Marshall Lake (Idaho) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Marshall Lake |
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Marshall Lake
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 Marshall Lake
Location in Idaho
Marshall Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Custer County, Idaho |
| Coordinates | 44°09′30″N 114°59′11″W / 44.158286°N 114.98635°W |
| Type | Glacial |
| Primary inflows | Meadow Creek |
| Primary outflows | Meadow Creek to Salmon River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 0.11 mi (0.18 km) |
| Max. width | 0.09 mi (0.14 km) |
| Surface elevation | 7,720 ft (2,350 m) |
Marshall Lake is a beautiful, small lake found high up in the Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho, United States. It's located in Custer County. This special lake is part of the amazing Sawtooth National Recreation Area, which is a huge protected natural space.
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Discover Marshall Lake
Marshall Lake is known as an alpine lake. This means it's located very high up in the mountains. It's also a glacial lake, which means it was formed thousands of years ago by giant sheets of ice called glaciers. As these glaciers moved, they carved out the land, leaving behind basins that filled with water when the ice melted.
The lake is quite small, about 0.11 miles (0.18 km) long and 0.09 miles (0.14 km) wide. It sits at a high elevation of about 7,720 feet (2,353 meters) above sea level. Meadow Creek flows into Marshall Lake and then flows out again, eventually joining the larger Salmon River.
Where is Marshall Lake?
Marshall Lake is nestled within the Sawtooth Mountains. These mountains are famous for their jagged, saw-like peaks, which is how they got their name! The lake is part of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, a large area set aside for people to enjoy nature. It's also inside the Sawtooth Wilderness, which is an even more protected part of the recreation area.
To get to Marshall Lake, you can follow Sawtooth National Forest trail 528, also known as the Alpine Way trail. The easiest ways to start your journey to the lake are from the trailheads near Redfish Lake or the Stanley Ranger Station.
Exploring the Area
Because Marshall Lake is in the Sawtooth Wilderness, it's a very wild and untouched place. To help protect the environment and wildlife, visitors need a special wilderness permit. You can usually get one for free at registration boxes located at the start of trails or at the wilderness boundaries. This permit helps park rangers keep track of how many people are visiting and ensures everyone follows the rules to keep the wilderness healthy.
The lake is surrounded by stunning mountain peaks. Just to the east of Marshall Lake, you can see Williams Peak and Merritt Peaks. These tall mountains add to the breathtaking scenery around the lake.
What to Do at Marshall Lake
Marshall Lake is a great spot for outdoor adventures. Many people visit for:
- Hiking: The trails leading to the lake offer beautiful views and a good challenge.
- Fishing: The lake is home to various types of fish, making it a popular spot for anglers.
- Camping: Backpackers often camp near the lake, enjoying the quiet wilderness.
- Photography: The clear water, surrounding peaks, and diverse plant life make for amazing photos.
Remember to always practice Leave No Trace principles when visiting the wilderness. This means packing out everything you pack in, staying on trails, and respecting wildlife.
