Baron Lake (Idaho) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Baron Lake |
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![]() Baron Lake
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Location | Boise County, Idaho |
Coordinates | 44°04′54″N 115°01′58″W / 44.0816725°N 115.0328101°W |
Type | Glacial |
Primary outflows | Baron Creek to South Fork Payette River |
Basin countries | United States |
Max. length | 0.48 mi (0.77 km) |
Max. width | 0.30 mi (0.48 km) |
Surface area | 49 acres (20 ha) |
Surface elevation | 8,317 ft (2,535 m) |
Baron Lake is a beautiful mountain lake located in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho, in the United States. It's a special type of lake called an alpine lake, which means it's found high up in the mountains. This lake was formed a long, long time ago by glaciers, making it a glacial lake. It's a popular spot for people who love to explore nature and enjoy the outdoors.
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Discover Baron Lake
Baron Lake is a stunning natural wonder nestled in the heart of the Sawtooth Mountains in Boise County, Idaho. It's part of the larger Sawtooth National Recreation Area, a huge protected space for nature and outdoor activities. The lake sits at a high elevation of about 8,317 feet (2,535 meters) above sea level.
Where is Baron Lake?
This beautiful lake is found in the central part of Idaho. It's located within the famous Sawtooth Mountains, which are known for their jagged, saw-like peaks. The lake is quite large, covering about 49 acres (20 hectares). It's about 0.48 miles (0.77 kilometers) long and 0.30 miles (0.48 kilometers) wide.
How Was Baron Lake Formed?
Baron Lake is a glacial lake. This means it was created by the slow movement of huge sheets of ice called glaciers. Thousands of years ago, these glaciers carved out the land, leaving behind deep hollows. When the glaciers melted, these hollows filled with water, forming lakes like Baron Lake. The water from the lake flows into Baron Creek, which then joins the South Fork Payette River.
Exploring the Area
Baron Lake is a great place for adventurers and nature lovers. A hiking trail, known as Sawtooth National Forest trail 101, leads directly to the lake. This trail offers amazing views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
Nearby Lakes and Peaks
If you explore around Baron Lake, you'll find other interesting spots.
- Upper Baron Lake is located upstream, meaning it's higher up the mountain from Baron Lake.
- Little Baron Lake is downhill from Baron Lake. However, it's not in the exact same water basin.
- To the west of Baron Lake, you can see Warbonnet Peak. This impressive mountain stands tall at 10,210 feet (3,112 meters) high.
What is a Wilderness?
Baron Lake is located inside the Sawtooth Wilderness. A wilderness area is a special kind of protected land. It's kept as natural as possible, with very few signs of human activity. This helps protect the plants, animals, and natural beauty of the area.
Wilderness Permits
To visit a wilderness area like the Sawtooth Wilderness, you often need a special wilderness permit. These permits help park rangers keep track of how many people are visiting. This prevents too many people from being in the wilderness at once, which could harm the natural environment. You can usually get a permit at registration boxes found at the start of hiking trails or at the wilderness boundaries.