Goat Lake (White Cloud Mountains) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 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°05′55″N 114°34′52″W / 44.098741°N 114.581212°W |
| Lake type | Glacial |
| Primary outflows | Big Boulder Creek to East Fork Salmon River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 275 m (902 ft) |
| Max. width | 240 m (790 ft) |
| Surface elevation | 2,730 m (8,960 ft) |
Goat Lake is a beautiful alpine lake found high up in the mountains of Custer County, Idaho. It's located within the amazing White Cloud Mountains, which are part of the larger Sawtooth National Recreation Area. This special lake is known for its stunning views and peaceful, untouched surroundings.
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What is an Alpine Lake?
An alpine lake is a lake that is found at a very high elevation, usually in mountain areas. These lakes are often formed by glaciers. They are typically very clear and cold because they are fed by melting snow and ice. Goat Lake is a perfect example of this type of lake.
How Was Goat Lake Formed?
Goat Lake is a glacial lake. This means it was created by the powerful movement of ancient glaciers. Imagine huge sheets of ice slowly grinding their way through the mountains. As they moved, they carved out deep hollows and valleys. When the glaciers melted, these hollows filled with water, forming lakes like Goat Lake. This process happened thousands of years ago!
Where Can You Find Goat Lake?
Goat Lake is tucked away in a remote part of Idaho. It sits in the White Cloud Mountains, which are famous for their rugged peaks and beautiful wilderness. This mountain range is part of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, a huge protected area in central Idaho. This area is managed by the Sawtooth National Forest, which works to keep the natural environment safe and healthy.
Getting to Goat Lake
Reaching Goat Lake is an adventure! There are no official trails that lead directly to the lake itself. This means it's a place for experienced hikers and adventurers. The easiest way to get close is by using Sawtooth National Forest trail 080. From there, you would need to navigate off-trail to reach the lake. This makes Goat Lake a truly wild and special place, often visited by those who love exploring remote wilderness.
Nearby Landmarks
Goat Lake is located southeast of a peak called D. O. Lee Peak. It's also near Island Lake, though they are in separate basins. This means they are in different valleys or hollows in the mountains, even if they are relatively close to each other.
Quick Facts About Goat Lake
- Elevation: Goat Lake sits at a very high elevation of about 2,730 meters (or 8,957 feet) above sea level. This is why it's called an alpine lake!
- Size: The lake is about 275 meters (902 feet) long and 240 meters (787 feet) wide. It's not a huge lake, but its size is perfect for its mountain setting.
- Outflow: Water flows out of Goat Lake into Big Boulder Creek. This creek then flows into the East Fork Salmon River, which is an important river in Idaho.
Goat Lake is a fantastic example of Idaho's wild beauty. It's a place that reminds us of the power of nature and the importance of protecting our wilderness areas for future generations to enjoy.
