Bearpaw Lake (Teton County, Wyoming) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bearpaw Lake |
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Bearpaw Lake
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 Bearpaw Lake
Location in Wyoming
Bearpaw Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Grand Teton National Park, Teton County, Wyoming, US |
| Coordinates | 43°49′47″N 110°43′47″W / 43.82972°N 110.72972°W |
| Lake type | Glacial Lake |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | .20 mi (0.32 km) |
| Max. width | .10 mi (0.16 km) |
| Surface elevation | 6,848 ft (2,087 m) |
Bearpaw Lake is a beautiful lake found in Grand Teton National Park. This park is located in the state of Wyoming, in the western United States. Bearpaw Lake is known for its clear, calm waters and amazing views of the nearby Teton Mountains. It's a wonderful spot for people who love nature and hiking.
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Where is Bearpaw Lake?
Bearpaw Lake is nestled within the stunning scenery of Grand Teton National Park. It sits between two other lakes. You will find it south of Trapper Lake. It is also located north of the larger Leigh Lake.
Getting to the Lake
Reaching Bearpaw Lake is an adventure in itself. You can get there by hiking along the Leigh Lake Trail. The round trip hike is about 8-mile (13 km) long. This trail is considered easy to moderate, making it suitable for many hikers.
What is a Glacial Lake?
Bearpaw Lake is a type of lake called a glacial lake. This means it was formed a very long time ago by glaciers. Glaciers are huge, slow-moving rivers of ice. As these giant ice sheets moved across the land, they carved out deep hollows in the ground.
How Glaciers Formed Lakes
When the climate warmed, the glaciers began to melt. The meltwater filled these hollows, creating lakes like Bearpaw Lake. This process left behind the beautiful, deep basins we see today. The clear water in glacial lakes often comes from melted snow and ice.
Exploring Bearpaw Lake and Beyond
Bearpaw Lake offers a peaceful escape into nature. It's a great place to enjoy the quiet beauty of the park. Many visitors come here to hike, take photos, and simply relax by the water.
Activities at the Lake
- Hiking: The main activity is hiking to the lake on the Leigh Lake Trail. The trail offers scenic views along the way.
- Photography: The lake's calm waters often reflect the mountains, creating perfect photo opportunities.
- Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. You might spot deer, moose, or various birds near the lake.
Grand Teton National Park
Bearpaw Lake is just one small part of the amazing Grand Teton National Park. The park covers a large area of mountains, valleys, and lakes. It is famous for its dramatic, jagged mountain peaks. The park protects a wide variety of plants and animals.
- Mountains: The Teton Range dominates the park's landscape. These mountains are popular for climbing and offer stunning backdrops.
- Wildlife: The park is home to many animals. You might see bison, elk, bears, and many types of birds.
- Activities: Besides hiking, visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and camping in the park. There are also ranger-led programs to learn more about nature.
