MountainLake

MountainLake is an alpine freshwater lake located in the Mountain Reserve, a protected high-elevation area in the western mountains. The lake sits in a glacially carved basin and has a surface area of about 2.0 square kilometers. Its maximum depth reaches roughly 60 meters, and it lies at an elevation of about 1,900 meters above sea level.

The lake is primarily fed by snowmelt and spring streams. An outlet channel drains MountainLake to the Mountain River, helping maintain a cold, well-oxygenated water column. The surrounding shores are rocky with talus slopes, and the basin sits on granite and metamorphic bedrock, which contributes to clear water and a near-neutral pH.

Ecologically, the littoral zone supports subalpine conifers such as subalpine fir and lodgepole pine, along with alpine meadows around the margins. Native fish include rainbow trout and brook trout, and amphibians are present in the shallower zones. The area also hosts a variety of aquatic invertebrates that form the base of the food web, while birds such as osprey and waterfowl are occasional visitors. The surrounding forest provides habitat for deer, small mammals, and a range of bird species.

Human use and access are centered on recreation and conservation. MountainLake is a popular site for hiking, fishing, and kayaking. Access is via the Mountain Pass Trail, with designated camping areas and restrictions on motorized boats. Local communities rely on tourism and watershed protection services associated with the reserve.

History and conservation notes indicate that the area was explored in the 19th century and used by Indigenous peoples for seasonal resources. It is now managed to protect water quality, biodiversity, and scenic values, though climate change and trail sedimentation pose ongoing challenges.