Blue Jay Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Blue Jay Lake |
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 Blue Jay Lake
Location in Idaho
Blue Jay Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Elmore County, Idaho |
| Coordinates | 43°55′32″N 115°05′40″W / 43.925489°N 115.094483°W |
| Type | Glacial |
| Primary outflows | Creek to Queens River to Middle Fork Boise River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 0.15 mi (0.24 km) |
| Max. width | 0.11 mi (0.18 km) |
| Surface elevation | 8,520 ft (2,600 m) |
Blue Jay Lake is a beautiful, small lake found high up in the mountains. It is located in Elmore County, Idaho, in the United States. This special lake is part of the amazing Sawtooth Mountains and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. It is a great spot for adventurers who love nature!
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Discover Blue Jay Lake
Blue Jay Lake is known as an alpine lake. This means it is located at a very high elevation, usually in mountains. Many alpine lakes, including Blue Jay Lake, were formed by ancient glaciers. These huge ice sheets carved out the land, leaving behind basins that filled with water when the ice melted.
The lake is quite small. It is about 0.15 miles (0.24 km) long and 0.11 miles (0.18 km) wide. It sits at an elevation of about 8,520 feet (2,597 meters) above sea level. Water flows out of Blue Jay Lake into a creek that eventually joins the Queens River. This river then flows into the Middle Fork of the Boise River.
Where is Blue Jay Lake Located?
Blue Jay Lake is nestled within the famous Sawtooth Mountains. These mountains are known for their tall, jagged peaks that look like the teeth of a saw. The lake is also part of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. This is a large area in central Idaho that protects the natural beauty of the mountains, forests, and lakes. It is a popular place for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and fishing.
Visiting Blue Jay Lake
Getting to Blue Jay Lake is an adventure in itself! The lake is accessed by hiking trails within the Sawtooth National Forest. One common way to reach it is by following trail 458, which runs along the Queens River. This trail offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.
Because Blue Jay Lake is located inside the Sawtooth Wilderness, visitors need to follow special rules. The Sawtooth Wilderness is a protected area where nature is kept as wild as possible. This means there are limits on things like vehicles and large groups to help preserve the environment.
Wilderness Permits
To enter the Sawtooth Wilderness, you need a wilderness permit. These permits are usually free and can be picked up at registration boxes located at trailheads or at the boundaries of the wilderness area. Getting a permit helps park rangers keep track of how many people are visiting. It also helps them educate visitors about how to protect the wilderness. By getting a permit, you agree to follow rules like:
- Packing out all your trash.
- Staying on marked trails.
- Not disturbing wildlife.
These rules help make sure that the beautiful wilderness stays healthy for everyone to enjoy, both now and in the future.
