Rock Island Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rock Island Lake |
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 Rock Island Lake
Location in Idaho
Rock Island Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Elmore County, Idaho |
| Coordinates | 43°57′27″N 115°07′51″W / 43.957539°N 115.130922°W |
| Type | Glacial |
| Primary outflows | Johnson Creek to Middle Fork Boise River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 0.19 mi (0.31 km) |
| Max. width | 0.17 mi (0.27 km) |
| Surface elevation | 8,555 ft (2,608 m) |
| Islands | 1 |
Rock Island Lake is a cool, small lake found high up in the mountains of Elmore County, Idaho. It's located in the amazing Sawtooth Mountains, which are part of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. This lake is a great spot for nature lovers!
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What is Rock Island Lake?
Rock Island Lake is an alpine lake. This means it's a lake located very high up in the mountains. It was formed by glaciers long, long ago. Glaciers are like giant, slow-moving rivers of ice. As they moved, they carved out the land, leaving behind valleys and basins that filled with water when the ice melted.
Where is it Located?
You can find Rock Island Lake in the central part of Idaho. It's tucked away in the beautiful Sawtooth National Forest. To get to the lake, you usually hike along a path called trail 459. This trail follows a stream called Johnson Creek.
The Island and Its Name
The lake gets its name from a special feature: a single, rocky island right in the middle of its waters. This island is not very big, measuring less than 200 ft (61 m) in length. It's a unique landmark that makes the lake stand out.
Visiting the Sawtooth Wilderness
Rock Island Lake is located inside the Sawtooth Wilderness. A wilderness area is a special place where nature is protected, and human activity is kept to a minimum. This helps keep the environment wild and beautiful. If you want to visit, you need a wilderness permit. You can usually get one for free at a registration box located at the start of hiking trails or at the edges of the wilderness area. This helps keep track of visitors and protect the natural environment.
