Swimm Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Swimm Lake |
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 Swimm Lake
Location in Idaho
Swimm Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Custer County, Idaho |
| Coordinates | 44°08′56″N 114°40′04″W / 44.148778°N 114.667739°W |
| Type | Glacial |
| Primary outflows | Swimm Creek to Warm Springs Creek to Salmon River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 460 m (1,510 ft) |
| Max. width | 240 m (790 ft) |
| Surface elevation | 2,702 m (8,865 ft) |
Swimm Lake is a beautiful lake located high up in the mountains of Idaho, a state in the United States. It's known as an alpine lake because it sits at a very high elevation. This special lake is found in Custer County and is part of the amazing White Cloud Mountains range. It's also inside the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, which is a protected natural space.
Swimm Lake is a bit of a hidden gem because there are no official trails that lead directly to it. This means reaching the lake can be a real adventure for experienced hikers!
About Swimm Lake
Swimm Lake is a type of lake called a glacial lake. This means it was formed a very long time ago by huge sheets of ice called glaciers. As these glaciers moved, they carved out the land, creating deep hollows. When the glaciers melted, these hollows filled with water, forming lakes like Swimm Lake.
Where is Swimm Lake?
Swimm Lake is located in the central part of Idaho. It's nestled within the White Cloud Mountains, which are famous for their tall, rugged peaks and beautiful scenery. The lake is northeast of a mountain called Watson Peak. Another lake, Bear Lake, is also nearby, but it's in a different natural area.
Water Flow
Water flows out of Swimm Lake into a stream called Swimm Creek. This creek then joins a larger stream known as Warm Springs Creek. Eventually, the water from Warm Springs Creek flows into the mighty Salmon River. The Salmon River is one of the longest rivers in Idaho and is famous for its clear water and wild nature.
Size and Elevation
Swimm Lake is about 460 meters (or about 1,509 feet) long and 240 meters (or about 787 feet) wide. It sits at a very high elevation of 2,702 meters (or about 8,865 feet) above sea level. Imagine being that high up in the mountains! The air is usually very clear and the views are incredible.
Exploring the Area
The area around Swimm Lake is part of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. This large area is managed to protect its natural beauty and provide opportunities for outdoor activities. While there are no trails directly to Swimm Lake, the surrounding White Cloud Mountains offer many chances for hiking, camping, and enjoying nature. Because it's so remote, the lake and its surroundings are very peaceful and untouched.
