Wasco Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wasco lake |
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Wasco Lake viewed from Pacific Crest Trail
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 Wasco lake
Location in Oregon
Wasco lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Jefferson County, Oregon |
| Coordinates | 44°30′36″N 121°48′42″W / 44.5098669°N 121.8117282°W |
| Type | Natural alpine lake |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 17.3 acres (7.0 ha) |
| Shore length1 | .6 mi (0.97 km) |
| Surface elevation | 5,115 ft (1,559 m) |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Wasco Lake is a beautiful lake found high up in the mountains. It is located in Jefferson County, Oregon, in the United States. This special lake was formed by glaciers, which are like giant, slow-moving rivers of ice.
Wasco Lake is part of the Mount Jefferson Wilderness Area. This means it's a protected natural space where wildlife can thrive. Many people enjoy hiking to Wasco Lake, and you can even reach it by following the famous Pacific Crest Trail. In 2003, a very large forest fire called the B&B Complex Fire affected the area around Wasco Lake.
Where is Wasco Lake?
Wasco Lake sits very high up, at an elevation of about 5,115 ft (1,559 m) above sea level. It is located on the eastern side of a mountain called Three Fingered Jack. This mountain is part of the Cascade Mountain Range, which stretches across much of Oregon. As mentioned, the lake is also inside the Mount Jefferson Wilderness Area, a place known for its wild beauty.
The B&B Complex Fire
In 2003, a huge event happened near Wasco Lake: the B&B Complex Fire. This was a very large wildfire that burned many acres of forest in the region. Even years later, you can still see the effects of this fire on the landscape around the lake. Some areas show new growth, while others still have signs of the past damage.
Visiting Wasco Lake
Wasco Lake is a popular spot for hikers. The Pacific Crest Trail, a long-distance hiking trail that goes from Mexico to Canada, passes near the lake. This makes it a great destination for a day hike or a stop on a longer backpacking trip. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful mountain scenery and the clear waters of the lake.
Images for kids
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Fir trees dominate the landscape around Wasco Lake.
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The devastating effects of the B&B fire can still be seen 13 years later.
