Upper Deer Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Upper Deer Lake |
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 Upper Deer Lake
Location in Idaho
Upper Deer Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Custer County, Idaho |
| Coordinates | 43°56′20″N 114°37′45″W / 43.938783°N 114.62919°W |
| Primary inflows | Deer Creek |
| Primary outflows | Deer Creek to Germania Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 1,090 ft (330 m) |
| Max. width | 530 ft (160 m) |
| Surface elevation | 9,615 ft (2,931 m) |
Upper Deer 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 Boulder Mountains and is inside the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. It sits just south and a bit higher than another lake called Lower Deer Lake.
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What is an Alpine Lake?
An alpine lake is a lake that is found in the mountains, usually at a very high elevation. These lakes are often formed by glaciers, which are like giant, slow-moving rivers of ice. As glaciers move, they carve out hollows in the ground. When the glaciers melt, these hollows fill with water, creating alpine lakes.
How High Up is Upper Deer Lake?
Upper Deer Lake is located at an elevation of about 9,615 feet (2,930 meters) above sea level. That's really high up! Because it's so high, the water in the lake is usually very cold, even in summer.
Where is Upper Deer Lake Located?
Upper Deer Lake is in a part of Idaho called Custer County. This area is known for its stunning natural beauty, with lots of mountains, forests, and clear streams.
The Boulder Mountains
The lake is nestled within the Boulder Mountains. These mountains are part of a larger mountain range in Idaho. They are known for their rugged peaks and beautiful scenery.
Sawtooth National Recreation Area
Upper Deer Lake is also part of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. This is a special protected area that covers a huge amount of land. It was created to keep the natural beauty of the area safe for everyone to enjoy. It's a popular place for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and fishing.
How to Visit Upper Deer Lake
Getting to Upper Deer Lake can be a bit of an adventure! There are no official trails that lead directly to the lake. However, people who want to visit can usually get there by following parts of trails 111 or 215. These trails might get you close, and then you would need to find your own way to the lake. This makes visiting Upper Deer Lake a special trip for experienced hikers.
Nature Around the Lake
Even though the lake is high up, it is surrounded by nature. You might see different kinds of plants and trees that can grow in the mountain environment. If you are quiet and lucky, you might even spot some wildlife that lives in the Boulder Mountains, like deer or various birds.
