Grinnell Lake facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Grinnell Lake
Grinnell Lake below Mount Gould
Grinnell Lake Location in Montana
Location	Glacier National Park, Glacier County, Montana, United States
Coordinates	48°45′57″N 113°42′17″W / 48.76583°N 113.70472°W / 48.76583; -113.70472
Primary inflows	Grinnell Creek
Primary outflows	Grinnell Creek (to Cataract Creek)
Basin countries	United States
Max. length	2,330 feet (710 m)
Max. width	1,730 feet (530 m)
Surface area	79.4 acres (32.1 ha)
Surface elevation	4,944 ft (1,507 m)

Grinnell Lake is a beautiful, bright turquoise lake found in Glacier National Park. This amazing park is located in the U.S. state of Montana. The lake gets its name from George Bird Grinnell, a famous explorer and conservationist. Its unique color comes from tiny rock dust, called rock flour, that flows into the lake from the nearby Grinnell Glacier.

Discover Grinnell Lake

Grinnell Lake is a stunning natural wonder. It is known for its incredible turquoise color. This special color comes from very fine rock particles. These particles are called rock flour. They are carried into the lake by water from the melting Grinnell Glacier.

How the Lake Gets its Color

When glaciers move, they grind rocks into a fine powder. This powder is like super-fine dust. When the glacier melts, this rock flour mixes with the water. It then flows into lakes like Grinnell Lake. The tiny particles in the water scatter sunlight. This scattering makes the water look bright turquoise or milky blue.

Getting to Grinnell Lake

Grinnell Lake is a popular spot for visitors. You can reach it by hiking the Grinnell Glacier Trail. This trail offers amazing views of the park. The lake is about 3.2 miles (5.1 km) from the famous Many Glacier Hotel. The hike is a great way to experience the park's beauty.

About George Bird Grinnell

The lake is named after George Bird Grinnell. He was an important person in American history. Grinnell was a naturalist, explorer, and conservationist. He worked hard to protect wild places and animals. He was also a historian and writer.

Grinnell's Contributions

George Bird Grinnell played a key role in creating Glacier National Park. He explored the area extensively. He also wrote about its natural beauty. His efforts helped people understand the importance of protecting such places. Naming the lake after him honors his legacy.

Glacier National Park

Grinnell Lake is just one of many wonders in Glacier National Park. The park is often called the "Crown of the Continent." It is famous for its tall mountains, deep valleys, and many glaciers. It is also home to a wide variety of wildlife.

Wildlife and Nature

The park is a habitat for animals like grizzly bears, moose, and mountain goats. It also has many different types of plants. Exploring the park gives visitors a chance to see nature up close. It is a place where you can learn about ecosystems and conservation.

Gallery

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  Photo by Robert Sterling Yard

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  Mount Grinnell above Grinnell Lake