Independence Lakes facts for kids
The Independence Lakes are a group of four beautiful lakes high up in the mountains of Idaho, in a place called Cassia County. They are found in the Albion Mountains, which are part of the huge Sawtooth National Forest. These lakes are special because they were formed by glaciers a very long time ago!
Discover the Independence Lakes
The Independence Lakes are like a secret chain of four sparkling pools nestled in the mountains. They are called "alpine" lakes because they are located very high up, where the air is thin and the views are amazing. Imagine a giant ice cube slowly carving out the land – that's how these "glacial" lakes were made! They sit north of a peak called Cache Peak and east of Mount Independence.
What Makes Them Special?
Even though there are four lakes, they don't have individual names like "Lake A" or "Lake B." They are simply known as the Independence Lakes. Each lake is at a slightly different height, with the highest one being around 9,200 feet (about 2,800 meters) above sea level. The lakes vary in size, with the longest one stretching about 1,600 feet (nearly 500 meters) across.
Visiting the Lakes
If you love hiking and exploring, these lakes are a great destination! You can reach them by following Trail 805. The easiest way to start your adventure is from the Independence Lakes trailhead. This trailhead is located at the very end of Forest Road 728, making it a perfect starting point for your mountain journey.
