Waughop Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Waughop Lake |
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 Waughop Lake
Location in Washington (state)
Waughop Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Lakewood, Pierce County, Washington, United States |
| Coordinates | 47°10′13″N 122°33′55″W / 47.1704°N 122.5653°W |
| Primary inflows | groundwater |
| Primary outflows | none |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 33 acres (13 ha) |
| Average depth | 7 ft (2.1 m) |
Waughop Lake is a small lake located in Pierce County, Washington, in the United States. It is found within Fort Steilacoom Park in the city of Lakewood, Washington. The lake is a popular spot for outdoor activities and is known for its unique natural features.
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About Waughop Lake
Waughop Lake covers about 33 acres (13 hectares) and is around 7 feet (2.1 meters) deep on average. The lake gets its water from underground sources, which means no rivers or streams flow into it. It also does not have any water flowing out through surface channels.
Where is Waughop Lake?
This lake is located less than 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) east of Steilacoom, Washington. It is a central feature of Fort Steilacoom Park, a large park in Lakewood that offers many recreational opportunities.
Why is it Called Waughop Lake?
The lake is named after Dr. John Wesley Waughop. He was once the superintendent of a hospital nearby, which is now known as Western State Hospital. This hospital is located across the street from the park where Waughop Lake is found.
Fun Things to Do at the Lake
A paved trail goes all the way around Waughop Lake. This trail is about 0.9 miles (1.4 kilometers) long. It is a great place for people to walk, jog, or ride bikes while enjoying the scenery.
What's in the Water?
Sometimes, fish like trout are put into Waughop Lake. However, these fish usually do not survive for very long after being introduced.
Researchers have studied the lake's water quality. One researcher, Michele La Fontaine, looked at the amount of algae and dissolved oxygen in the lake. The water level in the lake changes by about 2 feet (0.6 meters) each year. It gains water in the winter and loses it in the summer due to evaporation.
The lake often has a lot of algae growing in it. This algae grows because of nitrogen, which comes from duck droppings. Because of these large algae blooms, it is not a good idea to touch the water in Waughop Lake.
