Cornice Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cornice Lake |
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 Cornice Lake
Location in Idaho
Cornice Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Custer County, Idaho |
| Coordinates | 44°03′10″N 114°36′26″W / 44.052713°N 114.607164°W |
| Lake type | Glacial |
| Primary outflows | Little Boulder Creek to East Fork Salmon River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 187 m (614 ft) |
| Max. width | 80 m (260 ft) |
| Surface elevation | 3,010 m (9,880 ft) |
Cornice Lake is a beautiful alpine lake located high up in the mountains of Idaho. It's found in Custer County, a part of the western United States. This special lake is nestled within the stunning White Cloud Mountains. It's also part of the larger Sawtooth National Recreation Area, which is known for its amazing natural beauty.
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Discovering Cornice Lake
Cornice Lake is a type of lake called a glacial lake. This means it was formed a very long time ago by giant sheets of ice, called glaciers. As glaciers moved, they carved out hollows in the land. When the ice melted, these hollows filled with water, creating lakes like Cornice Lake.
Where is Cornice Lake Located?
You can find Cornice Lake in the central part of Idaho. It's specifically located in the White Cloud Mountains. These mountains are famous for their rugged peaks and clear waters. The lake is also within the boundaries of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. This area protects a huge amount of wilderness for everyone to enjoy.
How to Get to Cornice Lake
Cornice Lake is part of a group of lakes known as the Four Lakes Basin. This basin is a popular spot for hikers and outdoor adventurers. The easiest way to reach Cornice Lake is by following Sawtooth National Forest trail 683. This trail offers incredible views as it winds through the mountain landscape.
Mountains and Lakes Nearby
Cornice Lake has many interesting neighbors in the mountains. It sits just east of a peak called Patterson Peak. To its west, you'll find two other impressive mountains: Castle Peak and Merriam Peak.
The lake is also connected to several other lakes through streams and waterways. Water flows into Cornice Lake from Emerald Lake, Rock Lake, and Glacier Lake. This means these lakes are "upstream" from Cornice Lake. After leaving Cornice Lake, the water flows "downstream" to Quiet Lake, Noisy Lake, and Baker Lake. This network of lakes and streams creates a vibrant ecosystem in the basin.
