Ocalkens Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ocalkens Lake |
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 Ocalkens Lake
Location in Idaho
Ocalkens Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Custer County, Idaho |
| Coordinates | 44°07′29″N 114°38′26″W / 44.124600°N 114.640483°W |
| Type | Glacial |
| Primary outflows | Slate Creek to Salmon River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 400 m (1,300 ft) |
| Max. width | 280 m (920 ft) |
| Surface elevation | 2,759 m (9,052 ft) |
Ocalkens Lake is a beautiful mountain lake in Idaho, United States. It is found in a part of Idaho called Custer County. This special lake is high up in the White Cloud Mountains. It's also part of the amazing Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
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Discovering Ocalkens Lake
Ocalkens Lake is known as an alpine lake. This means it is located very high up in the mountains. The lake sits at an elevation of about 2,759 meters (9,052 feet) above sea level. It is about 400 meters (1,312 feet) long and 280 meters (919 feet) wide.
Where is Ocalkens Lake?
This lake is nestled among several important landmarks. It is just east of a mountain called Calkins Peak. To its southwest, you can find the impressive Chinese Wall. North of the lake is another peak, D. O. Lee Peak.
How was Ocalkens Lake formed?
Ocalkens Lake is a glacial lake. This means it was formed by huge sheets of ice called glaciers. Thousands of years ago, these glaciers moved slowly across the land. They carved out the hollows and valleys that later filled with water. This is how many mountain lakes, like Ocalkens Lake, were created.
Visiting the Lake
If you want to visit Ocalkens Lake, you can hike there. The lake is accessed from Sawtooth National Forest trail 674. This trail is part of the larger Sawtooth National Forest. It's a great place for outdoor adventures and seeing nature. The lake's water eventually flows into Slate Creek. This creek then joins the larger Salmon River.
