Browns Lake (Idaho) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Browns Lake |
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 Browns Lake
Location in Idaho
Browns Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Elmore County, Idaho |
| Coordinates | 43°55′55″N 115°08′40″W / 43.931997°N 115.144375°W |
| Lake type | Glacial |
| Primary outflows | Little Queens River to Middle Fork Boise River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 0.30 mi (0.48 km) |
| Max. width | 0.16 mi (0.26 km) |
| Surface elevation | 8,290 ft (2,530 m) |
Browns Lake is a beautiful, clear alpine lake found high up in the mountains. It's located in Elmore County, Idaho, in the United States. This small lake is nestled within the amazing Sawtooth Mountains, which are part of the larger Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
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Discovering Browns Lake
Browns Lake is a special place for nature lovers. It's known for its peaceful setting and the stunning mountain views all around it. The lake is quite small, about 0.30 miles long and 0.16 miles wide. It sits at a high elevation of about 8,290 feet above sea level.
Where is Browns Lake Located?
This lovely lake is found in the central part of Idaho. Specifically, it's in Elmore County. The area is famous for its rugged mountains and clear waters. Browns Lake is a hidden gem within this wild landscape.
How Was Browns Lake Formed?
Browns Lake is a type of lake called a glacial lake. This means it was created a very long time ago by huge sheets of ice called glaciers. As these glaciers slowly moved, they carved out the land, leaving behind hollows that later filled with water when the ice melted. This process gives glacial lakes their unique shapes and often very clear water.
Exploring the Sawtooth Wilderness
Browns Lake is located inside the Sawtooth Wilderness. A wilderness area is a special place protected by the government. It's kept as wild as possible, with very few roads or buildings. This helps to protect the plants, animals, and natural beauty of the area.
Why Do You Need a Permit?
Because Browns Lake is in the Sawtooth Wilderness, visitors need a special permit. You can get this permit at a registration box found at the start of hiking trails or at the wilderness boundaries. These permits help park rangers keep track of how many people are visiting. This makes sure the wilderness stays wild and healthy for everyone. It also helps protect the animals and plants that live there.
Getting to Browns Lake
If you want to visit Browns Lake, you can hike there! A popular way to reach the lake is by following Sawtooth National Forest trail 480. This trail runs along the Little Queens River. You can pick up trail 480 from where trails 454 and 459 meet. It's a great way to experience the beautiful nature of the Sawtooth Mountains.
