Upper Kintla Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Upper Kintla Lake |
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 Upper Kintla Lake
Location in Montana
Upper Kintla Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Glacier National Park, Flathead County, Montana, US |
| Coordinates | 48°58′26″N 114°10′34″W / 48.97389°N 114.17611°W |
| Type | Natural |
| Primary inflows | Kintla Creek |
| Primary outflows | Kintla Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 2.75 mi (4.43 km) |
| Max. width | .45 mi (0.72 km) |
| Surface elevation | 4,371 ft (1,332 m) |
Upper Kintla Lake is a beautiful lake found in the northern part of Glacier National Park. This park is located in the amazing U.S. state of Montana. The lake is about 2 miles (3.2 km) (3.2 km) east of its larger neighbor, Kintla Lake.
The mountains around Upper Kintla Lake are very tall and impressive. They rise steeply from the lake's edges. For example, Kinnerly Peak stands 5,575 feet (1,699 m) (1,700 m) high above the south side of the lake. On the northwest side, Long Knife Peak reaches over 5,400 feet (1,600 m) (1,646 m) into the sky.
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Exploring Upper Kintla Lake
Upper Kintla Lake is a natural lake, meaning it was formed by nature, not by people. It gets its water from Kintla Creek, which also flows out of the lake. The lake sits at an elevation of 4,371 feet (1,332 m) (1,332 m) above sea level. It is about 2.75 miles (4.43 km) (4.4 km) long and .45 miles (0.72 km) (0.7 km) wide.
Location and Access
Upper Kintla Lake is in a remote area of Glacier National Park. This means it is not easy to reach by car. Visitors usually need to hike to get there. The park is known for its wild and untouched beauty.
Getting to the Lake
To reach Upper Kintla Lake, you often start near Kintla Lake. From there, a hiking trail leads deeper into the wilderness. This trail offers amazing views of the mountains and forests. It is a great way to experience the park's quiet side.
Wildlife Around the Lake
The area around Upper Kintla Lake is home to many different animals. These animals live in the forests and mountains surrounding the water. It is a great place to see wildlife in their natural habitat.
Animals You Might See
- Mammals: You might spot large animals like grizzly bears, black bears, and moose. Smaller animals like deer, elk, and various types of squirrels also live here.
- Birds: Many different bird species fly around the lake. You could see bald eagles, ospreys, and various songbirds.
- Fish: The lake is home to several types of fish. These include cutthroat trout and rainbow trout. Fishing is allowed in some areas, but rules must be followed.
Plants and Trees
The forests around Upper Kintla Lake are filled with many kinds of trees and plants. These plants are adapted to the mountain climate. They create a beautiful green landscape.
Common Plants
- Trees: You will find tall conifer trees like lodgepole pine and Douglas fir. These trees provide shelter for animals.
- Wildflowers: In the spring and summer, many colorful wildflowers bloom. These add bright splashes of color to the green forests.
Protecting the Environment
Glacier National Park works hard to protect places like Upper Kintla Lake. This helps keep the natural environment healthy for animals and plants. It also ensures that future generations can enjoy its beauty.
Leave No Trace
Visitors are encouraged to follow "Leave No Trace" principles. This means:
- Take all your trash with you.
- Stay on marked trails.
- Do not disturb wildlife.
- Do not pick plants or flowers.
Why Protection Matters
Protecting the lake and its surroundings helps keep the water clean. It also ensures that animals have a safe place to live. By being careful, everyone can help preserve this special part of nature.
