Crater Lake (Idaho) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crater Lake |
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 Crater Lake
Location in Idaho
Crater Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Custer County, Idaho |
| Coordinates | 44°08′32″N 114°36′31″W / 44.142215°N 114.608673°W |
| Lake type | Glacial |
| Primary outflows | Livingston Creek to Salmon River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 410 m (1,350 ft) |
| Max. width | 225 m (738 ft) |
| Surface elevation | 2,737 m (8,980 ft) |
Crater Lake is a beautiful mountain lake found high up in the White Cloud Mountains of Idaho, in the United States. It's part of the amazing Sawtooth National Recreation Area. This special lake is in Custer County. You can reach it by following an old dirt road that runs beside Livingston Creek.
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Discovering Crater Lake
Crater Lake is a stunning natural wonder. It sits high in the mountains, making it an "alpine lake." This means it's found at a very high elevation, often surrounded by tall peaks. The lake is a great spot for people who love to explore the outdoors.
Where is Crater Lake?
Crater Lake is located in the central part of Idaho. Specifically, it's in Custer County. This area is known for its rugged and beautiful mountain ranges. The lake is nestled within the White Cloud Mountains. These mountains are part of the larger Sawtooth National Recreation Area. This recreation area is a huge protected space. It offers many chances to see wildlife and enjoy nature.
How Crater Lake Was Formed
Crater Lake is a glacial lake. This means it was created by glaciers a very long time ago. During the last Ice Age, huge sheets of ice, called glaciers, moved slowly across the land. As they moved, they carved out deep hollows and valleys in the mountains. When the glaciers melted, these hollows filled with water, forming lakes like Crater Lake. The cold, clear water in the lake is a reminder of its icy past.
Exploring the Area Around the Lake
The area around Crater Lake is full of interesting features. Just north of the lake, you'll find a famous rock formation called the Chinese Wall. This natural wall of rock is quite impressive. The region also has a history of mining. You might find signs of old mines nearby. These are places where people used to dig for valuable minerals.
Visiting Crater Lake
Getting to Crater Lake is an adventure itself. You can reach the lake by following an old dirt road. This road runs along Livingston Creek. The creek is the main outflow from Crater Lake. It eventually flows into the Salmon River. The journey to the lake offers amazing views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Many people visit Crater Lake to hike, enjoy the quiet nature, and take beautiful photos. It's a perfect place to connect with the wilderness.
