Benedict Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Benedict Lake |
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 Benedict Lake
Location in Idaho
Benedict Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Boise County, Idaho |
| Coordinates | 43°57′50″N 115°03′32″W / 43.963989°N 115.058989°W |
| Lake type | Glacial |
| Primary inflows | Benedict Creek |
| Primary outflows | Benedict Creek to South Fork Payette River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 0.17 mi (0.27 km) |
| Max. width | 0.09 mi (0.14 km) |
| Surface elevation | 8,270 ft (2,520 m) |
Benedict Lake is a small, clear lake located high in the mountains of Boise County, Idaho, United States. It sits within the amazing Sawtooth Mountains, which are part of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. This lake is a special type called an alpine lake, meaning it's found at a very high elevation.
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What is Benedict Lake?
Benedict Lake is a small body of water. It is about 0.17 miles long and 0.09 miles wide. The lake is located at an elevation of 8,270 feet above sea level. Water flows into the lake from Benedict Creek. This same creek also carries water out of the lake, eventually reaching the South Fork Payette River.
A Glacial Lake
Benedict Lake is also known as a glacial lake. This means it was formed a very long time ago by huge sheets of ice called glaciers. As glaciers moved, they carved out valleys and hollows in the land. When the glaciers melted, these hollows filled with water, creating lakes like Benedict Lake.
Exploring the Sawtooth Wilderness
Benedict Lake is located inside the Sawtooth Wilderness. A wilderness area is a special place where nature is protected. It means there are no roads, buildings, or machines allowed. This helps keep the environment wild and beautiful.
Getting There
To visit Benedict Lake, you need to hike. The lake can be reached by following Sawtooth National Forest trail 462. This trail is part of the Sawtooth National Forest, which is a large area of protected land.
Wilderness Permits
Because Benedict Lake is in a wilderness area, visitors need a special permit. You can get a wilderness permit at a registration box. These boxes are usually found at the start of hiking trails or at the edges of the wilderness area. The permit helps park rangers keep track of visitors and protect the natural environment.
Nearby Lakes
Benedict Lake is not alone in this beautiful mountain region. Other lakes are found nearby. For example, Rock Slide Lake and Three Island Lake are located upstream from Benedict Lake. This means their water flows down into Benedict Lake.
Activities at Benedict Lake
The area around Benedict Lake is perfect for outdoor adventures. Many people enjoy hiking, camping, and fishing in the Sawtooth Wilderness. It's a great place to see wildlife and enjoy the quiet of nature. Remember to always follow "Leave No Trace" principles to protect this special place. This means packing out everything you pack in and leaving nature as you found it.
