List of lakes of Gallatin County, Montana facts for kids

Gallatin County in Montana is home to many beautiful lakes and reservoirs. These natural and man-made water bodies are important for wildlife, recreation, and even for providing water to local communities. There are at least 69 named lakes and reservoirs in this county, each with its own unique features.

What are Lakes and Reservoirs?

Lakes: Nature's Bathtubs

A lake is a large body of water surrounded by land. Most lakes are filled with fresh water, but some can be salty. They are usually fed by rivers, streams, or rainfall. Lakes can be formed in many ways, like when glaciers carve out depressions in the land, or when volcanoes create craters that fill with water.

Reservoirs: Man-Made Lakes

A reservoir is like a lake, but it's man-made. People create reservoirs by building a dam across a river or stream. The dam holds back the water, forming a large pool. Reservoirs are very useful! They store water for drinking, farming, and generating electricity. They also help control floods and provide places for boating and fishing.

Explore Gallatin County's Water Gems

Gallatin County boasts a variety of lakes and reservoirs, from high mountain lakes to larger, more accessible ones. Many of these offer stunning views and opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Notable Lakes

Here are a few interesting lakes you can find in Gallatin County:

• Axolotl Lake: This lake is special because it's home to a unique type of salamander called the axolotl. It's located about 7,552 feet (2,302 meters) above sea level.
• Crater Lake: Imagine a lake formed in a giant bowl! This lake sits high up at about 9,314 feet (2,839 meters) and is known for its clear, deep waters.
• Earthquake Lake: This lake has an amazing story! It was formed suddenly in 1959 after a massive earthquake caused a landslide that blocked the Madison River. It's about 6,450 feet (1,966 meters) above sea level.
• Fairy Lake: Tucked away in the mountains, Fairy Lake is a popular spot for hikers. It's found at an elevation of about 7,556 feet (2,303 meters).

Mystic Lake in 1872

• Mystic Lake: This beautiful lake, located at about 6,398 feet (1,950 meters), has been admired for centuries. The image on the right shows how it looked way back in 1872!
• Lava Lake: Don't worry, it's not actually made of lava! This lake, at about 7,106 feet (2,166 meters), is a popular hiking destination.

Important Reservoirs

Reservoirs in Gallatin County play a big role in managing water resources.

• Hebgen Lake: This large reservoir, at about 6,539 feet (1,993 meters), is very popular for fishing and boating. It was also affected by the 1959 earthquake that created Earthquake Lake.
• Hyalite Reservoir: Located at about 6,634 feet (2,022 meters), this reservoir is a key source of drinking water for the city of Bozeman. It's also a favorite spot for outdoor activities.

More Lakes and Reservoirs

Gallatin County has many other lakes and reservoirs, each contributing to the natural beauty and resources of the area. Here is a list of some of them:

Lakes

• Ainger Lake, 45°55′46″N 110°58′09″W / 45.92944°N 110.96917°W / 45.92944; -110.96917 (Ainger Lake), el. 7,434 feet (2,266 m)
• Albino Lake, 45°05′17″N 111°17′28″W / 45.08806°N 111.29111°W / 45.08806; -111.29111 (Albino Lake), el. 7,106 feet (2,166 m)
• Angler Lake, location unknown, el. 8,386 feet (2,556 m)
• Arden Lake, 45°24′56″N 110°59′21″W / 45.41556°N 110.98917°W / 45.41556; -110.98917 (Arden Lake), el. 9,429 feet (2,874 m)
• Arrow Lake, 45°24′54″N 111°18′45″W / 45.41500°N 111.31250°W / 45.41500; -111.31250 (Arrow Lake), el. 8,976 feet (2,736 m)
• Bear Lakes, 45°33′08″N 110°51′49″W / 45.55222°N 110.86361°W / 45.55222; -110.86361 (Bear Lakes), el. 6,906 feet (2,105 m)
• Big Bear Lake, 45°28′58″N 111°06′02″W / 45.48278°N 111.10056°W / 45.48278; -111.10056 (Big Bear Lake), el. 7,365 feet (2,245 m)
• Big Horn Lake, location unknown, el. 8,386 feet (2,556 m)
• Blackmore Lake, 45°28′12″N 110°59′10″W / 45.47000°N 110.98611°W / 45.47000; -110.98611 (Blackmore Lake), el. 7,310 feet (2,230 m)
• Buffalo Horn Lakes, 45°07′15″N 111°06′59″W / 45.12083°N 111.11639°W / 45.12083; -111.11639 (Buffalo Horn Lakes), el. 8,008 feet (2,441 m)
• Cascade Lakes, 45°21′08″N 111°16′06″W / 45.35222°N 111.26833°W / 45.35222; -111.26833 (Cascade Lakes), el. 8,655 feet (2,638 m)
• Coffin Lake, 44°45′41″N 111°21′32″W / 44.76139°N 111.35889°W / 44.76139; -111.35889 (Coffin Lake), el. 8,425 feet (2,568 m)
• Crescent Lake, 45°28′28″N 110°57′47″W / 45.47444°N 110.96306°W / 45.47444; -110.96306 (Crescent Lake), el. 6,752 feet (2,058 m)
• Crystal Lake, 45°32′54″N 110°51′41″W / 45.54833°N 110.86139°W / 45.54833; -110.86139 (Crystal Lake), el. 6,991 feet (2,131 m)
• Deer Lake, 45°19′48″N 111°16′36″W / 45.33000°N 111.27667°W / 45.33000; -111.27667 (Deer Lake), el. 9,144 feet (2,787 m)
• Dudley Lake, 45°19′24″N 111°18′43″W / 45.32333°N 111.31194°W / 45.32333; -111.31194 (Dudley Lake), el. 9,114 feet (2,778 m)
• Elf Lake, 45°54′33″N 110°57′43″W / 45.90917°N 110.96194°W / 45.90917; -110.96194 (Elf Lake), el. 7,592 feet (2,314 m)
• Emerald Lake, 45°24′48″N 110°55′36″W / 45.41333°N 110.92667°W / 45.41333; -110.92667 (Emerald Lake), el. 8,904 feet (2,714 m)
• Flanders Lake, 45°26′30″N 110°56′16″W / 45.44167°N 110.93778°W / 45.44167; -110.93778 (Flanders Lake), el. 8,586 feet (2,617 m)
• Frazier Lake, 45°55′28″N 110°58′27″W / 45.92444°N 110.97417°W / 45.92444; -110.97417 (Frazier Lake), el. 8,104 feet (2,470 m)
• Fridley Lakes, 45°24′03″N 110°56′13″W / 45.40083°N 110.93694°W / 45.40083; -110.93694 (Fridley Lakes), el. 9,462 feet (2,884 m)
• Frog Pond, 44°35′39″N 111°06′50″W / 44.59417°N 111.11389°W / 44.59417; -111.11389 (Frog Pond), el. 7,657 feet (2,334 m)
• Golden Trout Lakes, 45°14′01″N 111°08′06″W / 45.23361°N 111.13500°W / 45.23361; -111.13500 (Golden Trout Lakes), el. 9,081 feet (2,768 m)
• Grace Lake, 45°22′00″N 111°20′53″W / 45.36667°N 111.34806°W / 45.36667; -111.34806 (Grace Lake), el. 9,272 feet (2,826 m)
• Grayling Lake, 45°24′03″N 111°20′03″W / 45.40083°N 111.33417°W / 45.40083; -111.33417 (Grayling Lake), el. 8,337 feet (2,541 m)
• Heather Lake, 45°24′35″N 110°56′11″W / 45.40972°N 110.93639°W / 45.40972; -110.93639 (Heather Lake), el. 9,186 feet (2,800 m)
• Hell Roaring Lake (Montana), 45°20′14″N 111°18′02″W / 45.33722°N 111.30056°W / 45.33722; -111.30056 (Hell Roaring Lake), el. 9,186 feet (2,800 m)
• Hidden Lakes, 45°16′10″N 111°10′03″W / 45.26944°N 111.16750°W / 45.26944; -111.16750 (Hidden Lakes), el. 8,681 feet (2,646 m)
• Hyalite Lake, 45°23′26″N 110°57′07″W / 45.39056°N 110.95194°W / 45.39056; -110.95194 (Hyalite Lake), el. 8,875 feet (2,705 m)
• Johnson Lake, 44°49′56″N 111°10′10″W / 44.83222°N 111.16944°W / 44.83222; -111.16944 (Johnson Lake), el. 8,035 feet (2,449 m)
• Jumbo Lake, 45°22′00″N 111°15′54″W / 45.36667°N 111.26500°W / 45.36667; -111.26500 (Jumbo Lake), el. 8,402 feet (2,561 m)
• Juncus Lake, 44°55′00″N 111°17′33″W / 44.91667°N 111.29250°W / 44.91667; -111.29250 (Juncus Lake), el. 8,284 feet (2,525 m)
• Lake Elsie (Montana), 45°14′27″N 111°05′24″W / 45.24083°N 111.09000°W / 45.24083; -111.09000 (Lake Elsie), el. 8,327 feet (2,538 m)
• Lake of the Pines, 45°23′23″N 111°08′17″W / 45.38972°N 111.13806°W / 45.38972; -111.13806 (Lake of the Pines), el. 7,192 feet (2,192 m)
• Lillian Lake, 45°21′22″N 111°20′43″W / 45.35611°N 111.34528°W / 45.35611; -111.34528 (Lillian Lake), el. 8,881 feet (2,707 m)
• Little Bear Lake, 45°29′41″N 111°08′46″W / 45.49472°N 111.14611°W / 45.49472; -111.14611 (Little Bear Lake), el. 7,319 feet (2,231 m)
• Lizard Lakes, 45°07′33″N 111°22′13″W / 45.12583°N 111.37028°W / 45.12583; -111.37028 (Lizard Lakes), el. 8,717 feet (2,657 m)
• Lomna Lake, 44°58′41″N 111°18′57″W / 44.97806°N 111.31583°W / 44.97806; -111.31583 (Lomna Lake), el. 9,117 feet (2,779 m)
• Marble Lake, 45°05′44″N 111°16′06″W / 45.09556°N 111.26833°W / 45.09556; -111.26833 (Marble Lake), el. 7,510 feet (2,290 m)
• Meadow Lake, 44°56′58″N 111°20′08″W / 44.94944°N 111.33556°W / 44.94944; -111.33556 (Meadow Lake), el. 8,527 feet (2,599 m)
• Minnie Lake, 44°55′52″N 111°20′03″W / 44.93111°N 111.33417°W / 44.93111; -111.33417 (Minnie Lake), el. 8,281 feet (2,524 m)
• Moon Lake, 45°19′28″N 111°16′31″W / 45.32444°N 111.27528°W / 45.32444; -111.27528 (Moon Lake), el. 8,917 feet (2,718 m)
• North Fork Lake (Montana), 45°22′50″N 111°20′09″W / 45.38056°N 111.33583°W / 45.38056; -111.33583 (North Fork Lake), el. 8,848 feet (2,697 m)
• Palace Lake, 45°25′24″N 110°59′16″W / 45.42333°N 110.98778°W / 45.42333; -110.98778 (Palace Lake), el. 8,980 feet (2,740 m)
• Park Lake, 44°59′02″N 111°19′45″W / 44.98389°N 111.32917°W / 44.98389; -111.32917 (Park Lake), el. 8,661 feet (2,640 m)
• Pine Lake, 45°32′43″N 110°51′45″W / 45.54528°N 110.86250°W / 45.54528; -110.86250 (Pine Lake), el. 7,149 feet (2,179 m)
• Pioneer Lakes, 45°24′17″N 111°11′26″W / 45.40472°N 111.19056°W / 45.40472; -111.19056 (Pioneer Lakes), el. 7,198 feet (2,194 m)
• Ramshorn Lake, 45°09′23″N 111°06′40″W / 45.15639°N 111.11111°W / 45.15639; -111.11111 (Ramshorn Lake), el. 8,428 feet (2,569 m)
• Rat Lake, 45°25′19″N 111°10′28″W / 45.42194°N 111.17444°W / 45.42194; -111.17444 (Rat Lake), el. 6,506 feet (1,983 m)
• Rathbone Lake, 44°51′01″N 111°08′00″W / 44.85028°N 111.13333°W / 44.85028; -111.13333 (Rathbone Lake), el. 7,638 feet (2,328 m)
• Rose Lake, 44°56′56″N 111°19′59″W / 44.94889°N 111.33306°W / 44.94889; -111.33306 (Rose Lake), el. 8,592 feet (2,619 m)
• Swim Lake, 45°24′40″N 110°58′43″W / 45.41111°N 110.97861°W / 45.41111; -110.97861 (Swim Lake), el. 9,445 feet (2,879 m)
• Thompson Lake (Gallatin County, Montana), 45°22′21″N 111°22′25″W / 45.37250°N 111.37361°W / 45.37250; -111.37361 (Thompson Lake), el. 9,114 feet (2,778 m)
• Turquoise Lake, 44°59′00″N 111°18′53″W / 44.98333°N 111.31472°W / 44.98333; -111.31472 (Turquoise Lake), el. 9,104 feet (2,775 m)
• Twin Lakes, 45°22′41″N 110°56′36″W / 45.37806°N 110.94333°W / 45.37806; -110.94333 (Twin Lakes), el. 9,104 feet (2,775 m)
• Upper Coffin Lake, 44°45′46″N 111°22′00″W / 44.76278°N 111.36667°W / 44.76278; -111.36667 (Upper Coffin Lake), el. 8,760 feet (2,670 m)
• Whits Lakes, 44°49′01″N 111°08′11″W / 44.81694°N 111.13639°W / 44.81694; -111.13639 (Whits Lakes), el. 7,283 feet (2,220 m)

Reservoirs

• Lyman Creek Reservoir, 45°42′53″N 111°00′09″W / 45.71472°N 111.00250°W / 45.71472; -111.00250 (Lyman Creek Reservoir), el. 5,046 feet (1,538 m)
• Meadow Lake, 45°05′12″N 111°17′45″W / 45.08667°N 111.29583°W / 45.08667; -111.29583 (Meadow Lake), el. 7,159 feet (2,182 m)
• Mystic Lake, 45°32′24″N 110°55′09″W / 45.54000°N 110.91917°W / 45.54000; -110.91917 (Mystic Lake), el. 6,476 feet (1,974 m)
• Old Cooper Reservoir, 45°33′48″N 110°51′58″W / 45.56333°N 110.86611°W / 45.56333; -110.86611 (Old Cooper Reservoir), el. 6,621 feet (2,018 m)

See also

• List of lakes in Montana