Heart Lake (Soldier Mountains) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Heart Lake |
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 Heart Lake
Location in Idaho
Heart Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Camas County, Idaho |
| Coordinates | 43°32′43″N 115°02′25″W / 43.545249°N 115.040336°W |
| Lake type | Glacial |
| Primary outflows | Deadwood Creek to South Fork Boise River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 305 m (1,001 ft) |
| Max. width | 182 m (597 ft) |
| Surface elevation | 2,545 m (8,350 ft) |
Heart Lake is a beautiful, clear lake found high up in the mountains of Idaho, in the western United States. It's known as an alpine lake because it sits at a very high elevation, surrounded by tall peaks. This special lake is located in Camas County, within the stunning Sawtooth National Forest and the Soldier Mountains.
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Discovering Heart Lake
Heart Lake is a true hidden gem in the Idaho wilderness. It is an alpine lake, meaning it is found high in the mountains. The lake sits at an elevation of about 2,545 meters (or 8,350 feet) above sea level. This high elevation means the lake is often surrounded by rugged, beautiful scenery.
What is a Glacial Lake?
Heart Lake is also a glacial lake. This means it was formed a very long time ago by huge sheets of ice called glaciers. As these glaciers moved across the land, they carved out deep hollows in the ground. When the glaciers melted, these hollows filled with water, creating lakes like Heart Lake. The water in glacial lakes is often very clear and cold.
Where is Heart Lake Located?
Heart Lake is located in Camas County, which is in the central part of Idaho. It is nestled within the Soldier Mountains, which are part of the larger Sawtooth National Forest. This forest is a vast area of mountains, valleys, and forests. It is a popular place for outdoor activities.
Exploring the Area Around the Lake
Getting to Heart Lake is an adventure because there are no official trails leading directly to it. This makes the lake a quiet and peaceful spot, often visited by experienced hikers or those who love to explore off the beaten path. Even without a trail, the area around Heart Lake offers amazing views.
Iron Mountain and its Lookout
Just north of Heart Lake is Iron Mountain. On top of Iron Mountain, there is an old lookout station. These lookouts were once used by the United States Forest Service to spot wildfires. From the top of Iron Mountain, you can get incredible panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forests, including the area where Heart Lake is found.
Water Flow from Heart Lake
Even though Heart Lake is high in the mountains, its water eventually flows into larger river systems. The lake's water flows out into a stream called Deadwood Creek. This creek then joins the South Fork Boise River. This river is an important part of the water system in Idaho, providing water for wildlife and people.
