Upper Redfish Lakes facts for kids
The Upper Redfish Lakes are a group of small, beautiful lakes found high up in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho, United States. These lakes are special because they are "alpine," meaning they are located in the mountains, and "glacial," meaning they were formed by huge sheets of ice (glaciers) long ago. You can find them in Custer County, within the amazing Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
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Discovering the Upper Redfish Lakes
The Upper Redfish Lakes are like a string of pearls nestled in the Sawtooth Mountains. They are known for their clear, cold water and stunning mountain views. These lakes were carved out by glaciers thousands of years ago, leaving behind deep basins that filled with water as the ice melted.
How Water Flows from the Lakes
Water from the Upper Redfish Lakes flows out through a small, unnamed creek. This creek then joins a larger stream called Redfish Lake Creek. Eventually, all this water makes its way into the mighty Salmon River, which is a very important river in Idaho.
Visiting These Special Lakes
Getting to the Upper Redfish Lakes is a bit of an adventure! There aren't any marked trails that go directly to them. However, hikers can usually reach them by following Sawtooth National Forest trail 154, which runs along Redfish Lake Creek. It's a journey for those who love exploring the wilderness.
The lakes are located inside the Sawtooth Wilderness. This means it's a protected area where nature is kept wild and untouched. If you plan to visit, you'll need a special "wilderness permit." You can usually get one for free at registration boxes found at the start of trails or at the wilderness boundaries. Just south of these lakes, you'll find another beautiful spot called Lake Kathryn.
Facts About the Upper Redfish Lakes
Here's a table with some interesting facts about each of the Upper Redfish Lakes:
| Lake | Elevation | Max. length | Max. width | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Redfish Lake 1 | 2,644 m (8,675 ft) | 419 m (1,375 ft) | 145 m (476 ft) | 44°02′46″N 115°02′08″W / 44.046122°N 115.035547°W |
| Upper Redfish Lake 2 | 2,646 m (8,681 ft) | 530 m (1,740 ft) | 178 m (584 ft) | 44°02′57″N 115°02′01″W / 44.049172°N 115.033656°W |
| Upper Redfish Lake 3 | 2,670 m (8,760 ft) | 097 m (318 ft) | 063 m (207 ft) | 44°03′10″N 115°01′55″W / 44.052647°N 115.031814°W |
| Upper Redfish Lake 4 | 2,708 m (8,885 ft) | 065 m (213 ft) | 047 m (154 ft) | 44°03′14″N 115°02′10″W / 44.053861°N 115.036028°W |
| Upper Redfish Lake 5 | 2,752 m (9,029 ft) | 051 m (167 ft) | 032 m (105 ft) | 44°03′18″N 115°02′25″W / 44.055047°N 115.040336°W |
