Swan Lake (Washington)

Swan Lake is an alpine freshwater lake located within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in a valley on the northern slope of Keechelus Ridge in Kittitas County, Washington, United States. Because of its close proximity to Rampart Ridge, Interstate 90 and several cirque on both sides of Keechelus Ridge, the lake is a common area for hiking, swimming, and fishing cutthroat trout.[1] Keechelus Ridge is accessed through trail 4934 which covers the length of the ridge.[3] Swan Lakes is between Keechelus Lake on the West and Kachess Lake further East.

Swan Lake
Location of Swan Lake in Washington, USA.
Location of Swan Lake in Washington, USA.
Swan Lake
Location of Swan Lake in Washington, USA.
Location of Swan Lake in Washington, USA.
Swan Lake
LocationKittitas County, Washington, United States
Coordinates47°22′32″N 121°19′13″W / 47.3755°N 121.3203°W / 47.3755; -121.3203
Primary inflowsGale Creek
Primary outflowsGale Creek
Basin countriesUnited States
Surface area7.3 acres (0.030 km2)[1]
Surface elevation4,029 ft (1,228 m)[2]

Location

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Swan Lake sits on the north aspect of the valley it shares with Rock Rabbit Lakes. Stonesthrow Lake is on the north ridge of the valley, with Margaret Lake a short distance west at the skirt of Mount Margaret.[4]

Flora

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Major flora growing within the lake and prominent in the summer months include huckleberry bushes and wildflowers such as bear grass, lupins, paintbrush lilies, tiger lilies, and fireweed.[4]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Swan". Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Retrieved 11 May 2021.
  2. ^ *U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Swan Lake
  3. ^ Keechelus Ridge (4934) Mountains Greenway; accessed 12 May 2021.
  4. ^ a b Nelson, Dan. Best Hikes with Dogs Western Washington: 2nd Edition. The Mountaineers Books. p. 179. ISBN 9781594854064.