Tin Cup Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tin Cup Lake |
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 Tin Cup Lake
Location in Idaho
Tin Cup Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Custer County, Idaho |
| Coordinates | 44°07′22″N 114°36′35″W / 44.122704°N 114.609613°W |
| Type | Glacial |
| Primary outflows | Gunsight Creek to Big Boulder Creek to East Fork Salmon River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 305 m (1,001 ft) |
| Max. width | 235 m (771 ft) |
| Surface elevation | 3,050 m (10,010 ft) |
Tin Cup Lake is a beautiful alpine lake found high up in the mountains. It is located in Custer County, Idaho, in the United States. This lake is part of the amazing White Cloud Mountains and sits within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
Discovering Tin Cup Lake
Tin Cup Lake is a special place because it is not easy to reach. There are no direct trails leading right to the lake. However, adventurous hikers can get there by using Sawtooth National Forest trail 680. This makes visiting the lake a real adventure!
Where is Tin Cup Lake?
This stunning lake is surrounded by other cool natural features. It lies just southeast of a famous rock formation called the Chinese Wall. To the northeast, you'll find Calkins Peak, a tall mountain. Tin Cup Lake also shares its mountain basin with other lakes. These include Dike Lake, Quartzite Lake, and Gunsight Lake.
What is an Alpine Lake?
An alpine lake is a lake that is located at a high altitude, usually in the mountains. These lakes are often formed by glaciers. Glaciers are huge, slow-moving rivers of ice. As they move, they carve out valleys and depressions in the land. When the glaciers melt, these depressions fill with water, creating alpine lakes. Tin Cup Lake is one such lake, formed by ancient glaciers.
Exploring the Area
The area around Tin Cup Lake is part of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. This is a large protected region known for its amazing natural beauty. It has tall mountains, clear lakes, and thick forests. It's a great place for hiking, camping, and enjoying nature. The White Cloud Mountains, where Tin Cup Lake is found, are a rugged and beautiful part of this area.
