Lewis Lake (Wyoming) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lewis Lake |
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Location | Yellowstone National Park, Teton County, Wyoming, US |
Coordinates | 44°18′16″N 110°37′46″W / 44.30444°N 110.62944°W |
Lake type | Natural lake |
Primary inflows | Lewis River |
Primary outflows | Lewis River |
Basin countries | United States |
Surface elevation | 2,372 m (7,782 ft) |
Lewis Lake is a beautiful natural lake found in the southern part of Yellowstone National Park. It is located in the state of Wyoming, in the United States. This lake is a popular spot for visitors to the park.
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Discovering Lewis Lake
Lewis Lake is about 4 miles (6.4 km) southeast of another lake called Shoshone Lake. It is also about 10 miles (16 km) southwest of the much larger Yellowstone Lake. Both Lewis Lake and Shoshone Lake are found near an area known as the Pitchstone Plateau.
Water Flow: In and Out
The main river that flows into Lewis Lake is the Lewis River. This river actually starts from Shoshone Lake and flows south into Lewis Lake. After filling Lewis Lake, the Lewis River continues its journey south. It eventually joins the Snake River near the southern edge of Yellowstone National Park. A few smaller creeks also add water to Lewis Lake.
Hot Springs and Other Features
Lewis Lake has some interesting natural features. There are several hot springs that empty into the lake. You can find these hot springs on the northwestern shore of the lake. There are also two more hot springs at the southern end of the lake. This is where the water flows out into the Lewis River.
A special area for camping is located on the southeast shore of Lewis Lake. This allows visitors to stay close to the lake and enjoy its beauty. The South Entrance Road of Yellowstone National Park runs along the east side of Lewis Lake. This road is also known by other numbers, like U.S. Route 287, U.S. Route 89, and U.S. Route 191.
How Lewis Lake Got Its Name
Just like the Lewis River, Lewis Lake is named after Meriwether Lewis. He was a famous explorer who led the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This expedition was a very important journey across the western part of the United States in the early 1800s.