Saddleback Lakes facts for kids
The Saddleback Lakes are a group of small, beautiful lakes found high up in the mountains. They are located in Custer County, Idaho, United States. These lakes are nestled within the Sawtooth Mountains, which are part of the amazing Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
These lakes are called alpine because they are found at very high elevations, where it's often cold and rocky. They are also glacial lakes, meaning they were formed by ancient glaciers that carved out the land long ago. Water from the Saddleback Lakes flows into a small stream that eventually reaches Redfish Lake Creek, and then the larger Salmon River.
It's a bit of an adventure to reach these lakes because there are no official trails leading directly to them. However, you can get close by using Sawtooth National Forest trail 154.
Exploring the Sawtooth Wilderness
The Saddleback Lakes are located inside the Sawtooth Wilderness. This is a special area where nature is protected, and human activity is limited to keep it wild. If you want to visit, you'll need a wilderness permit. You can usually get one at a registration box found at the start of trails or at the wilderness boundaries.
North of the lakes, you'll see a tall mountain known as Elephants Perch. It's a famous landmark in the area.
Discover the Saddleback Lakes
There are several lakes in the Saddleback chain, each with its own unique features. Here's a look at some of them:
| Lake | Elevation | Max. length | Max. width | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saddleback Lake 1 | 2,545 m (8,350 ft) | 435 m (1,427 ft) | 256 m (840 ft) | 44°03′50″N 114°58′19″W / 44.063853°N 114.971986°W |
| Saddleback Lake 2 | 2,612 m (8,570 ft) | 050 m (160 ft) | 030 m (98 ft) | 44°03′46″N 114°58′36″W / 44.062867°N 114.976753°W |
| Saddleback Lake 3 | 2,558 m (8,392 ft) | 322 m (1,056 ft) | 130 m (430 ft) | 44°03′46″N 114°58′36″W / 44.062867°N 114.976753°W |
| Saddleback Lake 4 | 2,718 m (8,917 ft) | 128 m (420 ft) | 047 m (154 ft) | 44°03′26″N 114°57′42″W / 44.057347°N 114.9616°W |
| Saddleback Lake 5 | 2,717 m (8,914 ft) | 195 m (640 ft) | 129 m (423 ft) | 44°03′27″N 114°57′36″W / 44.057389°N 114.959925°W |
