Hebgen Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hebgen Lake |
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Hebgen Lake
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 Hebgen Lake
Location in Montana
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| Location | Gallatin County, Montana, United States |
| Coordinates | 44°46′56″N 111°14′01″W / 44.78222°N 111.23361°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Madison River |
| Primary outflows | Madison River |
| Catchment area | 905 square miles (2,340 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 15 miles (24 km) |
| Max. width | 4 miles (6.4 km) |
| Surface area | 12,563 acres (5,084 ha) |
| Max. depth | 70 feet (21 m) |
| Water volume | 386,200 acre⋅ft (476,400,000 m3) |
| Shore length1 | 65 miles (105 km) |
| Surface elevation | 6,539 ft (1,993 m) |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Hebgen Lake is a large, human-made lake in southwestern Montana. It was formed by building the Hebgen Dam across the Madison River. This beautiful lake is located in Gallatin County.
Hebgen Lake is well known for a big natural event that happened nearby. On August 17, 1959, a powerful earthquake shook the area. This earthquake was so strong (between 7.1 and 7.5 magnitude) that it caused a huge landslide. The landslide blocked the Madison River, creating a new lake called Quake Lake right below Hebgen Dam.
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Fun Things to Do at Hebgen Lake
Hebgen Lake and the land around it are great places for outdoor fun! Many people visit to enjoy nature and exciting activities.
Camping Adventures
If you love camping, Hebgen Lake has several campgrounds. Two popular spots are Rainbow Point and Cherry Creek. Rainbow Point is the biggest campground on the lake. It has four different areas, called "loops." Each loop offers about 20 campsites. These sites are big enough for a full-size camper and one or two vehicles.
Water Sports and Fishing
The lake is perfect for water activities. You can go boating, fishing, or just relax by the shore. Many different kinds of fish live in Hebgen Lake, making it a popular spot for anglers.
Hiking and Exploring
Beyond the water, there are many trails for hiking. You can explore the forests and enjoy amazing views of the lake and mountains. It's a great way to see local wildlife and enjoy the fresh air.
Images for kids
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Hebgen Lake, Montana with a mountain as a backdrop
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Madison Arm, looking towards Cherry Creek Campground
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Hebgen Lake, looking North from Rainbow Point Campground
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Cabin partially submerged by 1959 earthquake
