Boulder Chain Lakes facts for kids
The Boulder Chain Lakes are a group of thirteen beautiful lakes found high up in the White Cloud Mountains in Idaho, United States. These special lakes are located in Custer County. They are part of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, a huge outdoor playground!
These lakes are called "Paternoster lakes" because they look like beads on a string, connected by streams. They are also known as alpine lakes, meaning they are found in high mountains, and glacial lakes, which means they were carved out by ancient glaciers. You can reach these lakes by following Sawtooth National Forest trail 683. They are located near Merriam Peak, in the upper part of the Little Boulder Creek area.
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Exploring the Boulder Chain Lakes
The Boulder Chain Lakes offer amazing views and a chance to see nature up close. Each lake has its own unique features. Hikers and nature lovers often visit these lakes to enjoy the quiet beauty of the mountains.
How Glaciers Formed the Lakes
Long, long ago, huge sheets of ice called glaciers moved slowly through these mountains. As they moved, they scraped away rock and dirt, digging out deep hollows. When the glaciers melted, these hollows filled with water, creating the lakes we see today. This is why they are called glacial lakes.
What is a Paternoster Lake?
Imagine a string of beads. That's a good way to picture Paternoster lakes! They are a series of lakes connected by a single stream or river. This often happens in valleys that were carved by glaciers. The stream flows from one lake to the next, creating a beautiful chain.
Getting There: Trail 683
If you want to visit the Boulder Chain Lakes, you can use Sawtooth National Forest trail 683. This trail leads you right to these stunning mountain lakes. It's a great way to explore the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and experience the wilderness.
The Lakes of the Boulder Chain
There are thirteen main lakes in the Boulder Chain. Each one is a unique part of this natural wonder. Here is a list of some of the lakes you can find there:
| Lake | Elevation (feet) | Max. Length (feet) | Max. Width (feet) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hatchet Lake | 8,891 ft | 1,132 ft | 1,001 ft | 44°01′28″N 114°33′46″W / 44.024344°N 114.562724°W |
| Headwall Lake | 9,760 ft | 840 ft | 531 ft | 44°04′28″N 114°35′54″W / 44.074340°N 114.598370°W |
| Hidden Lake | 9,531 ft | 820 ft | 696 ft | 44°04′44″N 114°35′44″W / 44.078929°N 114.595631°W |
| Hourglass Lake | 9,514 ft | 735 ft | 387 ft | 44°04′41″N 114°35′18″W / 44.077962°N 114.588440°W |
| Hummock Lake | 9,531 ft | 1,608 ft | 794 ft | 44°04′39″N 114°35′32″W / 44.077480°N 114.592172°W |
| Lodgepole Lake | 9,022 ft | 1,214 ft | 968 ft | 44°04′13″N 114°34′32″W / 44.070403°N 114.575526°W |
| Lonesome Lake | 10,449 ft | 1,503 ft | 584 ft | 44°04′26″N 114°36′26″W / 44.073839°N 114.607106°W |
| Scoop Lake | 9,662 ft | 906 ft | 512 ft | 44°04′24″N 114°35′39″W / 44.073226°N 114.594253°W |
| Shelf Lake | 8,957 ft | 902 ft | 545 ft | 44°04′13″N 114°34′04″W / 44.070398°N 114.567814°W |
| Sliderock Lake | 8,990 ft | 1,001 ft | 515 ft | 44°04′14″N 114°34′18″W / 44.070568°N 114.571721°W |
| Tiny Lake | 9,531 ft | 200 ft | 151 ft | 44°04′38″N 114°35′23″W / 44.077179°N 114.589737°W |
| Waterdog Lake | 8,727 ft | 197 ft | 82 ft | 44°04′21″N 114°33′27″W / 44.072499°N 114.557543°W |
| Willow Lake | 8,743 ft | 853 ft | 535 ft | 44°04′27″N 114°33′38″W / 44.074092°N 114.560419°W |
