Bench Lake (Glacier County, Montana) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bench Lake |
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 Bench Lake
Location in Montana
Bench Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Glacier National Park, Glacier County, Montana, US |
| Coordinates | 48°52′57″N 113°56′16″W / 48.88250°N 113.93778°W |
| Type | Natural |
| Primary outflows | Waterton River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | .30 mi (0.48 km) |
| Max. width | .28 mi (0.45 km) |
| Surface elevation | 6,780 ft (2,070 m) |
Bench Lake is a beautiful natural lake located in the amazing Glacier National Park. This park is found in the state of Montana, in the U.S.. Bench Lake sits south of a mountain called Kootenai Peak. It is a great example of the many stunning lakes you can find in this wild and scenic park.
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Discover Bench Lake
Bench Lake is a small but important part of the Glacier National Park ecosystem. It is a natural lake, meaning it was formed by natural processes, likely glaciers that carved out the land long ago. The lake is quite high up in the mountains. Its elevation is about 6,780 feet (2,067 meters) above sea level. This high elevation means the lake is surrounded by rugged mountain terrain.
Where is Bench Lake?
Bench Lake is nestled deep within Glacier National Park. The park itself is in northwestern Montana, right on the border with Canada. The lake is specifically located in Glacier County, Montana. To find Bench Lake, you would look south of Kootenai Peak. This peak is one of the many impressive mountains that make up the park's landscape. Getting to lakes like Bench Lake often involves hiking through scenic trails.
What makes Bench Lake special?
Even though Bench Lake is not huge, it is a significant part of its environment. It measures about 0.30 miles (0.48 kilometers) long and 0.28 miles (0.45 kilometers) wide. These measurements show it is a cozy mountain lake. The lake's water eventually flows out into the Waterton River. This river is an important waterway in the region.
Lakes like Bench Lake are often home to various types of wildlife. You might find fish living in its cool waters. Animals like deer, elk, and even bears might visit the lake's shores for water. Birds also use the lake as a resting or feeding spot. The plants around the lake are adapted to the mountain environment. They include hardy trees and wildflowers that bloom in the short summer season.
Exploring Glacier National Park
Bench Lake is just one of over 700 lakes in Glacier National Park. The park is famous for its stunning glacial features. These include deep valleys, sharp peaks, and, of course, many lakes. The park is often called the "Crown of the Continent." This nickname comes from its incredible beauty and its role as a major watershed. Water from the park flows into the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and Hudson Bay.
Glacier National Park is a popular place for outdoor activities. Visitors enjoy hiking, backpacking, and wildlife viewing. The park has over 700 miles (1,127 kilometers) of trails. These trails lead to amazing viewpoints, waterfalls, and lakes like Bench Lake. It is a place where you can truly connect with nature and see some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States.
