Boulder Lake (Idaho) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Boulder Lake |
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 Boulder Lake
Location in Idaho
Boulder Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Custer County, Idaho |
| Coordinates | 44°05′53″N 114°36′51″W / 44.098166°N 114.61403°W |
| Lake type | Glacial |
| Primary outflows | Big Boulder Creek to East Fork Salmon River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 200 m (660 ft) |
| Max. width | 85 m (279 ft) |
| Surface elevation | 3,065 m (10,056 ft) |
Boulder Lake is a beautiful mountain lake found high up in the White Cloud Mountains in Idaho, United States. It's located in Custer County and is part of the amazing Sawtooth National Recreation Area. This special lake is known as an alpine lake, which means it's found at a very high elevation in the mountains.
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Boulder Lake: A Gem in Idaho's Mountains
Boulder Lake is a cool place to visit. It sits at an elevation of about 3,065 meters (that's over 10,000 feet!) above sea level. Imagine how clear and fresh the air must be up there! The lake is about 200 meters long and 85 meters wide.
How Was Boulder Lake Formed?
Boulder Lake is a type of lake called a glacial lake. This means it was formed a very long time ago by huge sheets of ice called glaciers. As glaciers moved slowly across the land, they carved out valleys and scooped out depressions in the ground. When the glaciers melted, these depressions filled with water, creating lakes like Boulder Lake. The water in Boulder Lake flows out into a stream called Big Boulder Creek, which then joins the East Fork Salmon River.
Where is Boulder Lake Located?
This stunning lake is nestled in a spot called the Big Boulder Lakes Basin. It's found just east of a mountain peak known as D. O. Lee Peak. If you were to explore the area around Boulder Lake, you'd find several other pretty lakes nearby. These include Cove Lake, Gentian Lake, and Snow Lake.
Visiting Boulder Lake
If you love hiking and exploring nature, Boulder Lake is a great destination. It's part of the Sawtooth National Forest, which has many trails for adventurers. You can reach Boulder Lake by following Sawtooth National Forest trails 601 and 680. These trails offer amazing views of the mountains and the chance to see wildlife. Remember to always be prepared when hiking in the mountains!
