In Oregon, United States, there is a mysterious lake where the water disappears every summer and turns into a grassy meadow. It is not until the fall and winter seasons that the lake’s water replenishes, creating a beautiful lake that reflects the nearby mountains in the distance.
This lake, named Lost Lake, is located within the Willamette National Forest in Oregon and is a well-known attraction in the area.
When you drive to Lost Lake in late spring or summer, all you will see is a field of grass instead of the clear, mirror-like lake because the water has vanished.
Starting from late autumn, as streams from the surrounding mountains begin to flow down, the meadow quickly fills up, giving way to the appearance of Lost Lake. By mid-winter, the lake reaches its fullest capacity. The water will then start to recede as spring approaches, a process that continues until the summer ends.
The reason behind the disappearance of Lost Lake’s water lies in two large holes on its lake bottom, each 7 feet wide, similar to drain holes in a bathtub, through which the water is drained via lava tubes formed by volcanic activities.
Geologists explain that these two holes were formed about 12,000 years ago as a result of intense volcanic activities in the region. Such structures are quite common in the Cascade Range area of Oregon.
Despite the mystery surrounding the whereabouts of Lost Lake’s water, experts believe that the water seeps into porous rocks and refills large aquifers, providing a source of water for various springs in the region.
According to the American Broadcasting Company (ABC), in volcanic areas, when lava flows from volcanic eruptions stop and cool down, they leave behind a long, cave-like system underground with an opening to the surface.
Jude McHugh, a spokesperson for the Willamette National Forest, stated, “In Lost Lake, these specific lava tubes collapsed and became drainage holes for the lake.”
She mentioned that the lake’s water may continue to drain, especially noticeable during drier seasons when the rate of water outflow exceeds inflow, turning the lake into a grassy meadow.
She noted that it is still unclear where the water from Lost Lake flows through the lava tubes, but due to the porous nature of volcanic rocks, water seeps underground to form aquifers, feeding the springs on either side of the Cascade Range.
She also mentioned that some locals have attempted to plug the large holes in Lost Lake but have been unsuccessful. If successful, it would mean potential flooding of the lake, causing problems for nearby roads.
During the summer months, thousands of tourists visit Lost Lake to witness its “drainage holes” in action.