Big Fall Creek Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Big Fall Creek Lake |
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 Big Fall Creek Lake
Location in Idaho
Big Fall Creek Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Custer County, Idaho |
| Coordinates | 43°52′26″N 114°14′51″W / 43.87389°N 114.24750°W |
| Primary inflows | Big Creek |
| Primary outflows | Big Creek to Summit Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 540 ft (160 m) |
| Max. width | 315 ft (96 m) |
| Surface elevation | 9,075 ft (2,766 m) |
Big Fall Creek Lake is a beautiful alpine lake found high up in the Boulder Mountains in Idaho, United States. It's located in Custer County and is part of the huge Salmon-Challis National Forest. This lake is a great example of nature's beauty, sitting at a very high elevation.
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Discovering Big Fall Creek Lake
Big Fall Creek Lake is known as an alpine lake. This means it's a lake located high up in the mountains, often formed by glaciers long ago. It sits at an amazing height of 9,075 ft (2,766 m) above sea level. That's almost two miles up!
Size and Location
The lake is about 540 ft (160 m) long and 315 ft (96 m) wide. It's not the biggest lake, but its mountain setting makes it very special. It gets its water from Big Creek, which also flows out of the lake.
Big Fall Creek Lake is tucked away in the central part of Idaho. It's within the Salmon-Challis National Forest, a huge area of protected land. This forest is known for its rugged mountains and wild nature.
How to Visit the Lake
Getting to Big Fall Creek Lake is an adventure itself. The easiest way to reach it is by using forest road 168. This road often requires a vehicle that can handle rough terrain. Many visitors enjoy hiking or backpacking to the lake. It's a great spot for those who love the outdoors.
Nature Around the Lake
The area around Big Fall Creek Lake is full of natural wonders. The high elevation means the plants and animals here are tough. They are used to cold winters and short summers.
Mountain Environment
The Boulder Mountains are a rugged range. They have sharp peaks and deep valleys. The air is clean and fresh at this altitude. You can often see amazing views of the surrounding wilderness.
Wildlife and Plants
You might spot different kinds of wildlife near the lake. Animals like deer, elk, and various birds live in this area. Sometimes, you might even see larger animals like moose or mountain goats. The plants include hardy trees like pines and firs. There are also many types of wildflowers that bloom in the summer. They add bright colors to the mountain landscape.
Protecting Our Alpine Lakes
Alpine lakes like Big Fall Creek Lake are important. They are often very clean and provide homes for special plants and animals. It's important to protect these places. When people visit, they should follow "Leave No Trace" principles. This means packing out all trash and respecting the wildlife. By doing this, we can keep these beautiful lakes healthy for everyone.
