McGown Lakes facts for kids
The McGown Lakes are a group of seven small, beautiful lakes found high up in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho, in a place called the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. These lakes are special because they are alpine glacial lakes, which means they were formed by ancient glaciers way up in the mountains. They are part of the Stanley Lake Creek area and you can reach them by following Sawtooth National Forest trail 640.
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Exploring the McGown Lakes
The McGown Lakes are a hidden gem in the Sawtooth Wilderness. This is a protected area where nature is kept wild and untouched. To visit, you'll need a special permit, which you can easily get at the start of hiking trails or at the wilderness boundaries. Even though Sawtooth Lake is nearby, it's in a different water system than the McGown Lakes.
What are Glacial Lakes?
Glacial lakes are lakes that were created by huge, slow-moving rivers of ice called glaciers. Thousands of years ago, these glaciers carved out deep hollows in the mountains. When the glaciers melted, these hollows filled with water, forming the lakes we see today. The water in these lakes is often very clear and cold because it comes from melted snow and ice.
Finding the Lakes
Getting to the McGown Lakes is an adventure! You'll hike along Sawtooth National Forest trail 640. This trail leads you through amazing mountain scenery. Remember, since these lakes are in a wilderness area, it's important to stay on the trails and leave no trace behind. This helps keep the area beautiful for everyone.
The Seven Lakes Up Close
There are seven distinct lakes in the McGown Lakes group, each with its own unique features. They are all located at high elevations in the mountains. Here's a quick look at them:
| Lake | Height Above Sea Level | Longest Part | Widest Part | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McGown Lake 1 | 2,592 m (8,504 ft) | 190 m (620 ft) | 110 m (360 ft) | 44°10′40″N 115°04′33″W / 44.177706°N 115.075922°W |
| McGown Lake 2 | 2,585 m (8,481 ft) | 064 m (210 ft) | 032 m (105 ft) | 44°10′45″N 115°04′43″W / 44.179053°N 115.078658°W |
| McGown Lake 3 | 2,584 m (8,478 ft) | 048 m (157 ft) | 032 m (105 ft) | 44°10′46″N 115°04′41″W / 44.179381°N 115.078069°W |
| McGown Lake 4 | 2,524 m (8,281 ft) | 064 m (210 ft) | 032 m (105 ft) | 44°10′47″N 115°05′20″W / 44.179778°N 115.088786°W |
| McGown Lake 5 | 2,520 m (8,270 ft) | 080 m (260 ft) | 031 m (102 ft) | 44°11′04″N 115°04′11″W / 44.184508°N 115.069658°W |
| McGown Lake 6 | 2,510 m (8,230 ft) | 145 m (476 ft) | 065 m (213 ft) | 44°11′02″N 115°04′42″W / 44.183903°N 115.078311°W |
| McGown Lake 7 | 2,435 m (7,989 ft) | 210 m (690 ft) | 110 m (360 ft) | 44°11′07″N 115°05′00″W / 44.185258°N 115.083264°W |
Protecting the Wilderness
The McGown Lakes are part of the Sawtooth Wilderness, which means it's a special place that is protected from development. When you visit, you become a guardian of this natural beauty. Always remember to get a wilderness permit. These permits help manage the number of visitors and keep the wilderness healthy. By following the rules, you help protect the plants, animals, and the quiet beauty of these amazing lakes for everyone to enjoy.
