Garland Lakes facts for kids

The Garland Lakes are a group of eight small lakes located in Custer County, Idaho, United States. These beautiful lakes are found high up in the White Cloud Mountains, which are part of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. They are known as glacial lakes because they were formed by huge sheets of ice, called glaciers, many thousands of years ago.

The Garland Lakes are part of the Big Casino Creek system. This creek eventually flows into the larger Salmon River. Even though there are eight lakes, they don't have individual names. You can reach them by following trails 646 and 616 in the Sawtooth National Forest. The lakes are located near Rough Lake and the Casino Lakes.

Exploring the Garland Lakes

The Garland Lakes are a great place for outdoor adventures. Since they are high in the mountains, they offer amazing views. The area is perfect for hiking and enjoying nature.

How the Lakes Were Formed

The Garland Lakes are glacial lakes. This means they were created by glaciers. Glaciers are like giant, slow-moving rivers of ice. As they moved across the land, they carved out deep valleys and basins. When the glaciers melted, these basins filled with water, forming the lakes we see today. This process happened over thousands of years.

Finding Your Way

If you want to visit the Garland Lakes, you can use specific trails. The Sawtooth National Forest has trails 646 and 616 that lead to these lakes. These trails are a good way to explore the area and see the different lakes in the chain. It's always a good idea to check trail conditions before you go.

Location in Idaho

The Garland Lakes are in Custer County, Idaho. This county is known for its rugged mountains and many natural areas. The lakes are specifically within the White Cloud Mountains. This mountain range is part of the larger Sawtooth National Recreation Area, which protects a huge amount of wilderness.