Waddell Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Waddell Lake |
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 Waddell Lake
Location in Washington (state)
Waddell Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | North Cascades National Park, Chelan County, Washington, United States |
| Coordinates | 48°26′22″N 120°49′01″W / 48.43944°N 120.81694°W |
| Type | Alpine lake |
| Primary inflows | Waddell Creek |
| Primary outflows | Waddell Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 300 yd (270 m) |
| Max. width | 200 yd (180 m) |
| Surface elevation | 4,954 ft (1,510 m) |
Waddell Lake is a beautiful, quiet lake located inside North Cascades National Park in the state of Washington, United States. It's known as an alpine lake, which means it's high up in the mountains. This lake is a bit of a hidden gem because it's not easy to reach, making it a special spot for those who love exploring wild places.
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About Waddell Lake
Waddell Lake is a small, clear body of water nestled in the rugged North Cascades mountains. It sits at an elevation of about 4,954 ft (1,510 m), which is nearly a mile high! The lake is fed by and drains into Waddell Creek. This creek helps keep the lake's water fresh and clean.
Where is Waddell Lake Located?
Waddell Lake is found in Chelan County, Washington, within the boundaries of North Cascades National Park. This national park is famous for its tall, jagged mountains, deep valleys, and many glaciers. The park protects a large area of wilderness, which means it's kept wild and natural.
How Big is Waddell Lake?
Waddell Lake might be small, but it's a significant part of its mountain environment. It measures about 300 yd (270 m) long and 200 yd (180 m) wide. To give you an idea, 300 yd (270 m) is about the length of three football fields! Its size makes it a cozy, secluded spot in the vast wilderness.
Exploring the Area
Waddell Lake is not easy to get to. There are no official hiking trails that lead directly to the lake. This means that if someone wants to visit, they would need to be an experienced hiker or backpacker. They would also need to know how to navigate through wild areas without marked paths.
Near the Pacific Crest Trail
Even though there isn't a direct trail, Waddell Lake is only about 1.5 mi (2.4 km) southeast of the famous Pacific Crest Trail. The Pacific Crest Trail is a very long hiking trail that goes all the way from Mexico to Canada. Hikers on this trail pass by the Bridge Creek junction, which is relatively close to Waddell Lake. This makes the lake a possible side trip for very adventurous hikers.
Why is it Hard to Reach?
The reason Waddell Lake doesn't have easy access is because it's in a wilderness area. National parks often have parts that are kept wild to protect nature. This helps keep the plants and animals safe from too much human activity. It also means that visitors get to experience nature in its purest form.
What is an Alpine Lake?
Waddell Lake is an alpine lake. Alpine lakes are lakes found high up in the mountains, usually above the tree line. They are often formed by glaciers that carved out hollows in the rock. When the glaciers melt, these hollows fill with water.
- Clear Water: Alpine lakes often have very clear, cold water because they are fed by melting snow and ice.
- Beautiful Scenery: They are usually surrounded by stunning mountain views, rocky peaks, and sometimes small patches of hardy plants.
- Unique Ecosystems: The animals and plants that live in and around alpine lakes are specially adapted to the cold temperatures and harsh mountain environment.
Protecting Waddell Lake
As part of North Cascades National Park, Waddell Lake and its surroundings are protected. This means that park rangers and conservationists work to keep the area healthy and natural. Visitors are encouraged to practice "Leave No Trace" principles. These principles help make sure that the environment is not harmed by human visits.
- Pack it in, pack it out: Always take all your trash with you.
- Stay on trails (if available): This helps protect plants and prevent erosion.
- Respect wildlife: Observe animals from a distance and never feed them.
- Leave what you find: Don't take rocks, plants, or other natural items.
By following these rules, everyone can help keep Waddell Lake and other wild places beautiful for many years to come.
