The Hole (lake) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Hole |
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 The Hole
Location in Idaho
The Hole
Location in the United States
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| Location | Elmore County, Idaho |
| Coordinates | 43°56′49″N 115°07′45″W / 43.946958°N 115.129083°W |
| Type | Glacial |
| Primary inflows | Johnson Creek |
| Primary outflows | Johnson Creek to Middle Fork Boise River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 0.12 mi (0.19 km) |
| Max. width | 0.08 mi (0.13 km) |
| Surface elevation | 8,400 ft (2,600 m) |
The Hole Lake is a small, beautiful lake found high up in the mountains. It is located in Elmore County, Idaho, in the United States. This special lake is part of the amazing Sawtooth Mountains. It is also inside the large Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
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Discovering The Hole Lake
The Hole Lake is a small but important part of Idaho's natural beauty. It is known as an alpine lake because it sits very high up. The lake is about 8,400 feet (2,560 meters) above sea level. This makes it a cool and refreshing spot, even in summer.
Where is The Hole Lake?
The lake is hidden deep within the Sawtooth Mountains. These mountains are famous for their jagged peaks. They look like the teeth of a saw! The Hole Lake is found in a protected area. This area is called the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. It is a place where nature is kept wild.
To reach The Hole Lake, you need to hike. The main way to get there is by following Sawtooth National Forest trail 459. This trail runs along a stream called Johnson Creek. It is a great adventure for hikers.
What is a Glacial Lake?
The Hole Lake is a type of lake called a glacial lake. This means it was formed a very long time ago. Giant sheets of ice, called glaciers, moved across the land. As they moved, they carved out valleys and hollows. When the glaciers melted, these hollows filled with water. That is how lakes like The Hole Lake were created!
Protecting The Sawtooth Wilderness
The Hole Lake is located inside the Sawtooth Wilderness. A wilderness area is a special place. It is kept as natural as possible. There are no roads or buildings allowed. This helps protect the plants and animals that live there.
If you want to visit The Hole Lake, you need a wilderness permit. You can get this permit at special boxes. These boxes are usually found at the start of hiking trails. The permit helps park rangers know who is in the wilderness. It also helps them keep the area safe and clean.
Nearby Natural Features
The Hole Lake is connected to other water bodies. Water flows into it from Johnson Creek. This same creek also flows out of the lake. Johnson Creek then continues its journey. It eventually joins the Middle Fork of the Boise River. Just downstream from The Hole Lake is another lake called Johnson Lake.
