Caddo Lake, Ramsar wetland site in Louisiana, United States.
Description
Caddo Lake is a wetland covering roughly 25,400 acres along the Texas and Louisiana border, where cypress forests and a network of waterways meet. The wooded shoreline and shallow bayous form a maze of natural channels, with trees growing directly out of the water and roots often submerged.
History
The water body formed when a natural buildup of timber and sediment blocked the Red River for centuries, raising water levels upstream. Oil drilling began in the early 1900s and altered parts of the shoreline through industrial activity.
Culture
The lake's formation stems from the Great Raft, a natural log jam in the Red River that created this water system centuries ago.
Practical
Boats and canoes are the best way to explore the winding waterways, though shallow sections can become harder to navigate when water levels drop. Visitors who prefer hiking or fishing will find access points and basic facilities on both sides of the state line.
Did you know?
An oil derrick from 1911 once stood over the water here and is recognized as the first offshore platform of its kind worldwide. Remnants of early petroleum infrastructure remain visible along parts of the shoreline today.
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Texas combines landscapes that barely resemble each other. The west spreads out in deserts and sand dunes, while the east is marked by swamps and dense forests. Between these extremes lie limestone cliffs, natural springs, and waterfalls that bubble up from the ground. The size of the state allows...
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