Merriam Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Merriam Lake |
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Location | Challis National Forest, Custer County, Idaho, US |
Coordinates | 44°06′55″N 113°45′18″W / 44.1154°N 113.7549°W |
Basin countries | United States |
Merriam Lake is a beautiful lake found high up in the mountains of Idaho. It's surrounded by tall peaks that reach over 3,658 meters (12,000 feet) into the sky! This special lake is a great place to learn about nature and the animals that live in cold, high places.
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About Merriam Lake
Merriam Lake is a beautiful lake located in the Lost River Range in Idaho. This area is known for its tall mountains. The lake is a peaceful spot, perfect for enjoying nature.
Where is it?
Merriam Lake is found within the Challis National Forest. This forest is in Custer County, Idaho. It is a wild and natural area. The lake is quite high up in the mountains.
Animals and Nature
The area around Merriam Lake is home to many interesting animals. The high mountains and cold climate create a special habitat. This type of environment is called Arctic–alpine. It means it's like the cold, treeless areas found near the North Pole or on very high mountains.
Fish in the Lake
In 2007, state authorities added tiger muskies to Merriam Lake. These are a type of fish. They were put there to help manage the fish population. This helps keep the lake healthy for all the fish.
Mountain Animals
You might see some amazing mammals near Merriam Lake. Bighorn sheep and Mountain goat live in this part of central Idaho. These animals are very good at climbing steep, rocky terrain. They are well-suited to life in the mountains.
Who was Dr. C. Hart Merriam?
The lake is named after Dr. C. Hart Merriam. He was a famous scientist who studied nature. In 1890, he explored this region of Idaho. He made a "biological survey." This means he carefully studied and recorded the plants and animals he found. He was the one who described the area as having an Arctic–alpine environment.