North Fork Lake (Blaine County, Idaho) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids North Fork Lake |
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 North Fork Lake
Location in Idaho
North Fork Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Custer County, Idaho |
| Coordinates | 43°54′46″N 114°23′51″W / 43.912663°N 114.397509°W |
| Type | Glacial |
| Primary outflows | Baker Creek to Big Wood River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 1,230 ft (370 m) |
| Max. width | 385 ft (117 m) |
| Surface elevation | 9,345 ft (2,848 m) |
North Fork Lake is a beautiful mountain lake found in Custer County, Idaho, United States. It is located high up in the Boulder Mountains, which are part of the large Salmon-Challis National Forest. This lake is known as an alpine lake because it sits at a very high elevation, surrounded by tall peaks. It is also a glacial lake, meaning it was formed many years ago by melting glaciers.
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Discovering North Fork Lake
North Fork Lake is a special place hidden away in the mountains. It is an alpine lake, which means it is found at a very high altitude. The lake sits at an elevation of about 9,345 feet (2,848 meters) above sea level. Imagine how high that is! It's like being on top of a very tall mountain.
How Glaciers Formed the Lake
North Fork Lake is also a glacial lake. This means it was created by the movement of huge sheets of ice called glaciers. Thousands of years ago, glaciers slowly carved out valleys and hollows in the mountains. As the climate warmed, these glaciers melted. The meltwater then filled the hollows, forming lakes like North Fork Lake.
Where is North Fork Lake Located?
This amazing lake is nestled in the Boulder Mountains. These mountains are part of the larger Salmon-Challis National Forest. The forest is a huge area of protected land in Idaho. It is home to many different plants and animals. North Fork Lake is found just northeast of Ryan Peak. Ryan Peak is the highest point in the Boulder Mountains.
Getting to the Lake
There are no official trails that lead directly to North Fork Lake. However, it is easiest to reach the lake from a trail that starts at the end of forest road 128. This means you might need to hike off the main path to find this hidden gem. It's a great adventure for those who love exploring the wilderness!
