Silver Lake (Blaine County, Idaho) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Silver Lake |
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 Silver Lake
Location in Idaho
Silver Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Blaine County, Idaho |
| Coordinates | 43°50′19″N 114°32′56″W / 43.838712°N 114.54892°W |
| Type | Glacial |
| Primary outflows | Silver Creek to Big Wood River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 535 ft (163 m) |
| Max. width | 330 ft (100 m) |
| Surface elevation | 9,680 ft (2,950 m) |
Silver Lake is a beautiful mountain lake found in Blaine County, Idaho, United States. It is located high up in the Boulder Mountains. This area is part of the amazing Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
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Discovering Silver Lake
Silver Lake is a special place because it's an alpine lake. This means it's located very high up in the mountains. The lake sits at an elevation of about 9,680 feet (2,950 meters) above sea level. Imagine how cool and clear the air must be up there!
Where is Silver Lake Located?
This lake is in the central part of Idaho, within Blaine County. It's surrounded by tall peaks in the Boulder Mountains. To the southwest of the lake, you'll find Silver Peak. To the southeast, there's another high point called Peak 11,240.
How to Reach Silver Lake
Getting to Silver Lake is a bit of an adventure! There are no official hiking trails that lead directly to the lake. However, the easiest way to get close is by following forest road 174. From the end of this road, you can then make your way to the lake. It's a great spot for those who love exploring off the beaten path.
How Silver Lake Was Formed
Silver Lake is a glacial lake. This means it was formed a very long time ago by glaciers. Glaciers are like giant, slow-moving rivers of ice. As they moved down the mountains, they carved out the land, creating hollows and valleys. When the glaciers melted, these hollows filled with water, forming lakes like Silver Lake.
Size and Features of the Lake
Silver Lake isn't huge, but it's a perfect size for a mountain lake. It is about 535 feet (163 meters) long and 330 feet (100 meters) wide. Water flows out of Silver Lake into a stream called Silver Creek. This creek then flows into the Big Wood River, which is an important river in Idaho.
