Bench Lakes (Idaho) facts for kids

The Bench Lakes are a beautiful chain of five small lakes high up in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho, in the United States. These lakes were formed by glaciers long ago, making them "glacial lakes." They are found within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, a special place known for its stunning nature.

Discovering the Bench Lakes

To reach the Bench Lakes, you can follow a trail that branches off from Redfish Lake, which is part of the Sawtooth National Forest. Water from these lakes flows into Redfish Lake, then into Redfish Lake Creek, and finally into the big Salmon River.

A Wilderness Adventure

The Bench Lakes are located inside the Sawtooth Wilderness. This means it's a protected area where nature is kept wild and untouched. If you plan to visit, you'll need a special "wilderness permit." You can usually get one from a registration box at the start of the trails or at the wilderness boundaries. The highest of the Bench Lakes sits right at the base of a large mountain called Mount Heyburn.

The Five Lakes

There are five Bench Lakes, and each one is at a slightly different height, or elevation. As you hike further into the mountains, you'll find each lake higher than the last. They are all connected, with water flowing from the higher lakes down to the lower ones.

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  Lower Bench Lake at sunrise

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  Bench Lake 3

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  One of the Bench Lakes at sunrise