Window Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Window Lake |
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 Window Lake
Location in Idaho
Window Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Blaine County, Idaho |
| Coordinates | 43°51′19″N 114°30′33″W / 43.855139°N 114.509255°W |
| Type | Glacial |
| Primary outflows | West Fork Big Wood River to Big Wood River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 570 ft (170 m) |
| Max. width | 520 ft (160 m) |
| Surface elevation | 10,035 ft (3,059 m) |
Window Lake is a beautiful alpine lake located in Blaine County, Idaho, in the United States. It sits high up in the Boulder Mountains, which are part of the amazing Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
About Window Lake
Window Lake is known as an alpine lake. This means it's a lake found in high mountain areas, usually above the tree line. These lakes are often very clear and cold. Window Lake was formed by glaciers, which are like giant, slow-moving rivers of ice. As glaciers moved, they carved out the land, leaving behind basins that filled with water when the ice melted.
Size and Location
Window Lake is about 570 feet long and 520 feet wide. That's roughly the length of two football fields! It sits at a very high elevation of 10,035 feet (about 3,059 meters) above sea level. This high elevation makes it a truly special place to visit.
The lake is located in the central part of Idaho. It's part of the larger Sawtooth National Recreation Area, which is a protected area known for its stunning mountains, forests, and many lakes.
How to Reach Window Lake
Even though there are no official trails that lead directly to Window Lake, people can still visit it. It's usually easiest to get there by starting from nearby trails like Trail 129 or Trail 184. These trails get you close, and then you might need to hike off-trail for a bit to reach the lake. Because it's a bit harder to get to, Window Lake offers a quiet and peaceful experience for those who make the journey.
Nature Around the Lake
The area around Window Lake is part of a high-altitude mountain environment. You might find hardy plants and trees that can survive in the cold, rocky conditions. Animals like mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and various birds can sometimes be seen in these remote areas. The clear, cold water of the lake might also be home to certain types of fish, like trout, which are common in Idaho's mountain lakes.
