Heart Lake (White Cloud 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 | Custer County, Idaho |
| Coordinates | 44°01′45″N 114°40′41″W / 44.029222°N 114.677952°W |
| Lake type | Glacial |
| Primary outflows | Fourth of July Creek to Salmon River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 396 m (1,299 ft) |
| Max. width | 182 m (597 ft) |
| Surface elevation | 2,705 m (8,875 ft) |
Heart Lake is a beautiful alpine lake found high in the mountains of Custer County, Idaho. It's located within the amazing White Cloud Mountains, which are part of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. This special lake is a great example of nature's beauty in the United States.
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Discovering Heart Lake
Heart Lake is a bit of a hidden gem because there isn't a marked trail leading directly to it. However, adventurers can still reach it! The easiest way to get close to the lake is by using Sawtooth National Forest road 209. This road helps people explore the vast and wild forest areas.
Where is Heart Lake Located?
This lovely lake sits in a very scenic part of Idaho. It's found north of a mountain called Washington Peak. It's also downhill from an area known as the Six Lakes Basin. This means it's surrounded by other interesting natural features and high mountain landscapes.
What is an Alpine Lake?
Heart Lake is known as an alpine lake. This means it's a lake located at a very high elevation, usually above the tree line. These lakes are often formed by glaciers. Glaciers are huge, slow-moving rivers of ice that carve out valleys and depressions in the land. When these glaciers melt, they leave behind clear, cold water that fills these depressions, creating alpine lakes. Heart Lake is a type of glacial lake, which means it was formed this way a very long time ago.
Exploring the Sawtooth National Recreation Area
The Sawtooth National Recreation Area is a huge protected area in Idaho. It's famous for its rugged mountains, clear lakes, and dense forests. This area is managed to protect its natural beauty and provide opportunities for outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and simply admiring the stunning views. Heart Lake is just one of many natural wonders you can find within this incredible recreation area.
