above sea level.
Ukonom Lake covers an area of 67 acres (27 ha), making it the biggest lake in the Marble Mountain Wilderness by its surface size. Even though it's wide, it's not super deep, reaching a maximum depth of about 68 ft (21 m).
History of Ukonom Lake
Ukonom Lake wasn't always here naturally. It was created a long time ago, in the 1800s.
Building the Dam
Workers built a dam about 10-foot (3.0 m) tall using strong granite rocks. This dam was made to hold back water. The water was then sent to help with a type of mining called hydraulic mining. This mining happened at the Bunker Hill Mine, which was about 7 miles (11 km) away near the Klamath River.
Ukonom Lake Today
Today, Ukonom Lake is a very popular spot for people who visit the Marble Mountain Wilderness. It's a great place to enjoy nature. The U.S. Forest Service helps keep the lake fun for visitors. They regularly add rainbow trout to the lake, which makes it a fantastic place for fishing!
In the summer of 2008, the area around Ukonom Lake was affected by a big wildfire called the Panther Fire. It's important to know that the Johnson’s hunting ground trail is no longer safe or easy to use. Please do not try to hike on it, as it's mostly overgrown and very difficult.