| Lake Venado | |
|---|---|
| Seen from Mount Apo | |
| Location | North Cotabato |
| Lake type | Endorheic |
| Basin countries | Philippines |
| Max. depth | 20 ft (6.10 m)[1] |
| Surface elevation | 2,194.56 m (7,200.00 ft)[2] |
| Settlements | Kidapawan City |
| References | [2] |
Lake Venado is an endorheic lake located at the foot of Mount Apo in the province of North Cotabato, Mindanao, Philippines[3][4]. It is the highest lake in the country[5], found in coordinates 7°00′8″N 125°16′10″E[6][7], with an estimated surface elevation of 7,200 feet (2,194 meters above sea level). The lake is fed by local run-off and there is no outflow from the lake. The lake usually loses two-thirds of its size during dry months due to evaporation.
The name of the lake comes from the Spanish word "venado", which means "deer," owing to the deer-like shape of the lake[8]. However, the local people living in the area called the lake "linaw", a Cebuano term for "clear", because the water of the lake is crystal-clear reflecting the peak of Mount Apo. The lake is believed to be enchanted by spirits living in the lake, according to the local tribes people[8].
The vicinity of the lake is a popular camping site for Filipino mountaineers en route to and coming down from the peak of Mount Apo, the Philippines' highest mountain. In 2007, a Filipino mountaineer coming down from the peak of Mount Apo, drowned in the lake[1][5][9][10][11].
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