The Lake Rataira is an alpine lake located at 2,204 m a.s.l. in the Ligurian Alps, in the municipality of Roccaforte Mondovì. It is situated in the upper valley of the Ellero, just north of the .
Toponym.
The lake, besides being known as "Rataira", is also referred to as "Lake Ratavuloira", a toponym derived from the term used in Piedmontese for the bat ("flying rat"). "Rataira" could also come from Piedmontese and mean "mousetrap", perhaps in the sense that the lake’s muddy waters can act as a trap for rodents.
History.
Not far from the water’s surface, there is a menhir. Its origin is uncertain, possibly Celtic.
Hiking.
The lake can be reached via the trail that from Pian Marchisio, in the municipality of Roccaforte Mondovì, ascends to the Colle del Pas, a pass that is in turn connected to Carnino (municipality of Briga Alta, ). Another route starts from the refuge and, after passing the (through which the GTA also passes), quickly reaches the lake. From the lake, it is also possible to head into the valley west of the Rifugio Garelli by crossing the "Porta del Merguareis", a pass at 2,298 m a.s.l.