Lake Abert

Lake Abert
A lake surrounded by grasses
East shore of Lake Abert
Location of Lake Abert in Oregon, USA.
Location of Lake Abert in Oregon, USA.
Lake Abert
Location of Lake Abert in Oregon, USA.
Location of Lake Abert in Oregon, USA.
Lake Abert
LocationLake County, Oregon
Coordinates42°38′30″N 120°13′30″W / 42.64167°N 120.22500°W / 42.64167; -120.22500 (Lake Abert)
TypeEndorheic
Primary inflowsChewaucan River
Catchment area820 sq mi (2,100 km2)
Basin countriesUnited States
Max. length15 mi (24 km)
Max. width7 mi (11 km)
Surface area57 sq mi (150 km2)
Max. depth11 ft (3.4 m)
Surface elevation4,259 ft (1,298 m)

Lake Abert (also known as Abert Lake) is a large, shallow, alkali lake in Lake County, Oregon, United States. It is approximately 15 mi (24 km) long and 7 mi (11 km) wide at its widest point. It is located 3 mi (4.8 km) northeast of the small, unincorporated community of Valley Falls, Oregon. The lake was named in honor of Colonel John James Abert by explorer John C. Fremont during his 1843 expedition into Central Oregon. No fish live in the alkaline waters of the lake; however, its dense population of brine shrimp supports a variety of shorebirds. The lake is an important stop on the bird migration route known as the Pacific flyway.