Heart Lake (Lewis and Clark County, Montana) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Heart Lake |
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 Heart Lake
Location in Montana
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| Location | Lewis and Clark County, Montana, United States |
| Coordinates | 47°08′16″N 112°39′04″W / 47.13778°N 112.65111°W |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 1,670 feet (510 m) |
| Max. width | 1,053 feet (321 m) |
| Surface area | 32.2 acres (13.0 ha) |
| Surface elevation | 6,434 ft (1,961 m) |
Heart Lake is a beautiful, clear lake nestled high in the mountains of Montana. It covers about 32-acre (13 ha) of water. This special lake is found inside the Scapegoat Wilderness, which is a protected area within the Helena National Forest.
Heart Lake was formed a very long time ago by glaciers. These were like giant, slow-moving rivers of ice that carved out the land. The lake sits in a bowl-shaped valley called a cirque, which was also created by these ancient glaciers.
Discovering Heart Lake
Heart Lake is located about ten miles (16 km) north of a town called Lincoln, Montana. It sits at a high elevation of 6,434 ft (1,961 m) above sea level. The lake is also about five miles west of the Continental Divide. The Continental Divide is like a giant ridge that separates rivers flowing to the Pacific Ocean from those flowing to the Atlantic Ocean.
Getting to the Lake
Reaching Heart Lake is an adventure! It's about 5 miles (8.0 km) from a place called the Indian Meadows Trailhead. This means you'll likely need to hike to get there. There's even a trail on the east side of Heart Lake that leads to another pretty spot called Pearl Lake and then up to the top of the Continental Divide.
What Lives in Heart Lake?
Heart Lake is home to some amazing fish! You can find two special types of fish swimming in its waters:
- Arctic grayling: These fish are known for their large, colorful dorsal fins (the fin on their back). They are often found in cold, clear waters.
- Westslope cutthroat trout: This is a type of trout native to the western parts of North America. They are named for the distinctive red or orange mark under their jaw.
These fish make Heart Lake a popular spot for fishing, but it's also a great place just to enjoy nature and see wildlife.
