Lower Smoky Dome Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lower Somky Dome Lake |
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 Lower Somky Dome Lake
Location in Idaho
Lower Somky Dome Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Camas County, Idaho |
| Coordinates | 43°30′17″N 114°56′51″W / 43.504746°N 114.947601°W |
| Type | Glacial |
| Primary outflows | Boardman Creek to South Fork Boise River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 131 m (430 ft) |
| Max. width | 92 m (302 ft) |
| Surface elevation | 2,640 m (8,660 ft) |
Lower Smoky Dome Lake is a beautiful alpine lake located in Camas County, Idaho, United States. It sits high up in the Soldier Mountains, which are part of the huge Sawtooth National Forest. This lake is quite special because it's a "glacial lake," meaning it was formed by ancient glaciers.
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Discovering Lower Smoky Dome Lake
Lower Smoky Dome Lake is a hidden gem in the Idaho wilderness. It's known for being very remote. There are no easy trails that lead directly to its shores. This makes it a challenging but rewarding place for adventurers to visit.
Where is This Lake Located?
The lake is nestled in the Soldier Mountains. These mountains are found in central Idaho. They are part of the larger Sawtooth National Forest. This forest is famous for its rugged beauty and many outdoor activities.
Lower Smoky Dome Lake is specifically in the Smoky Dome Lakes basin. This basin is a bowl-shaped area of land. It is northeast of a peak called Smoky Dome. Smoky Dome is actually the highest point in the entire Soldier Mountains range.
How Was Lower Smoky Dome Lake Formed?
This lake is a glacial lake. This means it was created by the powerful movement of glaciers. Thousands of years ago, huge sheets of ice, called glaciers, moved across the land. As they moved, they carved out valleys and depressions in the rock.
When these glaciers melted, the water filled these carved-out areas. This is how lakes like Lower Smoky Dome Lake were formed. They are often found in high mountain areas.
Visiting the Lake
Because there are no official trails, reaching Lower Smoky Dome Lake requires a real adventure. It's a place for experienced hikers and backpackers. They must be ready to navigate through wild terrain. The remote location helps keep the lake's natural beauty preserved.
Quick Facts About the Lake
- Location: Camas County, Idaho, United States
- Type: Glacial lake
- Mountain Range: Soldier Mountains
- Forest: Sawtooth National Forest
- Elevation: About 2,640 meters (or 8,661 feet) above sea level
- Length: Around 131 meters (or 430 feet)
- Width: About 92 meters (or 302 feet)
- Outflow: Water flows from the lake into Boardman Creek. This creek then flows into the South Fork Boise River.
