Wilcox Lakes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wilcox Lakes |
|
---|---|
Location | North Cascades National Park, Skagit County, Washington, United States |
Coordinates | 48°36′04″N 121°10′26″W / 48.60111°N 121.17389°W |
Type | Tarns |
Basin countries | United States |
Max. length | 300 yd (270 m) |
Max. width | 200 yd (180 m) |
Surface elevation | 5,121 ft (1,561 m) |
The Wilcox Lakes are a group of small, beautiful lakes found high up in the mountains. They are located inside the amazing North Cascades National Park in the state of Washington, United States. These lakes are a special part of the park's natural beauty.
Contents
Exploring Wilcox Lakes
The Wilcox Lakes are not just one lake, but a collection of two main small lakes and several even tinier ones. These tiny lakes are called tarns. They are found about 1.1 miles northeast of another lake called Stout Lake.
What is a Tarn?
A tarn is a special type of mountain lake. It forms in a bowl-shaped hollow that was carved out by a glacier. Imagine a giant scoop of ice moving slowly down a mountain. When the ice melts, it leaves behind a natural bowl that fills with water. That's how a tarn is made! The Wilcox Lakes are good examples of these cool mountain lakes.
Where are the Wilcox Lakes Located?
The Wilcox Lakes are nestled within the North Cascades National Park. This park is in Skagit County, Washington, in the northwestern part of the United States. The lakes sit at a high elevation of about 5,121 feet (1,561 meters) above sea level. This means they are high up in the mountains, surrounded by stunning views.
How Did Wilcox Lakes Get Their Name?
The Wilcox Lakes were named after the person who first discovered them. His name was Paul B. Wilcox. It's common for natural places like lakes, mountains, or rivers to be named after the people who first explored them or played an important role in their history.
The Source of a Creek
The Wilcox Lakes are very important because they are the starting point for a creek called the East Fork Nehalem Creek. This means that the water from these lakes flows out and forms the beginning of this creek. Creeks and rivers often start from lakes or springs high up in the mountains.