Triangle Lake (Idaho) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Triangle Lake |
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 Triangle Lake
Location in Idaho
Triangle Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Elmore County, Idaho |
| Coordinates | 43°55′37″N 115°09′01″W / 43.926964°N 115.150203°W |
| Type | Glacial |
| Primary outflows | Little Queens River to Middle Fork Boise River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 0.23 mi (0.37 km) |
| Max. width | 0.17 mi (0.27 km) |
| Surface elevation | 8,275 ft (2,522 m) |
Triangle Lake is a beautiful, small lake high up in the mountains of Idaho, in the United States. It's known as an alpine lake because it's found in the Sawtooth Mountains, which are very tall and rugged. This special lake is part of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, a huge natural playground managed by the government.
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Discover Triangle Lake
Triangle Lake is a hidden gem, perfect for exploring nature. It's a peaceful spot where you can enjoy the quiet beauty of the mountains. The lake gets its name from its shape, which looks a bit like a triangle from above.
Where is Triangle Lake?
Triangle Lake is located in Elmore County, Idaho. It sits within the famous Sawtooth Mountains, a stunning range with jagged peaks that look like saw teeth. This area is part of the larger Sawtooth National Recreation Area, which covers over 750,000 acres. It's a place where people can enjoy hiking, camping, and seeing wildlife.
How Was Triangle Lake Formed?
Triangle Lake is a glacial lake. This means it was formed thousands of years ago by huge sheets of ice called glaciers. As glaciers moved slowly across the land, they carved out deep hollows in the rock. When the glaciers melted, these hollows filled with water, creating lakes like Triangle Lake. This process left behind the beautiful, clear waters you see today.
Visiting Triangle Lake
If you love hiking and exploring, Triangle Lake is a great destination. It's located deep inside the Sawtooth Wilderness, a protected area where nature is kept as wild as possible.
Getting There
To reach Triangle Lake, you'll need to hike. The lake is accessed by Sawtooth National Forest trail 454. This trail follows the Little Queens River, offering scenic views along the way. It's a good idea to plan your trip and be prepared for a hike in the mountains.
Wilderness Rules
Because Triangle Lake is in a wilderness area, there are special rules to help protect the environment. You need a wilderness permit to visit. These permits are usually free and can be picked up at a registration box at the start of trails or at the wilderness boundaries. Getting a permit helps park rangers keep track of visitors and ensures everyone knows how to respect the wilderness.
Nearby Lakes and Features
Just a short distance from Triangle Lake, about 0.15 mi (0.24 km) to the west, is another beautiful body of water called Diamond Lake. Even though they are close, Diamond Lake is separated from Triangle Lake by a ridge. This means it's in its own small valley, or "sub-basin," with its own unique features.
