Diamond Lake (Idaho) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Diamond Lake |
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 Diamond Lake
Location in Idaho
Diamond Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Elmore County, Idaho |
| Coordinates | 43°55′38″N 115°09′19″W / 43.927158°N 115.155297°W |
| Lake type | Glacial |
| Primary outflows | Little Queens River to Middle Fork Boise River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 0.16 mi (0.26 km) |
| Max. width | 0.09 mi (0.14 km) |
| Surface elevation | 8,075 ft (2,461 m) |
Diamond Lake is a beautiful, small lake located high up in the Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho, United States. It's found in a special protected area called the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. This lake is known for its clear waters and stunning mountain views, making it a popular spot for adventurers.
Exploring Diamond Lake
Diamond Lake is an example of an alpine lake. This means it's a lake found at a very high elevation, often in mountains. These lakes are usually formed by glaciers that carved out the land long ago. Diamond Lake is located in Elmore County, which is in the central part of Idaho.
To reach this hidden gem, people often hike along Sawtooth National Forest trail 454. This trail follows the Little Queens River, leading visitors through beautiful forests and natural landscapes. It's a journey that offers amazing sights before you even get to the lake!
A Special Wilderness Area
Diamond Lake is part of the Sawtooth Wilderness. A wilderness area is a place where nature is protected and kept as wild as possible. This means there are no roads, buildings, or permanent structures. It's a place for nature to thrive and for people to enjoy the outdoors in a natural setting.
Because it's a wilderness area, visitors need to get a special permit. You can usually find these permits at registration boxes located at the start of hiking trails or at the wilderness boundaries. These permits help manage the number of visitors and protect the delicate environment.
Just a short distance away, about 0.15 miles (0.24 km) to the east, is another lake called Triangle Lake. Even though it's close, Triangle Lake is separated by a ridge and is in its own small valley. This shows how varied the landscape is in the Sawtooth Mountains.
