Carcajou Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Carcajou Lake |
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 Carcajou Lake
Location in Montana
Carcajou Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Glacier National Park, Glacier County, Montana, US |
| Coordinates | 48°58′13″N 113°59′27″W / 48.97028°N 113.99083°W |
| Lake type | Natural |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | .60 miles (0.97 km) |
| Max. width | .30 miles (0.48 km) |
| Surface elevation | 5,633 ft (1,717 m) |
| Islands | 1 |
Carcajou Lake is a beautiful natural lake located in Glacier National Park. This park is found in the U.S. state of Montana. The lake sits on the north side of a place called Porcupine Ridge. It is a peaceful spot in a very wild and scenic area.
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Carcajou Lake: A Hidden Gem in Montana
Carcajou Lake is a small but important part of the amazing Glacier National Park. It is about 0.60 miles long and 0.30 miles wide. The lake is high up in the mountains, at an elevation of 5,633 feet (about 1,717 meters) above sea level. This high elevation means it is surrounded by tall peaks and stunning views.
Where is Carcajou Lake Located?
Carcajou Lake is nestled deep within the northern part of Glacier National Park. This park is in the northwest corner of Montana, right next to the border with Canada. The lake is in Glacier County, Montana. Getting to the lake often involves hiking through rugged mountain trails. It is a true wilderness experience.
What Does "Carcajou" Mean?
The name Carcajou might sound a bit unusual. It comes from Canadian French and means "wolverine". Wolverines are strong, fierce animals that live in cold, wild places. They are known for being tough and solitary. Naming the lake "Wolverine Lake" in French suggests that wolverines might live in the area.
Exploring Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is often called the "Crown of the Continent." It is famous for its huge glaciers, deep valleys, and clear lakes. The park is home to many different kinds of plants and animals. It is a great place for hiking, camping, and seeing wildlife.
- Glaciers: The park was once covered by massive glaciers. Today, only a few smaller ones remain. These glaciers carved out the valleys and shaped the mountains we see now.
- Mountains: The park is part of the Rocky Mountains. These mountains offer incredible views and challenging trails for hikers.
- Wildlife: You can find many animals here. These include grizzly bears, black bears, moose, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. Many types of birds also live in the park.
Wildlife Around Carcajou Lake
Because Carcajou Lake is in a wild area, it is home to many animals. The name "Carcajou" itself points to the wolverine. Wolverines are rare and shy animals. They are part of the weasel family. They have thick fur and are very strong.
Other animals you might find near the lake include:
- Deer and Elk: These large herbivores graze in the meadows.
- Bears: Both grizzly bears and black bears live in the park. They are important to the ecosystem.
- Birds: Many bird species, like eagles and hawks, can be seen flying overhead. Smaller birds live in the forests around the lake.
- Fish: The lake itself might be home to various fish species. These fish provide food for other animals.
Protecting This Special Place
Glacier National Park, including Carcajou Lake, is a protected area. This means that efforts are made to keep it wild and natural. Visitors are asked to follow rules to protect the environment. This helps keep the park beautiful for future generations.
- Leave No Trace: This means taking out everything you bring in. It also means not disturbing plants or animals.
- Stay on Trails: Staying on marked trails helps protect fragile plants and prevents erosion.
- Respect Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from animals. Never feed them.
Carcajou Lake is a wonderful example of the natural beauty found in Glacier National Park. It offers a chance to connect with nature and see amazing wildlife.
