Alpine Lake (Northern Sawtooth Wilderness) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alpine Lake |
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![]() Alpine Lake and Alpine Peak
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Location | Custer County, Idaho |
Coordinates | 44°10′53″N 115°03′13″W / 44.1813492°N 115.0535605°W |
Type | Glacial |
Primary outflows | Iron Creek to Salmon River |
Basin countries | United States |
Max. length | 0.30 mi (0.48 km) |
Max. width | 0.18 mi (0.29 km) |
Surface elevation | 7,828 ft (2,386 m) |
Alpine Lake is a beautiful mountain lake located in Custer County, Idaho, in the United States. It sits high up in the Sawtooth Mountains. This area is part of the amazing Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
The lake is about 6.3 miles (10.1 km) southwest of a town called Stanley.
Exploring Alpine Lake
Alpine Lake is a special kind of lake called a glacial lake. This means it was formed by glaciers long ago.
How to Get There
You can reach Alpine Lake by following a trail. This trail starts from the Iron Creek trailhead and campground. The trailhead is about 5 miles (8 km) from Sawtooth Lake.
To get to the Iron Creek trailhead, you take State Highway 21. Then, you turn onto Sawtooth National Forest road 619.
What Makes it Special?
Alpine Lake is very high up, at 7,828 feet (2,386 meters) above sea level. Because it's so high, the lake can stay frozen until early summer!
Right at the south end of Alpine Lake, you'll see Alpine Peak. This mountain is even taller, reaching 9,861 feet (3,006 meters) above sea level.
Nearby Attractions
Less than half a mile southwest of Alpine Lake is Sawtooth Lake. Sawtooth Lake is one of the most popular places to visit in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
Alpine Lake is also inside the Sawtooth Wilderness. If you plan to visit, you'll need a wilderness permit. You can usually get these permits at the trailheads.