Spotted Lake

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Spotted Lake, Saline endorheic lake in the Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, Canada.

This endorheic salt lake spans approximately 56 acres at an elevation of 573 meters and displays mineral-rich circular spots across its surface during summer evaporation periods.

During World War I, minerals extracted from this lake were used in ammunition manufacturing, demonstrating its strategic value before indigenous communities reclaimed the land in 2001.

The Syilx Okanagan People call this lake Kłlil'xᵂ and consider it a sacred medicine site where ancestors gathered minerals for physical and spiritual healing through generations.

The lake is protected by fencing and controlled access, requiring visitors to obtain permission from the Okanagan Nation Alliance before approaching the culturally sensitive site.

High concentrations of magnesium sulfate, calcium, sodium sulfates, and trace amounts of silver and titanium create distinct colored spots that change appearance throughout seasonal cycles.

Location: British Columbia

Elevation above the sea: 573 m

GPS coordinates: 49.07806,-119.56667

Latest update: November 25, 2025 09:25

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« Spotted Lake: Saline endorheic lake in the Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, Canada » is provided by Around Us (aroundus.com). Images and texts are derived from Wikimedia project under a Creative Commons license. You are allowed to copy, distribute, and modify copies of this page, under the conditions set by the license, as long as this note is clearly visible.

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