Goat Lake (Sawtooth Wilderness) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Goat Lake |
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Goat Lake
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 Goat Lake
Location in Idaho
Goat Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Custer County, Idaho |
| Coordinates | 44°10′28″N 115°01′10″W / 44.174309°N 115.019581°W |
| Lake type | Glacial |
| Primary inflows | Goat Creek |
| Primary outflows | Goat Creek to Salmon River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 0.44 mi (0.71 km) |
| Max. width | 0.27 mi (0.43 km) |
| Surface elevation | 8,220 ft (2,510 m) |
Goat Lake is a stunning alpine lake nestled high in the Sawtooth Mountains in Custer County, Idaho, United States. It's part of the amazing Sawtooth National Recreation Area. This lake is a special type called a glacial lake, meaning it was carved out by huge glaciers many, many years ago. It's a fantastic place for outdoor adventures!
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Discovering Goat Lake
Goat Lake is located about 6 miles (9.7 km) southwest of a town called Stanley. It sits very high up, at an elevation of 8,220 feet (2,510 m) above sea level. Because it's so high, the lake often stays frozen until early summer!
How to Reach Goat Lake
The easiest way to get to Goat Lake is by starting at the Iron Creek trailhead. You can find this trailhead by taking State Highway 21 and then turning onto Sawtooth National Forest road 619.
The hike to Goat Lake is an exciting adventure. It follows a mix of trails, including the Iron Creek trail and the Alpine Way trail. There's also a part of the path that isn't officially maintained, which adds to the wilderness feel.
The Hiking Trail
The round trip hike to Goat Lake is about 8.5 miles long. You'll gain about 1,615 feet (492 m) in elevation, which means you'll be climbing quite a bit! Along the way, you'll see beautiful Goat Falls. These waterfalls are on Goat Creek, which flows into and out of Goat Lake.
Exploring the Sawtooth Wilderness
Goat Lake is located inside the Sawtooth Wilderness. A wilderness area is a special place where nature is protected and kept wild. To visit, you'll need a wilderness permit, which you can easily get at the trailheads.
Fun Activities at Goat Lake
The hike to Goat Lake from the Iron Creek trailhead is very popular. It offers amazing views of the Sawtooth Valley as you climb. Visitors are allowed to camp almost anywhere in the National Forest, including around Goat Lake. Imagine sleeping under the stars next to a beautiful mountain lake!
