Regan Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Regan Lake |
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Location | Boise County, Idaho |
Coordinates | 44°09′57″N 115°04′37″W / 44.165825°N 115.076869°W |
Type | Glacial |
Primary inflows | Trail Creek |
Primary outflows | Trail Creek to South Fork Payette River |
Basin countries | United States |
Max. length | 0.08 mi (0.13 km) |
Max. width | 0.08 mi (0.13 km) |
Surface elevation | 8,475 ft (2,583 m) |
Regan Lake is a beautiful, small lake found high up in the mountains of Boise County, Idaho, in the United States. It's located within the amazing Sawtooth Mountains, which are part of the larger Sawtooth National Recreation Area. This area is known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Regan Lake is a type of lake called an alpine lake. This means it's located at a very high elevation, often in mountain valleys carved by ancient glaciers. The lake gets its water from Trail Creek, which also flows out of the lake and eventually joins the South Fork Payette River.
Exploring Regan Lake
Regan Lake is a great spot for adventurers who love the outdoors. It's tucked away in a special protected area called the Sawtooth Wilderness. Because it's a wilderness area, you need to get a special permit to visit. You can usually find these permits at registration boxes near the start of hiking trails or at the wilderness boundaries. These permits help keep the wilderness clean and safe for everyone.
How to Reach the Lake
Getting to Regan Lake is an adventure in itself! The easiest way to reach it is by following Sawtooth National Forest trail 453. This trail takes you through beautiful forests and offers amazing views of the surrounding mountains. Remember to always be prepared when hiking in the wilderness, bringing enough water, snacks, and proper gear.
Nearby Natural Wonders
Regan Lake isn't alone in this wild landscape. Upstream from Regan Lake, you'll find the Trailer Lakes, which are another group of small, pretty lakes. To the east of Regan Lake stands the impressive Mount Regan. This mountain reaches a height of about 10,190 ft (3,110 m), making it a towering landmark in the area. Imagine the views from the top!
What is a Glacial Lake?
Regan Lake is a glacial lake. This means it was formed a very long time ago by huge sheets of ice called glaciers. As glaciers slowly moved across the land, they carved out deep hollows and valleys in the mountains. When these glaciers melted, the hollows filled with water, creating lakes like Regan Lake. This process left behind unique landscapes with clear, cold waters and rocky surroundings.